Automation Engineer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in North Carolina.

📋 Description

• Identify, develop, and implement scalable automation solutions for assembly processes such as feeding, orientation, insertion, crimping, joining, adjustment, marking, inspection, and testing.

• Evaluate current processes and establish the suitable level of automation: manual aids, semi-automatic, or fully automatic systems.

• Create automation concepts, process requirements, layouts, cycle time models, and technical documentation.

• Design modular, standard automation platforms that can be deployed across various locations.

• Collaborate with site engineering and operations teams to determine user requirements, process capability needs, and acceptance criteria.

• Prepare equipment specifications, Statements of Work, and Request for Quotation (RFQ) packages.

• Lead and engage in supplier design reviews.

• Oversee technical delivery through build, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), installation, Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), commissioning, and ramp-up.

• Integrate machine vision systems into assembly, inspection, and testing equipment.

• Define inspection requirements, including features, tolerances, lighting, optics, and reject handling protocols.

• Select, configure, and validate inspection solutions in collaboration with vision suppliers.

• Utilize controls fundamentals to assess machine designs and assist with troubleshooting.

• Advocate for reliable, maintainable designs, standard components, and preferred controls architectures.

• Take part in machine safety and risk assessment reviews.

• Analyze downtime, failures, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) data; lead root cause analysis and corrective actions.

• Develop business cases and capital justification packages that quantify labor, capacity, quality, safety, risk-reduction benefits, and return on investment (ROI).

• Assist in supplier identification, RFQ issuance, technical bid comparisons, and supplier selection processes.

• Support procurement activities, including purchase requisitions, technical clarifications, Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA) and Intellectual Property (IP) considerations, and milestone payment criteria.

• Apply Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and TEOA principles to eliminate waste prior to automation.

• Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping, standard work, mistake-proofing, and flow improvements.

• Work collaboratively with site teams and suppliers across multiple locations to deliver robust and scalable automation solutions.

⛳️ Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual.

• Ability to access export-controlled information.

• Willingness to travel 25%–50% domestically and internationally.

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, automation engineering, or process development within a production environment.

• Experience in small-component or precision assembly manufacturing.

• Proven experience in scoping, specifying, and delivering automation equipment with external machine builders or integrators.

• Demonstrated application of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.

• Preferred: experience in connector assembly or relay manufacturing.

• Preferred: hands-on experience with integrating vision systems such as Cognex or Keyence.

• Preferred: working knowledge of PLC platforms such as Rockwell, Siemens, or Beckhoff, along with servo and motion control, and robotics.

• Preferred: experience in building business cases and supporting capital equipment procurement.

• Preferred: background in Aerospace, Defense, Medical, or other regulated manufacturing sectors.

• Preferred: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher, or TEOA training.

• Preferred: familiarity with machine safety standards, risk assessment, and safety-related control systems.

• Preferred: exposure to digital manufacturing, machine connectivity, or OEE monitoring systems.

• Technical expertise in assembly automation and small-part handling.

• Experience in equipment specification, SOW and RFQ development, and technical bid evaluation.

• Knowledge of machine vision application and integration.

• Understanding of controls fundamentals: PLC, HMI, servo and motion, sensors, and industrial networks.

• Proficiency in equipment reliability, OEE analysis, and maintainability.

• Skills in root cause analysis and structured problem solving utilizing 8D, DMAIC, 5 Whys, and Fishbone methodologies.

• Experience in process validation, capability studies, PFMEA, and risk assessment.

• Ability to develop business cases and conduct ROI analysis.

• Familiarity with Lean tools including Value Stream Mapping (VSM), standard work, 5S, Single-Minute Exchange of Die (SMED), poka-yoke, and Kaizen.

🏝️ Benefits

• Health insurance.

• 401(k).

• Disability insurance.

• Life insurance.

• Employee stock purchase plan.

• Paid time off.

• Voluntary benefits.

• Incentive(s) as part of total compensation.