Automation Engineer (Design)

MW Components•Clear Lake Shores, TX

About The Position

The Automation Engineer (Design) designs custom automated machinery, fixtures, tooling, and mechanical systems for manufacturing sites to reduce direct labor and improve productivity. The role translates project concepts into practical, scalable automation solutions, develops 3D models and detailed manufacturing drawings, selects mechanical components, and designs machine frames, guarding, tooling, part handling, and mechanical assemblies. The engineer supports machine assembly, fabrication, testing, troubleshooting, and design revisions, and leads installation, programming, testing, and commissioning of automation equipment. Working with general managers, site leadership, controls engineers, and manufacturing sites, the role defines requirements and aligns project goals, timelines, and success metrics. It provides hands-on installation and ramp-up support, resolves technical issues on-site, and helps ensure projects are safe, on time, and within scope. The role also promotes consistent automation standards across locations, recommends technologies and process improvements, replicates successful solutions across sites, and supports the long-term sustainability of implemented solutions. Travel to manufacturing facilities is approximately 10% or as project needs dictate.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering field, or equivalent experience.
1–3+ years of experience in mechanical design, machine design, automation equipment, or a related field.
Experience with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
Hands-on experience designing machinery, fixtures, tooling, or automated equipment.
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, sheet metal, and fabrication.
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in a production environment.
Experience supporting automation projects from design through installation and startup.
Proficiency in 3D modeling, assemblies, and detailed drawings using SolidWorks or other 3D CAD software.
Strong mechanical design and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of machine design, mechanisms, materials, tolerances, and manufacturing processes.
Experience with pneumatics, linear motion, bearings, motors, gearboxes, and fabricated assemblies.
Knowledge of industrial machine safety.
Strong communication and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

Design custom automated machinery, fixtures, tooling, and mechanical systems to reduce direct labor content and improve productivity.
Translate project concepts into practical, scalable automation solutions.
Develop 3D models and detailed manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks or similar software.
Select mechanical components, including bearings, actuators, pneumatics, linear motion, motors, gearboxes, and structural materials.
Design machine frames, guarding, tooling, part handling, and mechanical assemblies.
Support machine assembly, fabrication, testing, troubleshooting, and design revisions.
Apply appropriate tolerances, fits, GD&T, and standard mechanical design practices.
Lead installation, programming, testing, and commissioning of automation equipment.
Work with GMs, site leadership, controls engineers, and manufacturing sites to understand project needs and define requirements.
Align on project goals, timelines, and success metrics before execution.
Ensure consistent deployment of automation standards across locations.
Travel to manufacturing facilities as required, approximately 10% or as project needs dictate.
Provide hands-on support during installation and ramp-up phases.
Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues on-site in real time.
Recommend new technologies, tools, and process improvements.
Drive standardization and replication of successful automation solutions across sites.
Ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within scope.
Support the long-term sustainability of implemented solutions.