Mechanical Automation Specialist

DuPont•Wilmington, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Mechanical Automation Specialist supports DuPont’s Shelter manufacturing sites by improving the reliability, safety, and productivity of automated packaging and finishing equipment. The role works closely with Operations, Reliability Maintenance, Technology Implementation Leads, and Packaging Specialists to sustain equipment, troubleshoot complex issues, and advance practical manufacturing improvements. The specialist applies mechatronics and system-level expertise to investigate automation failures, document corrective actions, and develop reliability practices for use across the network. The role also manages maintenance programs, replacement component integration and qualification, facility readiness, vendor relationships, and automation improvement projects. This position combines hands-on problem-solving with cross-functional collaboration, project scoping, and coaching to strengthen automation capabilities across the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
At least 5 years of experience in a Manufacturing or Engineering function within a similar industry.
Experience sustaining and maintaining finishing and packaging equipment, including hooders, wrappers, robotic systems, and PLC systems, in a live operating environment.
Hands-on experience troubleshooting, debugging, integrating, calibrating, and validating electromechanical systems involving actuators and sensors.
Experience with mechanical actuators, motors, and electrical sensor integration.
Experience with packaging equipment and/or equipment design.
Knowledge of robotics, such as FANUC, and PLC control software and hardware.
Knowledge and experience with applicable machine safety standards.
Experience applying Lean problem-solving methods, including A3 and Kaizen.
Experience managing people and leading work teams.
Willingness and ability to work on-site and travel across the plant network up to 50%.

Nice To Haves

Bias for action and comfort using data and technical judgment to make decisions.
Enjoyment of investigating challenging technical and operational problems, including ambiguous situations.
Interest in identifying opportunities to improve existing processes and equipment.
Ability to bring different functions together to advance improvement initiatives.
Enjoyment of coaching, mentoring, and sharing technical knowledge.
Ability to balance hands-on problem-solving with scoping and advancing larger automation and capital improvement opportunities.

Responsibilities

Own sustaining operations for finishing and packaging equipment, including hooders, wrappers, and robotic systems, to maintain uptime and throughput.
Perform root cause analysis of robotic subsystems and automation failures and drive continuous improvement.
Document root cause analyses, corrective actions, and mitigations for critical issues, and develop reliability playbooks for network use.
Integrate, qualify, calibrate, and document replacement solutions for end-of-life hardware and software components.
Establish and manage preventive and predictive maintenance programs to reduce unplanned downtime and extend equipment life.
Oversee facility inspections, repairs, and upgrades to maintain order and operational readiness.
Manage automation vendors and service partners, including spare parts, warranties, service-level performance, retrofits, and equipment upgrades.
Help ensure packaging and finishing equipment across Shelter manufacturing sites operates reliably and complies with machine safety requirements.
Partner with Operations and Reliability Maintenance to troubleshoot automated equipment, solve problems, and lead root cause investigations.
Identify and lead automation improvement projects aligned with site safety and productivity goals.
Collaborate across site functions to turn technical opportunities into practical improvements.
Work with Technology Implementation Leads to scope capital projects and enter opportunities into the BTIP tool for prioritization and execution.
Partner with Corporate Packaging Specialists to incorporate equipment and process improvements into manufacturing operations.
Apply Lean approaches, including A3 and Kaizen, to day-to-day challenges.
Coach and mentor others and help strengthen automation capabilities across the organization.