Automation Engineer, Programming/PLC

Blue Bird Careers•Fort Valley, GA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Engineer (Programming/PLC) develops, implements, and sustains industrial control software for automated manufacturing equipment. This role owns PLC logic and related controls software (including robot and vision interfaces where applicable), supports safe and reliable operation, and leads troubleshooting and improvements that protect production uptime, quality, and operator safety. The role works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, and automation suppliers/integrators to commission new equipment and improve existing systems.

Requirements

Hands-on experience with one or more PLC platforms (e.g., Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, Omron).
Experience programming and commissioning industrial robots (e.g., FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa).
Understanding of safety PLC logic and functional safety concepts; ability to implement safe control strategies.
Experience integrating vision systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence) and troubleshooting camera/trigger/communication issues.
Experience with servo motion systems and troubleshooting motion-related faults (as applicable).
Strong troubleshooting skills in a production environment; ability to debug interactions across PLCs, robots, HMIs, and field devices.
Ability to communicate technical information clearly to operators, maintenance, suppliers/integrators, and engineering partners.
High ownership, responsiveness, and disciplined change control in a manufacturing environment.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Industrial, or related)
5+ years of handsâon experience programming PLCs and industrial robots
All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Nice To Haves

Ability to anticipate and understand customer needs and provide guidance
Excellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills to handle difficult and sensitive matters.
Strong project management skills.
Exposure to difficult or complex projects a plus.
Ability to influence stakeholders
Effective communication and ability to communicate complex details in a clear manner.
Flexible workspaces and work hours that help you unleash the best you.
Working in a collaborative team and balancing the needs of individual stakeholders while delivering corporate objectives.
Continued Professional Development

Responsibilities

PLC & Controls Programming Develop, test, and maintain PLC control logic for automated manufacturing equipment (discrete, continuous, and motion applications).
Build and sustain HMI interfaces for machine control, diagnostics, alarms, and operator interaction.
Configure and troubleshoot industrial networks and field devices (e.g., EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, IO-Link) and resolve control system communication issues.
Apply structured programming standards, documentation practices, and version control/change control for production releases.
Support integration of PLC logic with robots, vision systems, safety devices, and peripheral equipment.
Robotics Programming & Integration Develop and refine robot programs (online/offline) to support applications such as material handling, assembly, welding, dispensing, and palletizing.
Optimize robot motion and interactions for cycle time, repeatability, reliability, and safe recovery.
Integrate robots and vision systems with PLCs, safety circuits, and peripheral equipment; support commissioning and validation activities.
System Commissioning & Production Support Lead or support commissioning activities for PLCs, robots, vision systems, and safety systems during installation, start-up, and production ramp.
Support FAT/SAT and Run-at-Rate activities by executing controls test plans, resolving issues, and documenting results.
Troubleshoot complex control system issues during startup and production; implement durable fixes and prevent recurrence.
Perform software modifications to address approved process changes, performance improvements, and equipment updates while following change control.
Safety, Quality, and Compliance Implement and validate machine safety solutions (safety PLCs, light curtains, scanners, interlocked guarding) in partnership with Safety and Operations.
Participate in risk assessments and safety reviews for automated systems and support compliance with applicable safety standards and internal policies.
Support ISO 9000-aligned documentation and quality requirements; contribute to PFMEA/control plans and ISIR support as assigned for new/changed processes.
Documentation & Standards, and Continuous Improvement Develop and maintain controls documentation (I/O lists, program structure/comments, robot recovery procedures, operator/maintenance work instructions).
Support creation and enforcement of PLC/robot programming standards and templates to improve maintainability and consistency.
Partner cross-functionally to identify opportunities to improve diagnostics, robustness, and serviceability of automation.
Provide technical coaching to technicians and junior engineers on troubleshooting and safe recovery practices (as applicable).
Product Change Support Review product design or engineering changes and assess manufacturing/controls impact using the PLM process and change governance.