Position Title: Automation Engineer

Function/Department:  Engineering

Immediate Supervisor:  Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Supervises Others: No

Petmate's story begins 60 years ago! The idea began with a single focus of keeping pets safe when in transportation. They created the dog kennel specifically for transportation needs. What started as a single idea turned into a multimillion-dollar business with twenty-one brands and countless products. 

The Company is headquartered in Arlington, Texas, in the heart of the Dallas/Ft. Worth ‘Metroplex’. The Corporate Headquarters is located within walking distance of the iconic AT&T Stadium, home of the 5-time Super Bowl Champion Dallas Cowboys, and Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers baseball club. DFW Airport is also nearby. Our Manufacturing facility is in the South Arlington area.

Summary: Our Automation Engineer will identify, research, and analyze new automation opportunities that will enhance and advance the capabilities of the company. You will play a critical role in designing, implementing, and optimizing automation solutions to enhance manufacturing processes and drive operational excellence. Prospective candidates must have a passion for improvement, preventative maintenance, and overall cost reduction of spend to their departments.

Please note: Visa sponsorship will not be available for this role; candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. (now and in the future).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Accountable for development of ‘automation road-map’ establish automation plan for existing machines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess automation needs, identify opportunities for improvement, prioritize which machines to automate, and develop innovative solutions aligned with business objectives.
• Lead the design, development, and implementation of automation systems, including control systems and machine vision technologies, to optimize manufacturing processes and maximize efficiency.
• Conduct feasibility studies, risk assessments, and cost-benefit analyses to evaluate automation projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and delivering measurable ROI.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance in the selection, integration, and commissioning of automation equipment and software, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems and infrastructure.
• Oversee project timelines, source and manage vendors, and collaborate cross-functionally with Maintenance and Operations teams to achieve targeted business goals on time and on budget.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using data analytics, performance monitoring, and predictive maintenance strategies to optimize equipment uptime and reliability.
• Develop and maintain documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training materials for automation systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Provide hands-on support across the full value chain in all aspects related to control systems, providing control software, hardware, programming, and troubleshooting support.

Required Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Computer/Control, or Robotic Engineering) and minimum of 10 years high-volume manufacturing experience.
• 5 years of work experience in PLC automation controls with strong electrical aptitude. Relevant experience includes VFD, HMI, Micro Controllers, and PLCs (Ladder Logic, Function Block, and Python)
• At least 3 years of experience with Plastic Injection, Blow Molding, Structural Foam machines.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and deliver results within budget constraints.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and continuous improvement tools (e.g., DMAIC, Kaizen, 5S).
• Computer skills required, to include database software, spreadsheet and word processing Microsoft Office software, AutoCAD, and Solidworks.

 Preferred Experience:

• Previous experience establishing automation in a non-automated production environment.

 FLSA STATUS

 Salary Exempt