Automation Engineer

Howmet Aerospace•Dover, NJ

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Howmet Aerospace is currently looking an Automation Engineer to join our Casting Facility located in Dover, New Jersey. The Automation Engineer – Robotic Assembly & Tooling leads the design, simulation, development, and implementation of robotic and automated manufacturing systems supporting investment casting operations. This is a hands-on, mechanical role focused on robotic end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), assembly fixtures, mechanical design, and robotic simulation. Using Yaskawa robotics and MotoSim, the engineer will design and virtually validate tooling, robot motion, assembly sequences, and cycle times before fabrication. The successful candidate will be capable of taking projects from concept and CAD through simulation, fabrication, commissioning, and production.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related discipline.
Strong 3D CAD and mechanical design experience, with the ability to take designs from concept through fabrication and production.
Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and mechanical design principles.
Experience working with machine builders, tooling suppliers, fabricators, and other vendors.
Experience with robotic assembly, automated part handling, fixturing, and process equipment.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot mechanical, tooling, and robotic systems during commissioning and production.
Experience with pneumatic, electric, servo-driven, or compliant tooling.
Strong project management, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Yaskawa robots and MotoSim.
5+ years of engineering experience in robotics, automated manufacturing, machine design, or a related field
Demonstrated experience designing robotic end-of-arm tooling, grippers, assembly fixtures, and automated mechanical equipment.
Experience with robotic simulation and/or offline programming, including evaluation of robot reach, motion, collision avoidance, assembly sequences, and cycle time.
Experience with machine vision or automated inspection.
Experience in investment casting, aerospace, precision manufacturing, or other highly engineered manufacturing environments.
Experience with capital project development and management.
Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

Design and simulate robotic systems, including end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), grippers, fixtures, and other automated equipment, using CAD, GD&T, and Yaskawa MotoSim to validate tooling, robot motion, assembly sequences, and cycle time.
Lead automation projects from concept through fabrication, installation, commissioning, and production, collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, technicians, operators, and vendors.
Identify opportunities to automate and optimize manual processes and support robotic systems through programming, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement focused on reliability, throughput, process performance, and Overall-Equipment-Effectiveness (OEE).
Develop preventive maintenance requirements, troubleshooting documentation, and training materials for automated equipment.
Support capital project development, including project scope, cost estimates, benefits, and return on investment.
Provide technical leadership and mentoring to automation technicians, operators, and other engineering personnel.
Evaluate emerging robotics, simulation, and automation technologies and identify opportunities for their application.