Mechatronics Support Engineer

AFL Telecommunications•Duncan, SC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Mechatronics Support Engineer serves as the primary technical liaison between Manufacturing, Maintenance, Process Engineering, and the Mechatronics Engineering organization. This role provides advanced troubleshooting, technical support, equipment optimization, and project execution assistance for complex manufacturing equipment. The Mechatronics Support Engineer is responsible for diagnosing and resolving complex mechanical, electrical, controls, motion, vision, and automation issues while driving equipment reliability, performance, maintainability, and operational effectiveness. This position works closely with Maintenance and Process Engineering teams to identify opportunities for improvement, implement sustainable corrective actions, and execute equipment upgrades and modernization initiatives. The successful candidate will possess substantial hands-on experience with complex manufacturing equipment and demonstrate a proven ability to improve machine performance through technical problem solving, equipment enhancements, and continuous improvement activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Electrical or Mechanical, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline; or an equivalent combination of advanced military technical training and progressive hands-on experience supporting, troubleshooting, and improving complex manufacturing or industrial automation equipment.
7 - 10+ years of demonstrated experience supporting, troubleshooting, improving, or maintaining complex manufacturing equipment.
Strong understanding of mechanical systems, electrical systems, industrial controls, and automation technologies.
Experience with PLC troubleshooting and programming including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, GE, or equivalent platforms.
Experience with HMI development and troubleshooting.
Experience with industrial networking architectures and communications protocols.
Experience with Variable Frequency Drives, servo systems, motion control, and machine synchronization.
Demonstrated success implementing machine upgrades, enhancements, and performance improvements.
Strong root cause analysis and structured problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with machine vision systems and intelligent sensors.
Experience utilizing CMMS systems and equipment reliability metrics.
Experience in cable manufacturing, wire manufacturing, telecommunications manufacturing, or other highly automated industrial environments.
Experience leading equipment modernization and obsolescence replacement projects.
Familiarity with predictive maintenance technologies and reliability engineering practices.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary engineering resource for advanced equipment troubleshooting and problem resolution.
Diagnose complex electrical, controls, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, vision, and motion control issues.
Support root cause analysis (RCA) efforts and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions, as assigned.
Provide technical support for chronic equipment issues, recurring downtime events, and process instability.
Support Maintenance personnel during major equipment failures and recovery efforts.
Escalate issues to Mechatronics Engineering leadership when additional engineering resources are required.
Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, SCADA, industrial networking, vision systems, motion control systems, and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs).
Assist in maintaining software backups, revision control, and documentation for supported equipment.
Support implementation of controls and automation improvements developed by the Mechatronics Engineering team.
Provide technical expertise on automation platforms including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, GE/RX3i, and related technologies.
Represent the Mechatronics Engineering department within Maintenance and Process Engineering activities.
Act as a technical liaison between Maintenance, Operations, Process Engineering, and Mechatronics Engineering.
Assist in prioritizing equipment improvement opportunities based on business impact.
Support operational excellence, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Participate in equipment performance reviews and improvement planning activities.
Mentor Maintenance Technicians, Engineering Technicians, and Process Technicians in troubleshooting methodologies and equipment operation.
Develop technical standards, troubleshooting guides, and best practices.
Conduct training related to controls systems, drives, vision systems, and machine operation. (OJT or classroom)