
Automation Engineer
ZEISS Group • Wixom, Michigan, United States
Role & seniority: Automation Engineer; technical lead on projects; mid-to-senior level (5+ years PLC programming)
Stack/tools: PLCs (Allen Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, Turck, Modicon, Mitsubishi); HMIs; electrical schematics; AutoCAD/E-CAD; MS Office; programming languages (C, C++, Python) as nice-to-have; CAD (SolidWorks/AutoCAD); robotics (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, UR)
Top 3 responsibilities
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Lead controls architecture; design, develop, and implement standard and turnkey automation systems; manage the complete controls package
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Collaborate with sales/customers to define requirements, provide quotes, estimates, and ensure validated solutions
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Troubleshoot, support, document (change control, operator manuals), and provide on-site testing/training and remote/customer support
Must-have skills: Bachelor's in Engineering (EE/CE) or 5+ years programming; 5+ years PLC programming experience; knowledge of NEC/UL508A; hands-on electro-mechanical wiring and troubleshooting; experience with HMIs and machine protocols; ability to read/draw electrical schematics; AutoCAD/E-CAD proficiency; willingness to travel 15–30%
Nice-to-haves: CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) proficiency; programming in C/C++, Python; experience with robotics systems; manufacturing quality/metrology knowledge; strong communication and teamwork
Location & work type: Full-time role with travel; likely US-based with opportunities to support international projects; 15–30% travel to customer sites
Full Description
About Us: How many companies can say they’ve been in business for over 177 years?! Here at ZEISS, we certainly can! As the pioneers of science, ZEISS handles the everchanging environments in a fast-paced world, meeting it with cutting edge of technologies and continuous advancements. ZEISS believes that innovation and technology are the key to a sustainable future and solutions for global change. We have a diverse range of portfolios throughout the ZEISS family in segments like, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, Consumer Markets and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. We are a global company with over 42,000 employees and have over 4,000 in the US and Canada alone! Make a difference, come join the team! What’s the role? Automation Engineers lead the development and implementation of both standard and custom (“turnkey”) automation systems. They serve as Technical Leads on projects, owning controls architecture, system logic, and power management, while supporting all phases from concept to commissioning. The role requires collaboration with sales, internal teams, external suppliers, and customers to design, implement, validate, and troubleshoot automation solutions. Sound Interesting? Here’s what you’ll do: Collaborate with customers and sales to define controls requirements (safety, HMI, programming templates). Deliver pricing and timing estimates for quoting. Design and develop automation systems (hardware, software, documentation). Implement control system designs and manage the complete controls package. Troubleshoot functional and diagnostic issues; determine corrective and preventive actions. Follow change control and documentation standards (e.g., e-plan) and supply materials to Germany. Develop operator instruction manuals. Support internal teams, external integrators, and on-site technical personnel. Provide remote troubleshooting and phone support to customer maintenance teams. Travel to customer sites for system testing, acceptance, and technical training. Do you qualify? Education & Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (EE/CE preferred) or equivalent experience (including 5 years of relevant programming experience). 5+ years of experience programming PLCs such as Allen Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, Turck, Modicon, or Mitsubishi. Strong understanding of NEC, UL508A, GCCH, and GCCS standards. Strong aptitude for electro-mechanical systems, with hands-on electrical wiring, debugging, and troubleshooting experience. Experience working with HMIs and machine communication protocols. Ability to create and interpret electrical schematics, preferably using AutoCAD. Willingness and ability to travel 15–30%. Proficiency in E-CAD, E-plan, and MS Office. Knowledge of linear controls (PID loops). Preferred Skills: Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD). Experience with classical programming languages (C, C++, Python). Experience with robotic systems (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, UR). Knowledge of manufacturing quality/metrology systems. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Strong team player, able to collaborate across the organization. We have amazing benefits to support you as an employee at ZEISS! Medical Vision Dental 401k Matching Employee Assistance Programs Vacation and sick pay The list goes on! Your ZEISS Recruiting Team: Maria Khalil Zeiss provides Equal Employment Opportunity without unlawful regard to an Applicants race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, citizen status, sexual orientation, pregnancy (includes childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), genetic predisposition, carrier status, gender expression or identity, including transgender identity, or any other class or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law of the employee (or the people with whom the employee associates, including relatives and friends). Step out of your comfort zone, excel and redefine the limits of what is possible. That’s just what our employees are doing every single day – in order to set the pace through our innovations and enable outstanding achievements. After all, behind every successful company are many great fascinating people. In a spacious modern setting full of opportunities for further development, ZEISS employees work in a place where expert knowledge and team spirit reign supreme. All of this is supported by a special ownership structure and the long-term goal of the Carl Zeiss Foundation: to bring science and society into the future together. Join us today. Inspire people tomorrow. Diversity is a part of ZEISS. We look forward to receiving your application regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, philosophy of life, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity. Apply now! It takes less than 10 minutes.