Automation Engineer

INRCORE•Hornell, NY

11d•$92,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

iNRCORE Group is seeking an Automation Engineer to support operational growth through the identification, development, and implementation of automation solutions that transform manual manufacturing processes into efficient, scalable operations. The Automation Engineer will collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Leadership teams to evaluate existing processes, develop automation strategies, and implement technologies that improve productivity, quality, safety, and capacity. This role will also support manufacturing process improvement initiatives and continuous improvement activities. The Automation Engineer will serve as the site subject matter expert for manufacturing automation initiatives, driving manufacturing modernization efforts through technologies including robotics, machine vision systems, automated assembly equipment, material handling systems, controls, and data collection solutions. During periods between automation projects, the Automation Engineer will support process engineering, manufacturing optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or a related technical discipline; equivalent experience may be considered.
Minimum of three (3) years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related engineering roles.
Experience implementing automation solutions within a manufacturing environment.
Experience leading projects from concept through implementation, including vendor management, installation, startup, validation, and budget oversight.
Working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, industrial controls, sensors, servo systems, motion control, drives, and industrial communication protocols.
Experience with robotics, machine vision systems, automated inspection systems, and automated material handling equipment.
Ability to interpret and create electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, process flow diagrams, and technical documentation.
Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar platforms.
Understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, continuous improvement methodologies, and root cause analysis techniques.
Ability to develop business cases, capital expenditure requests, and financial justifications for automation investments.
Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and cross-functional projects.
Must comply with all company safety requirements and utilize required personal protective equipment.
Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience working within ERP, MES, manufacturing analytics, or production reporting systems is preferred.
Experience within electronics, electronic components, aerospace, defense, medical device, or highly regulated manufacturing environments is preferred.
Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on innovation, automation, standardization, and measurable business results.

Responsibilities

Identify opportunities to automate manual, repetitive, labor-intensive, bottleneck, or error-prone manufacturing processes.
Develop automation strategies and roadmaps that align with business objectives and operational growth plans.
Design, specify, source, implement, and validate automation equipment and systems.
Lead automation projects from concept development through implementation, production launch, and sustainment.
Integrate robotic systems, machine vision technologies, automated assembly equipment, test systems, and material handling solutions into manufacturing operations.
Develop project justifications, capital expenditure requests, cost-benefit analyses, and ROI calculations.
Create equipment specifications and coordinate activities with suppliers, machine builders, automation integrators, and contractors.
Support PLCs, HMIs, sensors, drives, motion control systems, machine vision systems, and industrial communication networks.
Troubleshoot and optimize automated manufacturing equipment to maximize performance and reliability.
Analyze production data and operational metrics to identify automation opportunities and quantify project results.
Create and maintain engineering drawings, process documentation, equipment specifications, work instructions, and validation records.
Support root cause investigations and implement corrective actions related to manufacturing and equipment performance.
Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering teams to improve manufacturing efficiency and capacity.
Assist with process improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Develop operating procedures, maintenance documentation, troubleshooting guides, and training materials.
Train operators, technicians, engineers, and supervisors on automation systems and newly implemented technologies.
Provide technical support for manufacturing processes and equipment throughout the facility.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Excellent earning potential with qualifying annual bonuses
Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits
Elective Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts
Company paid and elective buy-up Life & AD&D Insurance
Company paid Short-Term Disability and Elective Long-Term Disability
Elective Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Supplemental Accident Coverage Benefits
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with qualifying Company match
Company paid mental health and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Paid Holidays and generous paid time off (PTO)
Employee Discount Program (LifeMart via ADP)
Tuition Reimbursement for qualifying degrees and certification programs.