Senior Automation / Controls Engineer

Asterism IT Solutions•Florence, SC

5d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Senior Automation / Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, implementation, commissioning, and optimization of advanced automation and control systems within a manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on expertise in PLC programming, robotics, HMI, motion control, industrial networks, machine safety, and manufacturing system integration, along with experience leading automation projects from concept through production implementation.

Requirements

8+ years of experience in manufacturing automation, controls engineering, robotics integration, or industrial equipment development.
Strong experience leading automation capital projects from concept through production implementation.
Expert-level experience with: PLC programming
Controls architecture
Robot programming/integration
Machine safety
Manufacturing system integration
Experience working with production-critical equipment in high-volume or complex manufacturing environments.
Experience managing automation suppliers, system integrators, equipment builders, and technical service partners.
Strong troubleshooting, commissioning, debugging, and production-support experience.

Nice To Haves

Industrial Manufacturing
Factory Automation / Robotics
Automotive or Heavy Equipment Manufacturing
Material Handling
Complex Assembly Manufacturing

Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and deployment of automation and controls systems for manufacturing operations.
Develop and maintain PLC architecture, HMI applications, motion control systems, robotics, industrial networks, and machine safety solutions.
Lead automation projects from concept and technical specifications through commissioning and production stabilization.
Design controls architecture, define hardware specifications, establish programming standards, and support system validation.
Support industrial robot integration, programming, end-of-arm tooling, cell optimization, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
Collaborate with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, IT/OT, Supply Chain, and external suppliers.
Support equipment procurement, including technical specifications, supplier evaluations, technical reviews, FAT, SAT, and final acceptance.
Establish automation and controls standards focused on equipment reliability, maintainability, cybersecurity, and operational support.
Drive digital manufacturing initiatives involving IIoT, machine monitoring, data collection, remote diagnostics, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
Support new product introductions through process automation, equipment development, manufacturing system integration, and production readiness.
Identify productivity improvements through robotics, vision systems, automated material handling, error-proofing, and equipment modernization.
Analyze equipment performance and implement improvements to increase OEE, throughput, yield, and labor efficiency while reducing downtime.
Provide technical leadership during installation, startup, debugging, safety validation, commissioning, and production ramp-up.
Mentor engineers, technicians, and maintenance teams on automation, robotics, controls troubleshooting, and problem-solving practices.