Principal Automation Engineer

We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Automation Engineer to join our team. This senior role drives production efficiency, consistency, and quality by leading the strategic design, implementation, and maintenance of advanced automated systems and controls. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in industrial automation, PLC programming, robotics, and electric motor production processes., The Principal Engineer designs, specifies, commissions, and tests new automated systems and hardware for new product introductions and legacy process optimization. This role analyzes equipment layouts, workflows, and workforce utilization to maximize throughput, efficiency, and First Pass Yield. Responsibilities include developing comprehensive technical documentation, such as electrical schematics, logic diagrams, and operation sheets, while applying Lean and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to tool design and facility layouts. The engineer investigates and resolves complex production issues to minimize downtime, collaborates cross-functionally to standardize methods, manages external vendors for equipment procurement, and generates accurate engineering estimates for cycle times and material costs.

Leadership & Additional Duties

Beyond technical execution, this role requires proactive problem-solving to anticipate operational roadblocks and champion continuous improvement. The engineer defines and maintains performance metrics to track automation success, implementing corrective actions when necessary. Additionally, they facilitate training and mentorship to support a skilled workforce, ensure strict adherence to safety and quality policies, and manage special projects to achieve company goals.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This full-time role splits time between a professional office and a dynamic manufacturing floor, exposing the employee to moving mechanical parts, fluids, noise, and variable temperatures. Daily activities require the mobility to stand, walk, crouch, and navigate the facility, as well as the dexterity to handle precision components and lift up to 25 pounds. Excellent close, distance, and color vision are mandatory to pass required screenings for control system troubleshooting. Domestic travel of 5% to 20% and occasional weekend work may be required based on project demands.

Pay: $170,000.00 - $240,000.00 per year

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related technical field, alongside 10+ years of automation engineering experience within a manufacturing environment (electromechanical and aerospace systems preferred). Candidates must possess advanced proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens), HMI development, and industrial networks like Ethernet/IP, Modbus, and ProfiNet. Proven experience with robotic integration (Fanuc, ABB, UR) and a strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, data acquisition, and SCADA platforms are essential. Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and project management skills are required. Due to aerospace regulatory and compliance requirements, candidates must be US Citizens., * Automation Engineering: 6 years (Required)

• PLC Programming: 3 years (Required)
• Robotic Integration: 2 years (Required)

Pulled from the full job description

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance, * 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance