Sr. Automation Engineer

Westlake•Salisbury, NC

About The Position

The Senior Automation Engineer will drive automation strategy and execution across building products manufacturing operations. The role executes automation projects from concept through commissioning and startup, improves plant safety and performance, and partners with engineering, operations, IT, and manufacturing teams to implement practical, high-impact solutions across multiple sites. It combines office and plant-floor work in an industrial environment, with approximately 40–50% travel. Candidates must be comfortable using required PPE.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
10+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
5+ years of experience in automation, capital project management, engineering design, and equipment integration.
Hands-on knowledge of PLC/HMI programming, ladder logic, and industrial robotics such as FANUC, ABB, or KUKA.
Strong project leadership, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
Experience with project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk assessment, and technical documentation.
Comfort working in an industrial environment and using required PPE.

Nice To Haves

AutoCAD experience.

Responsibilities

Lead automation projects from concept and design through installation, commissioning, and startup.
Develop solutions that improve safety, reliability, productivity, and operational efficiency.
Partner with engineering, manufacturing, IT, and project teams to identify automation and AI opportunities.
Manage project scope, schedule, budget, risk, and stakeholder communication.
Perform feasibility studies and technical assessments to support engineering decisions.
Troubleshoot complex issues and provide post-implementation support.
Provide technical guidance and training to plant teams.
Collaborate with production teams to identify and implement process improvements through automation.