Automation Engineer

Victaulic•Easton, PA

26d•Onsite

About The Position

We’re looking for an Automation Engineer to join our Engineering Laboratory team in Easton, PA, reporting to the Engineering Lab Technical Lead – Automation. In this role, you’ll design, build, and maintain the control, automation, and data acquisition systems used to test and evaluate components and prototypes for new product and process introductions. You’ll work closely with design engineers, operations engineers, purchasers, and other internal partners to keep projects on schedule and make sure every standard and requirement is met during prototype development. This is an opportunity to apply creative problem-solving early in the product lifecycle, when prototype specifications are often still taking shape, and to own equipment projects from concept through commissioning.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering preferred
4+ years of controls or automation experience
Proficiency in maintaining and troubleshooting automation equipment
PLC programming experience (ladder, structured text, function block diagram)
Experience with motion control systems (stepper, servo, VFDs), including drive configuration, encoder feedback, and motion profiles (gearing, camming)
Experience managing equipment projects from design through commissioning
Proficiency in blueprint reading, shop math, and use of precision instruments
Working knowledge of process instrumentation (sensors, transmitters, pressure, flow, and temperature devices)
Working knowledge of piping and fluid systems (water and compressed air), including pumps, control and solenoid valves, pressure regulation and relief, and flow and pressure measurement, with the ability to read and interpret P&IDs
Strong problem-solving, creative thinking, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills, with excellent verbal and written communication
Ability to stand, bend, and kneel for extended periods in a laboratory environment; lift and carry up to 50 lbs unassisted (heavier items with mechanical assistance); and work in environments with moderate noise levels, temperature variation, and exposure to test fluids or pneumatic systems

Nice To Haves

Experience with data systems (SQL databases, data modeling, automated data pipelines)
Programming experience in LabVIEW
Experience with Ignition SCADA (Perspective, Reporting, Jython, SQL)
Text-based scripting experience (Python, JavaScript, C++, or similar)
Experience creating electrical schematics (EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical) and mechanical designs, models, and drawings (SolidWorks)
Familiarity with AI-assisted engineering tools
A desire to continually upgrade your technical knowledge

Responsibilities

Design, maintain, and improve lab data systems so test data is organized, accessible, and delivered efficiently to the Victaulic Engineering Department
Plan and execute equipment builds from concept through commissioning, including scope, schedule, purchasing, and vendor coordination
Troubleshoot, maintain, and modify existing control, automation, and data acquisition systems to keep testing on schedule
Develop and maintain PLC and HMI programs that support lab automation systems
Design, commission, and troubleshoot servo, stepper, and VFD motion control systems for lab test equipment
Design, build, and wire electrical control panels and enclosures for lab test systems and automation projects, adhering to applicable electrical safety standards
Configure and troubleshoot industrial communications protocols, including EtherCAT, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, and OPC-UA
Maintain version control and change management for control system code and configuration files, and create a standardized documentation package for each piece of lab equipment and data collection system
Maintain asset inventory, configuration records, and test data, and verify that instrumentation remains NIST-traceable and compliant with ISO requirements
Support hands-on testing, including installing instrumentation and data loggers, setting up fixtures, operating hydrostatic, pneumatic, cycle, flex, and fire suppression tests, and inspecting products and components against engineering specifications and drawings
Use lab fabrication and shop equipment to prepare fixtures, components, and test materials
Manage assigned work orders and priorities, estimating and logging hours and maintaining accurate project status in Monday.com
Drive continuous improvement in the lab using Lean principles, and keep the work area organized, professional, and clean
Follow all company safety requirements and procedures, and participate in testing safety reviews
Work independently with minimal oversight, owning the quality, timeliness, and results of all assigned work