Automation Process Equipment Engineer – B17 Finishing Expansion

Qnity•Newark, DE

About The Position

Qnity’s Global Automation Team is seeking an experienced Automation Process Equipment Engineer for the B17 Finishing Expansion Commissioning & Startup (C&SU) Team. The role supports startup of a newly constructed manufacturing facility and transfer of an existing constrained production process into a highly automated production environment. The engineer leads commissioning and startup of new process equipment and automation systems, helping ensure a safe, effective, and timely transition to commercial manufacturing operations. The expansion uses robotic pick-and-place systems, automated cutting cells, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated inspection systems (AIS), machine vision technologies, and integrated material handling systems. The engineer develops and executes commissioning and startup plans, coordinates equipment qualification, supports operational readiness, and drives continuous improvement of automation technologies. The role works closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, and external equipment suppliers, serving as a technical leader through startup, stabilization, and optimization of the new manufacturing area. Travel may be required during equipment fabrication, testing, installation, and startup phases.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Controls Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
At least 5 years of experience in manufacturing, automation, process equipment, or capital project execution.
Experience commissioning and starting up manufacturing equipment and automated production systems.
Experience supporting major capital projects, facility expansions, or production transfers.
Demonstrated success troubleshooting and optimizing automated manufacturing systems in a production environment.
Experience with industrial automation systems, controls integration, and automated process equipment.
Experience with robotics, machine vision, automated inspection systems, and material handling automation.
Understanding of PLC, HMI, motion control, and industrial networking systems.
Knowledge of equipment qualification, startup planning, FAT/SAT execution, and operational readiness processes.
Experience collaborating with OEMs, system integrators, and equipment suppliers.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams through startup and operational challenges.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to make sound technical decisions and solve problems in a fast-paced startup environment.
Ability to influence without direct authority and drive alignment across multiple organizations.
Ability to travel as required during equipment fabrication, testing, installation, and startup phases.

Nice To Haves

Experience with automated web-handling, converting, cutting, or discrete manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

Lead planning, execution, and completion of Commissioning and Startup (C&SU) activities for the B17 Finishing Expansion.
Develop commissioning, startup, turnover, and operational readiness plans for new process equipment and automation systems.
Coordinate startup activities across Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, and equipment suppliers.
Drive issue resolution during commissioning, startup, and process stabilization.
Support equipment acceptance, qualification, validation, and production ramp-up.
Ensure systems transition safely and effectively from project execution to operational ownership.
Provide technical leadership for robotic pick-and-place systems, automated cutting cells, AMRs, AIS, machine vision systems, automated material handling systems, and PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment.
Support integration and commissioning of controls, robotics, safety systems, and manufacturing execution interfaces.
Collaborate with equipment suppliers and engineering partners to resolve startup and performance issues.
Drive equipment reliability, performance optimization, and automation enhancements.
Serve as a key technical resource for transferring production from an existing constrained operation into the new facility.
Support construction completion, equipment installation, FAT/SAT execution, and startup readiness reviews.
Coordinate punch-list management, startup risk assessments, and mitigation activities.
Develop and maintain commissioning plans, startup procedures, troubleshooting guides, and operating standards.
Provide technical leadership across workstreams while aligning activities with project scope, schedule, and startup milestones.
Support EHS initiatives and promote a strong safety culture throughout project execution and startup.
Participate in Machine Risk Assessments (MRAs) and implementation of machine safeguarding solutions.
Support application of Qnity machine safety standards and startup safety reviews.
Ensure compliance with Management of Change (MOC) requirements and engineering standards.
Lead safe startup practices and operational readiness evaluations before production launch.