Description

Position Title: Automation Engineer

Reports To: Director, Manufacturing Technologies

Department: Manufacturing Technologies

FLSA Status: Exempt

Scope of Role: Individual Contributor

Version Date:  2024.04.03

Job Code: AutEng

Job Grade: TBD

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Automation Engineer is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and improving operational efficiency and productivity of automation processes in manufacturing. 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Collaborate with staff in key functional areas such as manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, service, facilities maintenance & safety to determine the most appropriate process(es) to reduce cost and improve manufacturing quality.

· Develop new and updated automation processes and oversee their implementation.

· Train Automation Technicians in the operation of production equipment.

· Work closely with Automation Technicians to maintain a highly automated system. This role may be required to perform high skill required maintenance activities and provide training to technicians for low skill required maintenance activities.

· Create and manage process documentation and operating instructions for all products.

· Investigate, diagnose, and quickly troubleshoot any problems that arise with production automation processes, procedures, and operations while ensuring minimal downtime.

· Interact with suppliers regarding the automated production process(es) and identify potential vendors for components and services.

· Collect data for analysis to uncover areas for improvement and innovation.

· Collaborate with colleagues to determine cost projections, reductions and run times.

· Work to minimize operating costs and keep time and budget limitations in check.

· Execute risk assessments and communicate results to appropriate parties.

· Work in conjunction with all departments and customers to support new products and new manufacturing technology platforms in operations.

· Ensure compliance within Company and industry standards.

· Work as part of an interdisciplinary team to develop requirements and design specifications, as well as other design control documentation.

· Develop solutions to meet requirements, and design specifications, which may utilize one or more of the following disciplines:

o Mechanical design

o Electrical design (analog or digital)

o Pneumatic control

o Temperature control

· Develop Validation test protocols and execute Validation testing.

· Participate in design reviews.

· Suggest improvements in and adaptations to methodologies, processes, products, and systems related to relevant projects.

· Stays abreast of technical developments in the field of Automation Engineering.

Requirements

KEY COMPETENCIES

· Demonstrated problem solving skills.

· Excellent technical process engineering skills

· Strong analytical abilities

· Project Management expertise

· Strong interpersonal skills 

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

· Ability to work well independently and with a team.

· PLC and HMI knowledge. Allen-Bradley experience preferred.

· Industrial robotics knowledge. Kuka experience preferred.

· Knowledge of Good Documentation Practices

· Working knowledge of standard Process/Automation Engineering principles, theories and concepts and familiarity with other related disciplines

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering preferred, and 3 years’ experience in industrial automation / controls engineering; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Manufacturing experience required; cGMP and ISO 13485 experience preferred.
• Manufacturing process start-up experience preferred. 
• Validation experience preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma certification preferred.

PHYSICAL AND COGNITIVE DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· This position is primarily based out of the company Headquarters in Durham, NC. 

· This position may require travel up to 15%.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

· Complete all company required training that is specified for the role, as defined by our compliance and training processes and protocols, which may be job specific or corporate/compliance related.

• Listen and communicate using both verbal and written feedback. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Maintain a high level of consistent cognitive function.
• Perform consistent keyboarding/computer use in a typical office environment for extended periods of time, up to 8 hours per day.
• Frequently move about the office.
• Stoop, kneel or crouch when maneuvering the office and/or manufacturing environment.
• Sit/stand for extended periods of time, up to 8 hours a day.
• Perform work in manufacturing and/or scientific laboratory environments for extended periods of time, up to 8 hours per day.
• Lift up to 50lbs at times. 
• Be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or meet the requirements for a medical or religious exemption.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other duties, as assigned by their manager.