Automation Engineer I

BG Products•Derby, KS

About The Position

The Automation Engineer I focuses on automation projects and applies broad engineering expertise to design, implement, install, and support high-quality controls, machines, automation, and other mechanically or electronically functioning equipment. The work supports the advancement of manufacturing processes within the BG ecosystem and through BG Automation industrial equipment sales. The engineer proactively identifies problems and develops creative solutions, and leads or assists with project planning, research and development, prototyping, testing, and release to manufacturing of new automation equipment and improvements to existing equipment. This role emphasizes mechanical engineering capabilities, including designing and refining machine assemblies, tooling, and automation equipment with attention to manufacturability, serviceability, safety, and cost effectiveness. It also involves designing end-of-arm tooling and mechanical interfaces for robotic systems, developing robotics system layouts, and applying reliable cable and hose routing practices. The engineer collaborates across mechanical and controls disciplines. The position is located in Derby, Kansas, with a Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m. schedule.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Engineering required; experience in lieu of education will be considered.
Expert use of CAD required.
At least two successful automation support projects completed through design, iteration, and implementation required.
Valid driver's license required.
Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Nice To Haves

Mechanical, electrical, electronics, mechatronics, robotics, or manufacturing engineering disciplines are preferred.
Four years of experience in manufacturing equipment or tool design and development preferred.
Four years of experience in design for manufacturing preferred.
Two years of experience integrating robotics and automation preferred.
SolidWorks experience preferred.
Experience with plant layout or offline programming software highly preferred.
Visual Components, Octopuz, or KUKA Sim experience preferred.
Exposure to robotics, automation, or programming (PLC, robot programming, or system integration) is a plus.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, install, and support controls, machines, automation, and other mechanically or electronically functioning equipment.
Identify problems proactively and develop solutions to support manufacturing processes.
Lead and assist with project planning, research and development, prototyping, testing, and release to manufacturing of new equipment and improvements to existing equipment.
Design and refine machine assemblies, tooling, and automation equipment with consideration for manufacturability, serviceability, safety, and cost effectiveness.
Design end-of-arm tooling and mechanical interfaces for robotic systems, considering payload optimization, rigidity, reach, and repeatability.
Develop robotics system layouts, including cell design, guarding, access zones, material flow, and ergonomics.
Apply mechanical design practices for cable and hose routing, including energy chains, strain relief, bend-radius control, and protection for long-term reliability.
Collaborate across mechanical and controls disciplines.
Adhere to company policies and maintain a professional, positive attitude.
Perform other duties as assigned.