Senior Principal Automation Engineer – Advanced Manufacturing

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

📋 Description

• Act as a technical leader steering the advanced automation strategy and its implementation throughout manufacturing operations.

• Establish automation architecture standards and guide the development and rollout of scalable solutions.

• Discover and define automation opportunities.

• Create and validate solutions within laboratory environments.

• Oversee project execution, timelines, and financials until operational adoption.

• Utilize automation engineering expertise and collaborate with other departments to enhance manufacturing operations.

• Manage all project phases from concept development to deployment and adoption.

• Offer technical direction on complex automation architectures.

• Perform thorough safety risk assessments and implement layered safety controls.

• Organize, prioritize, and oversee multiple automation projects.

• Lead cross-functional teams to implement solutions in live production settings.

• Prioritize tasks and streamline team resources to meet deadlines.

• Stay updated on Industry 4.0 technologies and integrate them into project proposals.

• Provide expert advice on hands-on programming of automated control systems and robotics.

• Mentor engineers within the team and operations on developing and sustaining automated manufacturing systems.

• Engage with operations, management, and technical leadership regarding proposals and ongoing projects.

⛳️ Requirements

• A degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) is typically required, along with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience unless restricted by local laws/regulations.

• Hands-on experience with industrial robotics, with formal training on at least one major platform (e.g., FANUC).

• Familiarity with implementing and/or supporting PLC, SCADA, MES, and Industrial IoT (IIoT) solutions in a manufacturing setting.

• Preferred experience in automation architecture.

• Preferred background in aerospace, automotive, electronics, or other complex/regulated manufacturing environments.

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Automation, or Robotics is preferred.

• Business acumen and the ability to manage project budgets are preferred.

• Ability to collaborate across the organization both vertically and horizontally is preferred.

• Must be a U.S. Person.

• No security clearance is necessary.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.

• Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching and a separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option.

• Tuition reimbursement program.

• Student Loan Repayment Program.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Optional pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal services, and ID theft protection.

• Birth, adoption, and parental leave benefits.

• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning support.

• Adoption Assistance.

• Autism Benefit.

• Employee Assistance Plan, which includes up to 10 free counseling sessions.

• Healthy You Incentives wellness rewards program.

• Doctor on Demand virtual doctor visits.

• Bright Horizons child and elder care services.

• Teladoc Medical Experts second opinion program.

• Flexible work schedules.

• Employee Scholar Program.

• Paid time off and holidays.

• Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be available; payments are not guaranteed.

• Primarily remote work from home, with travel to the site location as necessary.