Automation Engineer

Novelis Newport Manufacturing Facility•Uhrichsville, OH

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Novelis is a global leader in aluminum recycling and rolling, providing sustainable aluminum solutions for aerospace, automotive, beverage packaging, and specialty markets. This Automation Engineer role is a hands-on position focused on owning critical manufacturing systems, solving complex technical challenges, and driving improvements in safety, quality, reliability, throughput, and profitability. The role involves broad technical ownership across PLCs, SCADA systems, instrumentation, industrial networks, machine controls, and plant-wide automation. Opportunities include working on sophisticated manufacturing equipment, leading modernization initiatives, supporting capital projects, and implementing solutions for high-performing operations. The engineer will see the direct results of their work daily, whether commissioning new equipment, troubleshooting controls issues, improving machine performance, strengthening OT network reliability, or implementing new automation technology. Novelis seeks engineers who value technical expertise, expect ownership, and want their engineering decisions to have a real impact.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related discipline, or 10+ years of automation/controls engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
Experience with industrial automation systems including PLCs, instrumentation, process controls, SCADA, and machine safety systems.
Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis capabilities.
Experience with Rockwell Automation PLC platforms.
Knowledge of industrial electrical systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, and machine safety principles.
Experience supporting or maintaining industrial control networks.
Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.
Experience using AutoCAD and/or AutoCAD Electrical.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading equipment modernization or capital improvement projects.
OT networking, industrial communications, and control system integration experience.
Vendor and contractor management experience.
Data analysis and performance monitoring experience.
Manufacturing experience within metals, continuous process, heavy industrial, or highly automated production environments.

Responsibilities

Serve as the technical owner for plant automation, controls, instrumentation, and operational technology systems.
Design, develop, and implement control system improvements that enhance reliability, safety, quality, and production performance.
Support, maintain, and optimize PLC, SCADA, HMI, and safety systems throughout the facility.
Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex automation and controls issues impacting production.
Diagnose and resolve equipment failures, process interruptions, and recurring reliability issues through systematic root cause analysis.
Develop practical, long-term solutions that eliminate chronic equipment problems and improve plant performance.
Support equipment startups, process improvements, and new product introductions.
Apply emerging technologies, diagnostic tools, and modern control strategies to improve equipment utilization and operational efficiency.
Provide automation and controls expertise for equipment upgrades, replacements, and capital projects.
Participate in system design, specification development, equipment selection, installation, testing, and commissioning activities.
Drive standardization of controls platforms, components, and engineering practices to improve maintainability and reliability.
Partner with vendors, contractors, and cross-functional teams to successfully execute projects from concept through startup.
Maintain and support the plant's Operational Technology (OT) network hardware and software environment.
Ensure reliable connectivity between control systems, production equipment, and operational data systems.
Support cybersecurity, system backups, documentation, and network reliability initiatives.
Collaborate closely with production, maintenance, engineering, and leadership teams to identify improvement opportunities.
Help develop maintenance strategies, engineering standards, and operating procedures that improve equipment performance.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship while fostering strong relationships across the organization.
Ensure all automation systems, modifications, and equipment designs comply with company policies and regulatory requirements.
Support machine safety initiatives, risk reduction efforts, and continuous improvement activities.
Maintain compliance with applicable quality, environmental, health, safety, and certification requirements.