Automation Engineer

Wabtec•Maxton, NC

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Friction Product Line designs and manufactures high-friction and low-friction composition, sintered brake shoes, specialty shoes, and disc brake linings for freight, locomotive and transit vehicles. The Automation Engineer assists the Manufacturing Engineering Manager to help design and oversee installation and maintenance of new technology to improve and automate the manufacturing process. The Automation Engineer will be responsible for designing and testing automated machinery and processes to complete exact tasks inside the factory. This can include new systems and upgrades to existing facility equipment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or similar field (or Associate/Technical Degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or similar field with 5 years experience in lieu of Bachelor's degree)
A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in an industrial environment.
Experience in designing, commissioning, and maintaining various automation type equipment including robots and other general automation equipment.
Experience with Project Management.
Solid understanding of computer programming and software development.
Ability to troubleshoot and perform complex system tests.
Good knowledge of general industrial disciplines including hydraulics, pneumatics, plant safety and processes, and industrial process systems.
General knowledge of electrical power wiring design principles, VFDs, and other common electrical equipment.
Strong leadership and problem-solving skills.
Proficient in maintaining automation equipment.
Good organization skills and attention to detail.
Creative thinking skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to keep up with latest technologies.
A desire to continually upgrade technical knowledge.
Ability to present Issues / opportunities to RFPC staff.
Good communication and interaction skills.

Responsibilities

Explore and design new ways to automate machinery and processes. This can include a wide range of automation options (robots, new metering and/or disposing systems, new material handling systems, etc) designed to fit the needs of the manufacturing process.
Conceptualize, design, and install condition-based monitoring (CBM) systems on new and existing facility equipment.
Strong presence on shop floor identifying and managing projects.
Upon identification of a worthwhile project, write a project description including A) Overall project function, B) Anticipated project benefits and C) Estimated project cost obtained by working directly with vendors, contractors, and other suppliers to determine project equipment requirement.
The project description is sent to RFPC management for review and approval.
Upon approval of a project, order equipment and perform required detailed design and drawings (as needed).
Program new automated components as needed.
Directly manage contractors and/or RFPC staff to supervise project installation and conduct system startup.
Test new systems as needed and identify/correct all quality and safety issues.
Eliminate defects and errors with product and software development.
In conjunction with RFPC maintenance department and/or specialized contractors, conduct/oversee routine maintenance of new equipment systems.
Install and support system upgrades to existing equipment as required.
Participate on Kaizens and other team events as requested.
Enter new data into production systems as required.
Support RFPC Lean Manufacturing programs.
Other duties as assigned by Manufacturing Engineer Manager.