What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Automation Engineer position at VDS Consulting Group?
Senior Automation Engineer
Value Driven Solutions (VDS) is looking for a Senior Automation Engineer to join our interim executive bench, with this engagement deploying on-site at our PE-backed manufacturing client in the [Location] region. The Senior Automation Engineer will design, specify, and integrate automation, controls, and data systems that move the client from manual or semi-automated operations into a connected, instrumented, and intelligent production environment.
The ideal candidate will enjoy bridging OT and IT and have the ability to dig into a controls problem, weigh platform and integration options, and deliver the best possible automation outcome for the client's roadmap. The ideal candidate will apply their command of PLC, SCADA, and robotics integration and communicate effectively with vendors, maintenance teams, and engineering leadership.
Responsibilities:
- Automation strategy – Lead automation strategy and roadmap definition for client sites. Develop standards, libraries, and reusable code blocks for the client's automation portfolio.
- Systems integration – Specify, design, and commission PLC, HMI, SCADA, and motion-control systems. Integrate machine vision, robotics, and material-handling automation into production lines. Architect OT / IT integration including OPC UA, MQTT, MES, and historian connectivity.
- Standards and training – Lead vendor selection, FAT, SAT, and on-site commissioning. Coach client engineering teams and document everything for sustained operation.
Requirements:
- 10 years of industrial automation experience
- Deep expertise with at least two major PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley / Rockwell, Siemens, Beckhoff, Mitsubishi)
- SCADA / HMI development (FactoryTalk, Ignition, WinCC, or equivalent)
- Robotics integration experience (FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, KUKA, or Universal Robots)
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Controls, or Mechatronics Engineering
- MES, historian (PI, Ignition), and analytics platform experience preferred
- Industry 4.0, digital twin, AI/ML in manufacturing exposure; functional safety (TÜV, ISO 13849) certification a plus
About Value Driven Solutions
Value Driven Solutions (VDS) is a management consulting firm dedicated to Operational Excellence for middle-market and private equity-backed manufacturers. Senior executives and PE investors worldwide rely on VDS to enhance enterprise value, expand margins, improve capital efficiency, reduce working capital, optimize supply chains, and prepare companies for sale. Our network of 10,000 Interim Executives and Experts is fully vetted, with an average of 20–30 years of experience — the top 1% of operating talent globally.
Our experts enjoy a work culture that promotes hands-on impact, executive-level autonomy, and meaningful results. VDS engagement benefits include competitive contract rates commensurate with experience and seniority, structured engagement support through a dedicated VDS Engagement Partner, proven methodology and toolkits including the Value-Driven Approach® and Everything OpEx® frameworks, and continued business development between engagements.
Experts can also take advantage of access to our 360° Client Alignment® process, deployment within days of engagement start, exposure to diverse industries (aerospace, food, consumer goods, industrial products, medical device, semiconductor, and battery manufacturing), and a structured Contract-to-Hire path that lets both Expert and client validate fit before conversion. All positions are Contract-to-Hire engagements; VDS facilitates the transition to permanent employment if and when the client and Expert elect to convert.
Value Driven Solutions is an equal-opportunity employer.