Senior Automation Engineer

The Senior Automation Engineer will work on a team to drive new product development from concept to deployment.  This role will focus on conceiving, designing, developing, programing, and maintaining innovative machinery that may include robotics, mechatronics, inspection, sortation, packaging, storage, material handling or other hardware solutions.

This is an onsite role in our La Vergne TN office.

What will be my duties and responsibilities in this job?

• Control system and/or robot programming
• Create original detailed designs of unusual and complex machinery utilizing engineering software with limited direction from leadership
• Applications development, requirements gathering, concept generation, architecture creation, and specification writing
• Support the project management team by leading design reviews, creating schedules, tracking project costs, and estimating budgets
• Provide training and guidance to lower-level engineers
• Technical writing of machinery manuals and operating procedures
• Manage bill-of-materials (BOMs), select vendors, obtain quotes, create purchase requests, and inspect received components
• Direct the construction, initialization, setup, and installation of machinery
• Lead facility/site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT)
• Lead troubleshooting of machinery in operation
• Create and maintain standards for machine design, programming, and documentation

What are the requirements needed for this position?

• 5+ years of experience in the design and implementation of automated equipment
• 7+ years PLC Programming: Expertise in writing control programs for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) using ladder logic, structured text, function block diagrams, or other relevant IEC languages
• 7+ years Industrial Automation Protocols: Proficiency in communication protocols like EtherNet/IP, Profibus, or DeviceNet for data exchange between PLCs and other devices
• 7+ years Electrical Engineering Fundamentals: Solid understanding of electrical principles, including power distribution, motor control, and safety considerations
• 7+ years Safety: Experience with machine safety systems, ISO standards, RIA 15.06, and similar OSHA requirement
• 7+ years Troubleshooting & Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to diagnose and resolve control system issues efficiently
• 5+ years Motion Control: Understanding of servo and stepper motor principles, along with the ability to design and program motion control systems
• 5+ years Mechatronics: A combination of mechanical, electrical, and control system knowledge, allowing for a holistic understanding of the automated machinery
• 3+ years Robotics Fundamentals: Understanding of robot kinematics, dynamics, and programming for integrating robotic elements into the system
• 3+ years Machine Vision: Knowledge of machine vision systems, including camera selection, image processing, and applying them for automated inspection or object recognition
• 3+ years Project Management: Ability to manage control system projects from design to implementation, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk mitigation
• 1+ years SCADA/HMI Development: Experience in designing and implementing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for operator interaction
• Communication & Teamwork: Excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with engineers, technicians, and other stakeholders

What other skills/experience would be helpful to have?

• BS in ME, EE, Automation, or Related Field or equivalent experience
• Experience with conventional programing languages, including: Python, C#, C++, Visual Basic and others
• Cybersecurity Awareness: Understanding of cybersecurity principles to implement secure communication protocols and protect control systems from cyberattacks
• Version Control Systems: Familiarity with version control systems like Git to manage code changes and ensure project traceability
• Project Management Tools: Proficiency in project management software like MS Project or similar tools for efficient project planning and execution
• Data Acquisition & Analysis: Familiarity with data acquisition techniques and tools for analyzing sensor data and optimizing system performance
• Project Documentation & Report Writing: Ability to create clear and concise technical documentation and reports for control system designs, troubleshooting procedures, and project deliverables
• Experience with B&R, Allen Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, or other industrial PLC products
• Experience with Kuka, Fanuc, ABB, Yaskawa or other industrial robotics products
• Experience with Cognex, Keyence, Basler or other industrial v