Senior Automation Project Engineer

La-Z-Boy•Monroe, MI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position will lead and support automation projects that improve safety, quality, productivity, and operational efficiency across manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of automation initiatives, including concept development, equipment specification, project execution, commissioning, and continuous improvement activities. This role will collaborate with safety, R&D, manufacturing, maintenance, quality, and external suppliers to deliver innovative automation solutions aligned with business objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related technical field with 6-8 years of equipment design, automation engineering, and manufacturing system experience, or equivalent
Demonstrated experience leading automation projects in a manufacturing environment.
Collaborative, strong problem solving skills, and results driven.
Up to 25% travel or as required to support projects

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE) license.
Experience within furniture, consumer goods, automotive, or high-volume manufacturing environments.
SolidWorks 3D and/or AutoCAD experience developing mechanical parts, systems, and facility drawings

Responsibilities

Lead design and development for new automation and capital equipment projects.
Integrate robotics, vision systems, sensors, servo systems, and automated material handling equipment.
Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards, electrical codes, and company engineering standards.
Lead equipment installation, startup, validation, and acceptance activities.
Coordinate factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT).
Validate system performance against project objectives and operational requirements.
Participates in cross functional meetings, seminars, vendor trips, and training sessions to effectively investigate and evaluate new technology advancements and equipment developments.
Lead automation projects from concept through implementation.
Develop project scopes, technical specifications, schedules, budgets, and resource plans.
Manage project risks, milestones, and deliverables to ensure successful execution.
Coordinate activities with internal stakeholders, contractors, integrators, and equipment suppliers.
Provide regular project status updates and performance metrics to leadership.
Manage automation vendors, system integrators, and contractors.
Ensure projects meet safety, quality, performance, and financial objectives.
Develop and maintain project documentation, control narratives, equipment standards, and operating procedures.
Create training materials and provide technical training to maintenance and production personnel.
Ensure engineering documentation is accurate, current, and properly archived.
Provide advanced troubleshooting support for new automation production equipment and controls systems.
Analyze recurring equipment failures and implement permanent corrective actions.
Improve machine uptime, throughput, reliability, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Identify opportunities to reduce labor content through automation and process improvements.
Support modernizing manufacturing initiatives.
Utilize data collection and analytics tools to drive performance improvements.
Champion standardization of controls hardware, software, and engineering practices across facilities.
Serve as a subject matter expert in automation engineering and automation technologies.
Mentor engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel.