Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Saronic Technologies•Brownsville, TX

About The Position

The Manufacturing Automation Engineer identifies, develops, and implements automation solutions across Port Alpha’s shipyard production processes, including plate cutting and profiling, panel and sub-assembly fabrication, robotic welding, block assembly, blast and paint, outfitting, material handling, and test. The role aims to improve throughput, quality, repeatability, safety, and cost efficiency, and serves as the primary technical owner for automation projects from concept through production launch. The engineer partners with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain, and works with Saronic’s central automation and software teams to align Port Alpha’s automation architecture, controls standards, and MES integration with company-wide approaches while addressing large-structure steel shipbuilding requirements. The role is part of Shipyard Optimization (Robotics & Autonomous Build) and contributes to designing products and processes for scalable automated production. After implementation and production stabilization, system ownership transitions to Port Alpha Manufacturing Engineering for sustaining support and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in manufacturing automation, process engineering, or production equipment development.
Experience implementing automated manufacturing systems in high-volume, heavy fabrication, or advanced manufacturing environments.
Strong understanding of industrial automation systems, including robotics, PLCs, HMIs, sensors, pneumatics, servo systems, and machine vision.
Experience with manufacturing process development, PFMEA, validation methodologies, and production launch activities.
Ability to interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and process flow documentation.
Experience managing external automation vendors and integrators.
Strong project management and cross-functional communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with robotic welding, automated panel lines, plate cutting and profiling, or other large-structure automation in shipbuilding or heavy fabrication.
Experience with automated assembly, test automation, or robotic material handling systems.
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and statistical process control methodologies.
Experience with controls programming, robot programming, or industrial networking.
Knowledge of MES integration, traceability systems, and smart factory/Industry 4.0 concepts.
Experience in shipbuilding, aerospace, automotive, robotics, electronics, or advanced manufacturing industries.
PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or automation-related certifications.

Responsibilities

Identify manufacturing operations and workflows suitable for automation based on safety, quality, throughput, ergonomic, and cost considerations.
Develop automation roadmaps and business cases supporting production scaling objectives and the Port Alpha Production Systems Roadmap.
Evaluate and recommend automation technologies, including robotics, machine vision, PLC-controlled systems, automated assembly and welding equipment, material handling systems, and test automation.
Lead feasibility studies, cycle-time analyses, and ROI assessments for automation initiatives.
Partner with Design Engineering to ensure vessels and structures are designed for manufacturability and automation (DFMA/DFA).
Provide design feedback on tolerances, joining methods, part presentation, fixturing, assembly sequence, and inspection requirements.
Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering and Shipyard Optimization to define scalable production architectures and standardized automation strategies suited to facility layout and flow.
Own automation projects from concept development through equipment commissioning and production launch.
Define equipment specifications, statements of work, acceptance criteria, and validation plans for integrators and vendors.
Manage automation suppliers and system integrators through design, build, FAT, SAT, installation, and startup.
Coordinate equipment integration with facility infrastructure, MES systems, quality systems, and production controls.
Develop and execute process validation plans, capability studies, and production readiness reviews.
Support pilot builds, process debugging, and ramp-to-rate activities during production launch.
Establish documentation packages, including work instructions, preventive maintenance requirements, spare parts lists, control plans, and troubleshooting guides.
Train Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, and Asset Reliability & Facility Operations teams on system functionality and maintenance requirements.
Transition stable production systems to Manufacturing Engineering for sustaining support and continuous improvement.
Drive improvements in OEE, yield, uptime, cycle time, and labor efficiency through automation initiatives.
Standardize automation design practices, controls architecture, and equipment specifications across production lines and Saronic manufacturing sites.
Support root-cause investigations and corrective actions related to automated systems during launch phases.
Stay current with emerging manufacturing automation technologies and industry best practices, including shipbuilding-specific automation.

Benefits

Medical insurance; Saronic pays 100% of the employee premium and 80% of dependent premiums.
Dental and vision insurance; Saronic pays 100% of the basic-plan employee premium and 80% of dependent premiums.
Generous paid time off and holidays.
Paid maternity and paternity leave.
Competitive salary with opportunities for performance-based bonuses.
401(k) plan with company match.
Stock options.
Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
Discounted pet insurance options, including a 24/7 telehealth helpline.
Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office.