Automation Engineer (Design)

MW Components•Kemah, TX

About The Position

The Automation Engineer 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 solutions and develops 3D models and manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks or similar software. It includes selecting mechanical components; designing machine frames, guarding, tooling, part handling, and assemblies; and applying appropriate tolerances, fits, GD&T, and standard mechanical design practices. The position supports equipment assembly, fabrication, testing, troubleshooting, revisions, installation, programming, and commissioning. The engineer works with controls engineers, general managers, and site leadership to establish requirements, goals, timelines, and success measures; coordinates consistent deployment of automation standards across locations; and provides hands-on installation and ramp-up support. The role also recommends technology and process improvements, replicates successful solutions across sites, and helps ensure projects are safe, on time, within scope, and sustainable. 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.
Knowledge of machine design, mechanisms, materials, tolerances, and manufacturing processes.
Experience or knowledge 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 and improve productivity.
Translate project concepts into practical, scalable automation solutions.
Develop 3D models, assemblies, and detailed manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
Select mechanical components, including bearings, actuators, pneumatics, linear motion components, 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 general managers and site leadership to understand project requirements and operational challenges.
Align on project goals, timelines, and success metrics before execution.
Ensure consistent deployment of automation standards across locations.
Coordinate with controls engineers and manufacturing sites to define project requirements.
Provide hands-on support during project installation and ramp-up.
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.
Travel to manufacturing facilities as required, approximately 10% or as project needs dictate.