Automation Engineer

Graco•Sioux Falls, SD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. 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 on work priorities
Develop accurate man‑hour estimates to support effective resource planning
Adapt quickly to changing priorities to meet operational objectives
Observe and learn machine development by helping 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 downtime
Research new technological ideas to facilitate continuous improvement
Learn design analysis using engineering tools (e.g. Finite Element Analysis and Drive Train Analysis)
Assist the project manager in the execution of the project implementation plan by supporting process cycle time and crewing estimates, capital planning and budgeting, quality assurance planning, process flow and programming, recommending operational standards based on crewing requirements and machine cycle time, and contributing to the 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