Automation Engineer

Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. What does that mean? Well, we pump peanut butter into your jar, and the oil in your car. We glue the soles of your shoes, the glass in your windows and the screen on your phone. We spray the finish on your vehicle, coatings on your pills, the paint on your house and texture on your walls. Graco is part of your daily life.

Where You’ll Work – Contractor Equipment Division (CED)

The Contractor Equipment Division makes sprayers that apply paint to walls and other structures, with product models for users ranging from do-it-yourself homeowners to professional paint contractors. Contractor equipment also includes sprayers that apply texture to walls and ceilings, highly viscous coatings to roofs, and line markings on roads, parking lots, athletic fields and floors.

The future of CED is bright, with significant investments being made across the business; the division is expanding to accommodate increased demand and growth driven by an investment in new products and innovative ideas. With the global industry ramping up into high gear, CED is positioned to convert contractors accustomed to manually applying paint and other coatings by brush-and-roller to spray technology.

Ready to join us?

AUTOMATION ENGINEER

Job Purpose
Under limited supervision and with minimal technical guidance, the Automation Engineer will identify cost savings opportunities, design and develop automated processes, work cells, and equipment.  Coordinate and lead cross-functional teams to optimize team efficiency.  Manage multiple projects/tasks and prioritize actions in support of manufacturing objectives.

Essential Duties

• Plan, execute, and report priorities including all automated process design.

• Maintain compliance with all pertinent safety regulations including, but not limited to, OSHA, ANSI, ISO, and RIA.

• Develop and maintain operational standards and operational layouts

• Project budget estimates.

• React to changing priorities.

• Demonstrate initiative to learn industry and project requirements, and to utilize new technologies to solve problems.

• Record keeping and machine documentation related to; operator and machine safety, preventative/predictive maintenance, and general repair.

• Provide electrical, mechanical, and robotic support necessary to keep all Company production equipment in good working order.

• Support Automation Technicians and Maintenance Mechanics.  

• Evaluate upgrades for various equipment

• Monitor equipment performance and perform systematic performance analysis to drive improvements on equipment reliability, availability, throughput, and cost of ownership.

• Communication liaison between engineering, production, Information Systems, Purchasing, Cell Leader, etc.

• Collaborates efforts with team members and works as a team player and/or leader.

• Provide technical assistance.

• Provide hands-on problem resolutions.

• Report and facilitate correction of out-of-specification conditions.

• Determine the proper processes.

• Select and implement proper fixturing and tooling for machining and/or assembly job.

• Perform capital equipment justification as needed.

• Plan and implement preventive and corrective actions for reducing scrap, rework, and downtime.

• Research and implement new technological ideas to keep the production processes continuously improving.

• Recommend and implement process improvements.

• Maintain a productive, efficient, and team-oriented work environment.

• Follow all required safety guidelines and utilize the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Mentor Automation technicians.

• Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements
 
Education & Experience

• B.S. Degree in a related engineering field (Mechanical, Industrial, etc.)

• 3-5 years automation/manufacturing experience with demonstrated ability to produce results per project schedules and cost targets.  

• 3-5 years of experience with, or a combination of, electrical controls, PLCs, robotics and vision systems.

• 40 hours of (field related) continuing education per year (this will be ongoing through onsite training, outside seminars, and training).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to disassemble equipment, diagnose problems, and reassemble in a proficient manner.

• Highly proficient working knowledge of a variety of electronic controls.

• Install, maintain, and repair robotic and automated systems.

• Inspect work for conformance to blueprints, specifications, and standards.

• Develop preventive maintenance plan based on equipment documentation and experience for automation equipment.

• Understand safety rules and regulations to prevent unsafe set-ups, operations, or acts, which might cause injury to self, others, or the environment.

• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude.

• Knowledge and practical experience with pneumatics, sensors, and hydraulics.

• Self-directed with the ability to work independently, and as a team.

• Ability to take work direction and complete tasks in an organized and timely manner.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Excellent ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize actions to support management directives.

• Ability to lead and instruct co-workers in a manner that promotes teamwork.

• Travel 5%

#LI-KE1

At Graco, you truly make a difference. Your unique talents contribute to our organizational growth and future. Not only do you make a difference, but Graco’s culture empowers employees to create their own career path. Whether you choose to advance within your current department or explore new opportunities in different divisions, you have the ability to build your future. Our managers are here to provide support and guidance as you continue to grow within your career.

Graco has excellent opportunities available to individuals who want to be part of a fast-moving, growing company that is committed to quality, innovation and solving fluid handling problems for our customers. Graco is proud to be named a Best Place to Work by Fortune Magazine in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021 & 2022. Graco offers attractive compensation, benefits and career development opportunities. Graco’s comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, stock purchase plan, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more.

Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment and eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.