Automation Engineer

Beckett Thermal Solutions•North Ridgeville, OH

13d

About The Position

The Automation Engineer will be responsible for designing, specifying, sourcing, purchasing, integrating, and supporting automated systems across three local facilities. This role involves maintaining and enforcing automation and safety standards, leading risk assessments, and supporting project proposals with concept designs and technical documentation. The engineer will evaluate equipment performance, identify obsolescence risks, and provide recommendations for upgrades to reduce costs and improve productivity. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, design and commissioning of automated systems, creation of electrical schematics, and daily technical support for production are key aspects of this position. Additionally, the role includes backing up critical systems, maintaining inventories of automation hardware and software, and mentoring team members. The position aims to drive automation initiatives for labor cost reduction, scrap rate reduction, and overall productivity improvement through standardization and continuous improvement.

Requirements

3+ years as an Automation Engineer or 5+ years as an Automation Technician
Additional manufacturing experience may be considered in lieu of direct automation experience.
SolidWorks proficiency (CSWA certification or equivalent experience).
Working knowledge of 2D CAD software (AutoCAD or DraftSight).
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Experience with PLC programming software (platforms to be specified).
Familiarity with MES and MRP systems; QAD experience is a plus.
Demonstrated experience working in a manufacturing environment.
Self-motivated problem solver with strong initiative
Natural leader and collaborator
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Effective communicator across multi-disciplinary teams
Strong organizational, time management, and program management skills
Service-oriented mindset with a willingness to support others

Nice To Haves

QAD experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Design, specify, source, purchase, integrate, and support automated systems across three local facilities.
Maintain and enforce BTS automation and safety standards to ensure consistency, reliability, and compliance.
Lead and participate in equipment and system risk assessments; identify hazards and implement corrective actions to improve workplace safety.
Support Project Proposal Summaries (PPS) by developing concept designs, plant layouts, budgets, and technical documentation.
Evaluate equipment performance, emerging technologies, and obsolescence risks; provide data-driven recommendations for replacement or upgrades that reduce cost and improve productivity.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams using a servant-leadership mindset to achieve positive outcomes.
Design, build, assemble, test, and commission automated systems and machine components based on project requirements.
Create and maintain electrical schematics and technical documentation.
Provide daily technical support to production, including troubleshooting automated equipment.
Support Product Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Toolroom, and other departments as needed.
Collaborate with automation and robotics technicians to back up PLCs, HMIs, robot programs, press controls, and other mission-critical systems.
Maintain inventories of automation hardware, firmware, and software to support lifecycle management and obsolescence planning.
Mentor new and current team members through active participation in project execution and knowledge sharing.
Drive automation initiatives that achieve up to 50% labor cost reduction in targeted processes through workflow redesign or robotic solutions: track and report ROI during and after implementation.
Reduce scrap rates by up to 75% in targeted processes through implementation of technologies such as machine vision or predictive analytics, with quarterly performance reviews.
Improve organizational productivity through equipment standardization, systems optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Prepare and submit an annual equipment obsolescence report with replacement and technology roadmap recommendations.
Actively identify and introduce new tools, technologies, or methods that improve automation team performance and improve production floor productivity.
Continuously develop technical and professional skills through internal learning modules, seminars, trade shows, and continuing education.