Associate Automation Engineer

Graco Inc. • Dayton, MN

53d

About The Position

Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. What does that mean? Well, we pump peanut butter into your jar, and the oil in your car. We glue the soles of your shoes, the glass in your windows and the screen on your phone. We spray the finish on your vehicle, coatings on your pills, the paint on your house and texture on your walls. Graco is part of your daily life. Under some supervision and with technical guidance, the Associate Automation Engineer will assist others to identify cost savings opportunities, design, develop, and maintain automated processes, work cells, and/or equipment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related field
• Demonstrated knowledge or experience with electrical controls, PLCs, robotics and vision systems
• 40 hours of (field related) continuing education per year (this will be ongoing through onsite training, outside seminars, and training).
• Ability to disassemble equipment, diagnose problems, and reassemble in a proficient manner.
• Working knowledge of a variety of electronic controls.
• Install, maintain, and repair automated systems.
• Knowledge of safety rules and regulations to prevent unsafe set-ups, operations, or acts, which might cause injury to self, others, or the environment.
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude.
• Knowledge and practical experience with pneumatics, sensors, and hydraulics.
• Self-directed with the ability to work independently, and as a team.
• Ability to take work direction and complete tasks in an organized and timely manner.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize actions to support management directives.
• Ability to work with co-workers in a manner that promotes teamwork.
• Ability to travel approximately 5% of the time
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• This role is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., H-1B, TN, F-1 OPT).

Nice To Haves

• Global industrial manufacturing experience and knowledge.
• MBA or Master's degree preferred

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute and report priorities
• Man-hour estimates.
• Reacting to changing priorities.
• Help determine optimal tooling for machine tending and/or assembly automation equipment.
• Assist in the capital equipment justification process as needed.
• Implement preventive and corrective actions for reducing scrap, rework, and down time.
• Research new technological ideas to facilitate continuous improvement.
• Learn design analysis using engineering tools (e.g. Finite Element Analysis and Drive Train Analysis)
• Process cycle time estimates and crewing estimates
• Capital plan/budget
• Quality assurance plan
• Process flow and programming
• Recommend operational standards considering crewing requirements and machine cycle time.
• Maintenance Plan
• Implement controls logic
• Carry out record keeping and machine documentation functions related to; operator and machine safety, preventative/predictive maintenance, and general repair.
• Assist production engineers to evaluate, identify root cause, and mitigate issues related to automated processes, equipment, and/or parts.
• Provide electrical, mechanical, and robotic support necessary to keep all Graco production equipment in good working order.
• Be aware of all pertinent OSHA safety regulations, as well as standards including, but not limited to, ANSI, ISO, RIA, IEC, NFPA, and NEC.
• Follow all required safety guidelines and utilize the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Inspect work for conformance to blueprints, specifications, and standards.
• Support and drive continuous improvement initiatives on both fully automated and simple machines.
• Assist in safety risk assessments to facilitate a safe working environment
• Execute performance analysis to drive improvements on equipment reliability, availability, throughput, and cost of ownership.
• Act as the communication liaison between engineering, production, marketing, purchasing, etc. and cell leader to provide technical assistance and hands-on problem resolutions
• Collaborates efforts with team members and works as a team player.
• Report and facilitate correction for Non-Conforming conditions.
• Maintain a productive, efficient, and team-oriented work environment.
• Working with mentor, identify new technologies to solve problems
• Presents new projects and/or ideas to team members

Benefits

• Graco offers attractive compensation, benefits and career development opportunities.
• Graco's comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, stock purchase plan, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Machinery Manufacturing
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees