Manufacturing Automation Engineer

HBD Industries • Asheville, NC

22h • Hybrid

About The Position

HBD Industries is seeking an Automation Project Engineer to implement automation projects across its manufacturing sites. This role is crucial for surgically deploying automation and will involve developing technical specifications, working with external integrators, and ensuring successful installation. As the primary engineer for these implementations, you will partner with an Automation Project Manager to achieve project goals. The role requires a hands-on approach and the ability to resolve complex technical issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Three (3) years of experience implementing industrial automation and robotics solutions.
• Demonstrated experience with robotic system programming and commissioning.
• Experience integrating automation systems into manufacturing environments.
• Experience troubleshooting electrical, mechanical, controls, and robotic systems.
• Experience leading technical execution of capital projects.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading automation deployments in factories with limited prior automation exposure, and limited manufacturing engineering resources.
• Experience in forging, machining, metal fabrication, industrial manufacturing, or heavy manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, TPM, and Continuous Improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate feasibility studies including technical, operational, safety, quality, and financial evaluations.
• Evaluate alternative technologies, concepts, and implementation approaches.
• Define system requirements, functional specifications, and performance criteria.
• Lead the acquisition and installation of automation equipment from initial concept through production stabilization.
• Manage equipment suppliers, system integrators, contractors, and technical consultants.
• Perform robot programming, path optimization, and process configuration.
• Support PLC integration, I/O validation, HMI configuration, and controls troubleshooting.
• Provide hands-on support at the factory during equipment installation and startup.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex automation-related technical issues.
• Diagnose and resolve robotic, electrical, mechanical, vision, controls, and integration problems.
• Analyze system performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Lead factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT).
• Ensure successful startup, commissioning, validation, and throughput achievement.

Benefits

• Consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level