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Sr. Automation Engineer

Westlake Salisbury, North Carolina, United States

onsitefull-time
Posted Aug 20, 2026Apply by Sep 19, 2026

**Role & seniority: ** Senior Automation Engineer (10+ years experience); leads automation strategy and execution for manufacturing operations across multiple sites.

**Stack/tools: **

  • PLC/HMI programming; ladder logic

  • Industrial robotics: FANUC / ABB / KUKA

  • Industrial automation equipment integration

  • Project planning/scheduling/budgeting/risk assessment; technical documentation

  • AutoCAD (nice-to-have)

  • Top 3 responsibilities:

    • Lead automation projects end-to-end (concept/design → installation → commissioning/startup).

    • Deliver improvements to safety, reliability, productivity, and operational efficiency; assess feasibility and technical options.

    • Collaborate with engineering, operations, IT, and manufacturing; troubleshoot complex issues and provide post-implementation support/training.

  • Must-have skills:

    • Hands-on manufacturing engineering background (5+ years automation/capital projects/equipment integration).

    • Strong PLC/HMI and ladder logic capability; robotics integration experience.

    • Project leadership covering scope/schedule/budget/risk and stakeholder communication.

    • Troubleshooting complex automation systems; ability to support plant-floor execution.

  • Nice-to-haves:

    • AutoCAD experience.
  • Location & work type:

    • Office + plant-floor work; requires industrial PPE.

    • Travel ~30–40%.

Full Description

We are seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to help drive automation strategy and execution across our building products manufacturing operations. In this role, you will lead automation projects from concept through commissioning, improve plant safety and performance, and partner cross-functionally with engineering, operations, IT, and manufacturing teams to implement practical, high-impact solutions. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineer who thrives in a hands-on manufacturing environment and wants to make a meaningful impact across multiple sites.

What You’ll Do Lead automation projects from concept and design through installation, commissioning, and startup. Develop solutions that improve safety, reliability, productivity, and operational efficiency. Partner with engineering, manufacturing, IT, and project teams to identify automation and AI opportunities. Manage scope, schedule, budget, risk, and stakeholder communication. Perform feasibility studies and technical assessments to support sound engineering decisions. Troubleshoot complex issues and provide post-implementation support. Provide technical guidance and training to plant teams.

What We’re Looking For Bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. 10+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment. 5+ years of experience in automation, capital project management, engineering design, and equipment integration. Hands-on knowledge of PLC/HMI programming, ladder logic, and industrial robotics such as FANUC, ABB, or KUKA. Strong project leadership, troubleshooting, and communication skills. Experience with project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk assessment, and technical documentation. AutoCAD experience is a plus.

Why Join Us This is an opportunity to take on visible, high-impact work in a hands-on manufacturing environment. You’ll partner with cross-functional teams, help shape automation strategy across multiple sites, and play a key role in driving meaningful operational improvement.

Work Environment & Travel This role includes both office and plant-floor work. Travel is expected approximately 30–40%, and candidates should be comfortable working in an industrial environment and using required PPE. If you enjoy solving complex manufacturing challenges and leading impactful automation projects, we encourage you to apply.

PLC ProgrammingHMI ProgrammingIndustrial RoboticsCapital Project ManagementEngineering DesignEquipment IntegrationLadder LogicAutoCADProject LeadershipTroubleshootingTechnical DocumentationRisk AssessmentBudget ManagementCommissioningFeasibility StudiesStakeholder Communicationmulti-location

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