First Shift Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Positronic•Springfield, MO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

A Manufacturing Automation Engineer designs, builds, deploys, and validates custom automated assembly and test equipment for connector manufacturing. They program PLCs, integrate robotics and vision systems, and manage projects from concept to production ramp. This role ensures scalable, high-quality production under strict defense and aerospace standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Automation Engineering. (or equivalent technical field/experience).
2+ years of hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment.
Advanced proficiency in PLC and HMI programming.
Experience programming and machine vision systems.
ERP, CAD, and engineering tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Epicor, Microsoft Office).
Cross-functional communication and coordination.
Time and project management.
Technical writing and documentation.
Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution abilities.
Interpret technical documents and apply engineering standards.
Coordinate multi-phase engineering projects.
Maintain accuracy and detail under pressure.
Adjust to evolving production needs and constraints.
Evaluate cost, efficiency, and performance of systems and processes.
Manufacturing systems, materials, and quality control standards.
Strong understanding of engineering change management and document control.
Strong understanding of Process Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Design for Manufacturing/Assembly (DFMA), and process validation procedures.

Responsibilities

Own automation projects from conception through User Requirement Specifications (URS), vendor selection, FAT/SAT, and final production handover.
Program PLCs, HMIs, and safety systems; integrate robots/cobots and machine vision for automated guidance and 100% in-line inspection.
Architect automation for critical connector manufacturing processes.
Connect custom assembly and test equipment to MES/SCADA networks for data matrix serialization, statistical process control (SPC), and real-time OEE tracking.
Program network gateways and develop REST/MQTT APIs to bridge disparate industrial protocols with enterprise MES/ERP systems.
Build validation scripts to transform raw, noisy sensor telemetry into structured, time-series data for analytics.
Lead PFMEA, design reviews, and process validations (IQ/OQ/PQ) ensuring strict adherence to AS9100/ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards.
Troubleshoot chronic equipment downtime, reduce Mean Time to Repair (MTTR), and execute Kaizen, 5S, and SMED initiatives to improve yield and throughput.
Enforce electrical and machine safety standards, including ESD protocols, LOTO procedures, and safety PLC configurations.
Redesign existing legacy connectors and components to improve automated handling, alignment, and assembly while ensuring zero impact on form, fit, function, and strict mil-aero qualification requirements.
Uphold Positronic’s standards of integrity, quality, and operational excellence.
Identify hazards in the workplace and report them to management and/or the safety coordinator.
Collaborate with the EHS department to meet local, state, and federal regulatory requirements, including OSHA, NFPA, DNR, EPA, and Amphenol sustainability practices.
Work with the Quality department to ensure compliance with AS9100 certification standards.
Comply with all company policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned.