Senior Automation Engineer

Simple Staffing•Winston-Salem, NC

About The Position

The Senior Automation Engineer will design, develop, and implement advanced automation systems, including PLC programming, HMI/SCADA systems, robotics, vision systems, and electrical designs. This role requires technical expertise, project leadership, and client engagement to deliver turnkey solutions in regulated and non-regulated industries. The ideal candidate will drive innovation, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to strategic sales and industry thought leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field preferred but equivalent work experience is considered.
8+ years of experience in industrial automation, with expertise in PLC programming, HMI/SCADA, robotics, electrical design, and vision systems.
Proven track record of leading turnkey automation projects from design to commissioning.
Experience in regulated industries (e.g., pharmaceuticals) with knowledge of GAMP 5.
Ability to travel up to 25% (domestic).
Proficiency in PLCs (Siemens S7, Rockwell Studio 5000), HMI/SCADA (FactoryTalk, Ignition, Wonderware), and industrial networks (Modbus, Profibus, OPC UA).
Knowledge of electrical design (AutoCAD, UL508A, NFPA 70/79) and advanced control strategies (PID, predictive controls).
Experience with robotics (Fanuc, ABB, Yaskawa) and vision systems (Cognex, Keyence).
Strong communication, leadership, and client relationship management skills.
Ability to translate technical concepts into business value for stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degrees or certifications (e.g., PE, CAP, ISPE CPIP) are a plus.
At least one vendor-specific certification (e.g., Ignition Gold, Rockwell Automation Advanced, Cognex Advanced Vision) or niche certification (e.g., NFPA CESCP, ISPE GAMP).
Membership in ISA, IEEE, ISPE, or similar organizations is preferred.
Experience presenting at conferences or publishing technical papers is a plus.

Responsibilities

Design and Implementation: Lead the design, programming, and commissioning of control systems, including PLCs (e.g., Siemens S7, Rockwell Studio 5000), HMI/SCADA (e.g., FactoryTalk, Ignition, Wonderware), and industrial networks (e.g., Modbus, Profibus, OPC UA, Ethernet/IP).
Electrical Design: Develop power distribution, motor control (VFDs, servos, starters), and instrumentation circuits, ensuring compliance with UL508A, NFPA 70, and NFPA 79 standards.
Robotics and Vision Systems: Program robotic tasks (e.g., Fanuc, ABB, Yaskawa, UR) and implement advanced vision applications (e.g., Cognex, Keyence for pattern matching, defect detection, 3D inspection).
Validation and Documentation: Create and lead comprehensive validation packages (e.g., URS, FS, FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ/PQ) for regulated industries, adhering to GAMP 5 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 standards.
Innovation: Explore AI and machine learning applications for predictive maintenance and process optimization, staying ahead of industry trends.
System Architecture: Oversee end-to-end control system projects, from electrical design to field commissioning.
Team Leadership: Delegate tasks, mentor junior engineers, and provide technical reviews to ensure project success.
Process Improvement: Develop and refine company standards and processes, contributing to industry standardization groups (e.g., ISA, IEEE, ISPE).
Relationship Management: Act as a trusted advisor, managing client communications throughout the project lifecycle to ensure scope, schedule, and budget compliance.
Strategic Solutions: Lead client workshops to identify automation needs, propose solutions, and develop case studies to showcase project value.
Conflict Resolution: Handle scope changes, design discrepancies, or budget challenges with strong negotiation and emotional intelligence skills.
Proposal Development: Lead the creation and presentation of technical proposals, emphasizing ROI and business benefits to secure project bids.
Sales Strategy: Target specific industries (e.g., pharmaceuticals, manufacturing) and leverage client relationships to drive growth.
Client Retention: Develop strategies to retain clients and secure follow-up projects through upselling automation and validation services.
Networking: Build a professional network by attending trade shows (e.g., Automate, PACK EXPO, ISPE Annual Meeting) and contributing to forums or LinkedIn groups.
Thought Leadership: Publish technical articles or present at industry conferences (e.g., ISA Automation Conference) to establish expertise in industrial automation.