Automation Engineer

Cadence, Inc.•Staunton, VA

11d•$83,800 - $115,710•Onsite

About The Position

Join the onsite Engineering team in Staunton, Virginia, to shape manufacturing through innovative automation solutions. The Automation Engineer designs, implements, supports, and optimizes automated production systems to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and reliability across manufacturing operations. The role works in both office and manufacturing environments and involves regular interaction with production equipment and personnel. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, with 8-hour shifts during standard business hours, determined with the hiring manager based on business needs. Flexibility is required to support a 24/7 manufacturing operation, including occasional early morning, evening, or weekend hours as business needs dictate. Consistent with Cadence's career architecture, this position may be staffed at varying experience levels. Level and compensation are determined based on experience, skills, and other job-related factors.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of Automation Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
Experience with PLC and HMI programming, troubleshooting, and system integration.
Experience with industrial robotics, motion control systems, and automated manufacturing equipment.
Knowledge of industrial networking and communication protocols.
Strong understanding of machine safety principles, controls architecture, and manufacturing processes.
Proven ability to troubleshoot complex automation and equipment issues using structured problem-solving methods.
Strong project management, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Ability to walk and stand for extended periods, occasionally lift up to 50 pounds, and wear required PPE while working on the production floor.
Flexibility to support occasional early morning, evening, or weekend hours as business needs dictate.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
Experience with Fanuc robotics and automated production systems.
Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing environments.
Familiarity with CAD and electrical design software.
Lean Six Sigma, PMP, Certified Automation Professional (CAP), or related certifications preferred.
Experience with vision systems, barcode/RFID technologies, data collection systems, and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and integrate automated manufacturing equipment and production systems.
Program, troubleshoot, and support PLCs, HMIs, robotics, servo systems, vision systems, sensors, drives, and machine controls.
Develop automation concepts, control architectures, sequence-of-operation documents, and equipment specifications.
Support equipment builds, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), commissioning, startup, validation, and production release activities.
Troubleshoot automation, controls, robotics, electrical, communication, and equipment performance issues to improve uptime and reliability.
Analyze downtime and production data, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
Support robotic applications including material handling, assembly, machine tending, automated inspection, and other manufacturing processes.
Design and implement machine safety systems, including safety PLCs, light curtains, interlocks, scanners, and emergency-stop systems.
Partner with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and external suppliers to support manufacturing operations and continuous improvement initiatives.
Lead or support automation projects from concept through implementation while managing project scope, timelines, costs, and technical requirements.
Evaluate and implement emerging automation technologies to improve productivity, quality, and manufacturing capability.