Automation Engineer

ZEISS Group•Wixom, MI

About The Position

How many companies can say they’ve been in business for over 177 years?! Here at ZEISS, we certainly can! As the pioneers of science, ZEISS handles the everchanging environments in a fast-paced world, meeting it with cutting edge of technologies and continuous advancements. ZEISS believes that innovation and technology are the key to a sustainable future and solutions for global change. We have a diverse range of portfolios throughout the ZEISS family in segments like, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, Consumer Markets and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. We are a global company with over 42,000 employees and have over 4,000 in the US and Canada alone! Make a difference, come join the team! What’s the role? Automation Engineers lead the development and implementation of both standard and custom (“turnkey”) automation systems. They serve as Technical Leads on projects, owning controls architecture, system logic, and power management, while supporting all phases from concept to commissioning. The role requires collaboration with sales, internal teams, external suppliers, and customers to design, implement, validate, and troubleshoot automation solutions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (EE/CE preferred) or equivalent experience (including 5 years of relevant programming experience).
5+ years of experience programming PLCs such as Allen Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, Turck, Modicon, or Mitsubishi.
Strong understanding of NEC, UL508A, GCCH, and GCCS standards.
Strong aptitude for electro-mechanical systems, with hands-on electrical wiring, debugging, and troubleshooting experience.
Experience working with HMIs and machine communication protocols.
Ability to create and interpret electrical schematics, preferably using AutoCAD.
Willingness and ability to travel 15–30%.
Proficiency in E-CAD, E-plan, and MS Office.
Knowledge of linear controls (PID loops).

Nice To Haves

Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD).
Experience with classical programming languages (C, C++, Python).
Experience with robotic systems (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, UR).
Knowledge of manufacturing quality/metrology systems.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
Strong team player, able to collaborate across the organization.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with customers and sales to define controls requirements (safety, HMI, programming templates).
Deliver pricing and timing estimates for quoting.
Design and develop automation systems (hardware, software, documentation).
Implement control system designs and manage the complete controls package.
Troubleshoot functional and diagnostic issues; determine corrective and preventive actions.
Follow change control and documentation standards (e.g., e-plan) and supply materials to Germany.
Develop operator instruction manuals.
Support internal teams, external integrators, and on-site technical personnel.
Provide remote troubleshooting and phone support to customer maintenance teams.
Travel to customer sites for system testing, acceptance, and technical training.