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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Senior Automation - **Company:** Katalyst Talent Agency - **Location:** Florence, SC, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Computer Programming, Software Debugging, System Testing, Visual Systems, Reliability of Systems, HMI Screens - **Published:** September 4, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.careerjet.com/job/usf22ca8cdbdb4a46474c38ee524105845/eaa ## About the Role * 8+ years of experience in manufacturing automation, controls engineering, robotics integration, or industrial equipment development. * Proven experience leading automation capital projects from concept and technical specification through production implementation. * Demonstrated expertise in PLC programming, robot programming, machine safety, controls architecture, and manufacturing system integration. * Experience supporting high-volume or complex industrial manufacturing environments with production-critical equipment. * Experience managing automation suppliers, system integrators, equipment builders, and technical service partners. External Skills and Expertise: * Industrial Robotics Programming. * Advanced PLC Programming and Controls Architecture using Rockwell/Allen-Bradley platforms. ## Description * Lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced automation and controls systems for manufacturing operations. * Serve as the subject matter expert for PLC architecture, HMI development, motion control, robotics, industrial networks, and machine safety systems. * Develop automation strategies supporting factory modernization, capacity expansion, productivity improvement, and operational excellence objectives. * Lead automation capital projects from concept development, technical specification, and business case approval through commissioning and production stabilization. * Perform controls architecture design, hardware specification, programming standards development, system validation, and lifecycle support planning. * Manage industrial robot integration, robot programming, end-of-arm tooling requirements, cell optimization, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance strategies. * Coordinate cross-functional teams including Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, IT/OT, Supply Chain, and external automation suppliers. * Lead equipment procurement activities including RFQ development, supplier evaluations, technical bid reviews, FAT, SAT, and final acceptance activities. * Establish automation and controls standards across manufacturing operations to improve system reliability, maintainability, cybersecurity, and supportability. * Drive digital manufacturing initiatives including IIoT connectivity, data collection, machine monitoring, remote diagnostics, and Industry 4.0 technologies. * Support new product introductions through process automation, assembly equipment development, manufacturing system integration, and production readiness activities. * Identify productivity improvement opportunities through robotics, vision systems, automated material handling, error-proofing, and equipment modernization. * Analyze equipment performance metrics and implement corrective actions to improve OEE, downtime reduction, throughput, labor efficiency, and yield. * Provide technical leadership during equipment installation, startup, debugging, safety validation, commissioning, operator training, and production ramp-up. * Coach engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel in automation, robotics, controls troubleshooting, and structured problem-solving best practices. ## Related Videos - [Robots are coming into the wild! 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