Automation and Process Engineer II

EchoStar•Denver, CO

About The Position

The Automation and Process Engineer II supports manufacturing operational excellence by applying process engineering, controls, and Lean manufacturing practices to optimize production workflows, equipment performance, and costs. The role analyzes and improves manual and automated processes to increase cycle times, quality, and throughput while reducing downtime and expense. It drives continuous-improvement initiatives and develops standardized process documentation, including SOPs and SOEs, while partnering with operations and maintenance teams on planned and preventive maintenance procedures. The engineer supports and improves PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems, sensors, and instrumentation across business lines. The position also contributes to 3D CAD designs, control-panel layouts, test fixtures, and electrical schematics, and uses AI tools and predictive analytics to improve equipment diagnostics, process reliability, and design iterations. The role leads intermediate-to-complex engineering and continuous-improvement projects from concept through deployment while ensuring technical and safety standards are met. Formal PLC programming training is provided. The work is split between an office setting and a dynamic manufacturing environment with moving mechanical equipment and moderate noise. The role may require work in non-temperature-controlled plant areas. Visa sponsorship is not available. The listed annual compensation range is $85,000 to $103,400.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Systems Engineering.
3–5 years of experience in a manufacturing, process engineering, or automated production environment.
Experience with Lean manufacturing and continuous-improvement methodologies, including value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen, standard work, and root-cause analysis.
Familiarity with automated manufacturing environments, mechanical assemblies, wiring diagrams, and software control systems.
Familiarity with or aptitude for maintaining and upgrading PLC, HMI, SCADA, sensor, robot, vision-system, and motor-control technology; direct PLC programming experience is not required, and training is provided.
Strong technical writing, cross-functional collaboration, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work under minimal direction.
Practical AI application skills for data analysis, reporting, and predictive-maintenance modeling.
Ability to frequently stand, walk, and sit, and to work alongside manufacturing equipment for extended periods.
Ability to lift up to 45 pounds and perform hands-on work with tools, control cabinets, and machinery.
Vision ability to inspect intricate components, interpret technical drawings, and perform detailed wiring or mechanical adjustments.

Nice To Haves

Green or black belt certification.
Direct PLC programming experience.
Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as AutoCAD or SOLIDWORKS; willingness to develop proficiency is also acceptable.

Responsibilities

Analyze, standardize, and optimize manual and automated manufacturing processes to improve cycle times, quality, and throughput while reducing downtime and cost.
Drive operational excellence initiatives using Lean tools such as value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen, root-cause analysis, and waste elimination.
Develop and maintain standardized process documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Sequences of Events (SOEs).
Partner with maintenance technicians to establish planned and preventive maintenance procedures.
Support and improve PLC, HMI, and SCADA control systems, sensors, and instrumentation across key business lines.
Contribute to 3D CAD designs, control-panel layouts, test fixtures, and electrical schematics for manufacturing equipment.
Use AI tools and predictive analytics to optimize equipment diagnostics, improve process reliability, and streamline design iterations.
Lead intermediate-to-complex engineering and continuous-improvement projects from concept through deployment while ensuring compliance with technical and safety standards.