Automation Engineer - Electro/Mechanical

We are seeking a highly skilled and self-driven Automation Engineer-Electro/Mechanical with a strong mechanical engineering foundation to lead transformative innovations in manufacturing automation. This role focuses on identifying and deploying breakthrough mechanical solutions that enhance efficiency, scalability, and labor optimization—not routine maintenance or incremental improvement.

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in mechanical design, motion systems, and automation integration, and will collaborate closely with Controls Engineers to deliver fully integrated, intelligent manufacturing systems. A background in custom tooling, robotic integration, automated metal fabrication, and safety compliance is highly valued. Strong project management skills, vendor engagement experience, and a proactive, communicative approach are key to success in this role.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & System Integration

• Work closely with Controls Engineers to integrate mechanical solutions with PLCs, robotics, vision systems, and smart sensors for cohesive automation systems.
• Collaborate with Electrical, Manufacturing, and Product Development teams to ensure design feasibility, automation readiness, and system reliability.
• Act as a Manufacturing SME in new product development (NPD), providing guidance on design-for-manufacturability (DFM) and design-for-automation (DFA).

Tooling, Fabrication & Custom Machinery

• Design custom mechanical tooling and machinery for precision forming, assembly, and material movement.
• Apply knowledge of automated sheet metal fabrication (laser cutting, forming, bending, welding) and metal stamping, including progressive dies and tooling design.
• Deliver mechanical solutions incorporating hydraulic and pneumatic actuation as needed, consolidating where appropriate for performance and simplicity.

Vendor Management & External Collaboration

• Source and manage relationships with external vendors and equipment suppliers to support prototyping, tooling, and equipment integration.
• Evaluate vendor proposals, ensure compliance with specifications, and oversee quality and delivery of outsourced mechanical systems or components.

Project Management & Technical Leadership

• Lead R&D and automation implementation projects from concept through deployment, ensuring delivery on time and within scope.
• Utilize structured project management approaches such as Agile, KT (Kepner-Tregoe), or tools like MS Project and Jira to plan, track, and execute initiatives.
• Establish KPIs and use data-driven metrics to quantify system performance and guide continuous improvement.

Soft Skills & Personal Effectiveness

• Communicate effectively across multidisciplinary teams and leadership levels, translating complex engineering ideas into actionable insights.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills, the ability to prioritize effectively, and a self-motivated, results-driven work style.
• Promote a collaborative, hands-on engineering culture that values innovation, accountability, and continuous learning.

• Bachelor’s degree Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field required. 
• Minimum of 5 years experience in mechanical design, automation, or R&D, preferably in high-tech or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Proficient in CAD (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo), FEA, motion simulation, Emulate3d and mechanical system modeling.
• Strong knowledge of robotics integration, motion control, and automation technologies.
• Demonstrated success in tooling design for EOAT, pick-and-place systems, and custom machinery.
• Experience with automated metal fabrication and/or stamping processes is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with safety standards and machine guarding practices.
• Experience working with vendors and leading cross-functional technical projects.
• Proficiency in project management methods/tools (e.g., Agile, KT, MS Project, Jira).
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.