Senior Design Automation Engineer

Precision Products Group • Fort Wayne, IN

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

PPG Precision Products Group (PPG) is a growing global leader in converting niche engineered materials for electrical, aerospace & defense, medical, and industrial markets. As a result of growth, we are introducing a new Sr. Automation Design Engineer role to strengthen and scale our operations across the enterprise. Precision Products Group operates across multiple company divisions and brands, which include Cindus Corporation, Paramount Tube, Breyden Products, Saylor Technical Products, and Euclid Medical. We seek a strategic yet hands-on engineering professional to lead the design, development, and implementation of automated systems and equipment used in the PPG manufacturing facilities. This role combines hands-on engineering design with technical leadership, supporting automation projects from concept through implementation. This role requires deep expertise in machine and system design, ability to translate business objectives into manufacturing requirements, and project management skills to lead the implementation of robust and scalable automation solutions. The Sr. Automation Design Engineer will be highly collaborative cross-functionally within the organization and is a critical resource for the company to achieve aggressive growth targets. This role will support critical processes of standardization, continuous improvement, and potentially mentoring less experienced engineers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design, preferably machine design.
• Experience with modern manufacturing technologies, controls design, PLC, HMI programming, and Servos & AC drives.
• Excellent analytical, data analysis, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven experience leading complex automation projects from concept through implementation, and ability to provide support to sustain the project.
• Proficiency in utilizing lean tools and six sigma methodologies.
• Experience designing equipment for high-reliability manufacturing environments.
• Strong working knowledge of industrial automation systems, including the role of PLCs, motion control, safety systems, robotics, vision systems, inspection automation, advanced sensing, and leveraging ERP systems for data integration and equipment optimization.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interface across technical and non-technical teams.
• Experience working within small-to-mid-sized companies that are PE-owned.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design of custom automated equipment and production systems.
• Translate manufacturing requirements, cycle time targets, quality criteria, and safety standards into effective automation solutions.
• Develop system architectures integrating mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, robotic, and controls elements.
• Perform feasibility studies, trade-off analyses, and cost-benefit evaluation for automation concepts.
• Define system layouts, equipment footprints, ergonomic considerations, and maintenance access requirements.
• Produce and oversee the creation of 3D CAD models, assembly drawings, fabrication drawings, design layouts, BOMs, and tolerance application.
• Specify and select automation hardware including motors, drives, actuator, gearboxes, sensors, vision systems, instrumentation, and robotics.
• Ensure designs meet performance, reliability, maintainability, and cost targets.
• Ensure all automation systems comply with applicable safety and regulatory standards, including: OSHA, ANSI, ISO, UL, and customer-specific requirements.
• Lead and participate in risk assessments, safety reviews, FMEAs, hazard analyses, machine safeguarding, and LOTO design.
• Support validation and documentation required for audits and certifications.
• Provide technical oversight during equipment fabrication, assembly, and testing.
• Lead and support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and installation and commissioning activities.
• Troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, and controls issues during initial startup.
• Support production ramp-up and stabilization following launch and ongoing support as needed to ensure machine up-time.
• Develop and review operation manuals, maintenance documentation, and training materials.
• Serve as the technical lead on automation projects and owning technical scope, design quality, engineering schedules, and deliverables.
• Coordinating with manufacturing engineering, operations, quality, supply chain, and organizational leadership.
• Collaboration with machined, lasered, and purchased parts suppliers.
• Supporting supplier selection, technical review, and design buy-offs.
• Managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining engineering rigor and deadlines.
• Provide mentorship and support to others within the organization, including junior engineers, production engineers, and maintenance support.
• Develop best practices, implement design reviews, and identification of standards adherence throughout the engineering functions.
• Support and contribute to the development of engineering standards, design guidelines, and reusable modules.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, up-time, standardization across automation platforms, cost reduction, cycle times, and overall system efficiency.
• Support continuous improvement efforts and projects within operations.
• Coordinate with finance on capital planning initiatives, cost savings projects, data collection, and enhanced project/impact analysis.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Robust benefits options (PPO and HSA options)
• 401K with company match
• Highly engaged culture that recognizes and rewards high performance
• Opportunities for career progression and to make immediate impacts on our business.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior