Systems Automation / Robotics Engineer

We are seeking a hands-on Systems Automation / Robotics Engineer to lead the evaluation, design, and implementation of industrial automation solutions across multiple manufacturing facilities. This role focuses on packaging automation, robotic handling systems, and process improvement, working closely with operations and maintenance teams to transform manual processes into efficient, reliable automated systems.

This is not a desk-only engineering role. You will spend time on the production floor troubleshooting equipment, collaborating with vendors, and guiding automation projects from concept through installation and launch.

Key Responsibilities

Automation & Robotics Implementation

• Identify manual or labor-intensive processes and develop automation solutions.

• Evaluate, specify, and integrate robotic systems such as:

  • Pick-and-place robotic arms

  • Gantry and Cartesian systems

  • Case packing, palletizing, and packaging automation

• Work with equipment suppliers and integrators to design and deploy automation cells.

• Support commissioning, startup, and performance optimization of new equipment.

Manufacturing & Operations Support

• Work closely with operations and maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability.

• Troubleshoot automation-related downtime and recurring production issues.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across production lines.

Project Ownership

• Develop project scopes, budgets, timelines, and ROI justification.

• Manage purchasing and vendor relationships for automation equipment.

• Build clear execution plans for new automation initiatives and production expansions.

• Oversee installation and implementation across multiple manufacturing locations.

Cross-Site Engineering Support

• Serve as an automation resource across several manufacturing facilities.

• Travel to support project rollouts, troubleshooting, and training.

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in manufacturing automation or industrial equipment integration.

• Hands-on experience with packaging or material-handling automation.

• Experience working with robotic systems such as pick-and-place arms, gantries, or palletizers.

• Strong manufacturing engineering background with the ability to troubleshoot equipment on the production floor.

• Experience leading automation projects from concept through deployment.

• Ability to collaborate directly with operations and maintenance teams.

• Comfortable managing vendors, equipment purchasing, and project budgets.

• Willingness to travel up to 25%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in packaging or high-volume manufacturing environments.

• Familiarity with PLC-controlled equipment (Rockwell / Allen-Bradley exposure helpful).

• Experience with conveyors, sensors, vision systems, or servo motion systems.

• Ability to quickly assess production needs and develop automation equipment plans.

• Background in automotive or other high-volume manufacturing automation environments.

Soft Skills

• Hands-on, practical problem solver.

• Comfortable balancing project work and operational support.

• Strong communication across engineering, operations, and leadership.

• Adaptable in a fast-growing manufacturing environment.

Why This Opportunity

• Newly created role with high visibility and ownership.

• Direct impact on the organization’s automation strategy.

• Opportunity to design and implement scalable automation across multiple plants.

• Work alongside a small, collaborative engineering team.

• Stable, growing manufacturing business investing heavily in automation.