Corporate Automation Engineer

The Corporate Automation Engineer is responsible for the design programming troubleshooting and support of industrial automation and control systems used in manufacturing operations. This position works closely with Operations Maintenance Engineering and Information Technology teams to improve equipment reliability reduce downtime support capital projects and implement automation improvements.

The role provides technical expertise for PLCs HMIs SCADA systems industrial networks drives and manufacturing control systems while supporting daily operations equipment upgrades digital transformation initiatives and automation standardization across company facilities.

Essential Responsibilities

Automation & Controls Engineering

• Design program test commission and maintain industrial automation systems including PLCs HMIs SCADA systems motion control systems and related control hardware.
• Provide hands-on support for manufacturing equipment to diagnose and resolve electrical automation and controls-related issues.
• Develop and modify PLC and HMI programs to support equipment improvements process changes and operational requirements.
• Troubleshoot and support industrial communication networks and automation hardware.
• Perform system testing startup and commissioning activities for equipment modifications and new installations.
• Maintain accurate documentation including PLC programs HMI applications electrical drawings backups and system changes.
  

Project Support & Continuous Improvement

• Support automation activities associated with capital projects equipment upgrades and process improvements.
• Collaborate with Operations Maintenance Engineering OEM suppliers and contractors to implement automation solutions.
• Participate in equipment troubleshooting root cause analysis and corrective action activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve safety productivity quality and equipment reliability through automation improvements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on manufacturing performance.

Manufacturing Support & Equipment Reliability

• Provide technical assistance during equipment startups planned outages and production issues.
• Support preventative maintenance activities related to automation and control systems.
• Assist with troubleshooting electrical control systems sensors instrumentation motor controls and industrial equipment.
• Follow established change management documentation and safety procedures

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering Automation Engineering Engineering Technology Computer Engineering or related technical discipline preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education technical training and industrial automation experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of industrial automation and controls experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience troubleshooting and supporting automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience working with electrical systems PLCs HMIs and industrial control equipment.

Technical Skills

• PLC programming and troubleshooting:
  • Rockwell Automation RSLogix 5000 / Studio 5000 preferred
  • Siemens TIA Portal a plus
• HMI development and troubleshooting:
  • FactoryTalk View ME/SE or similar platforms
• Variable frequency drives and motor control systems.
• Industrial electrical schematics and control circuits.
• Industrial communication networks including Ethernet/IP ControlNet DeviceNet Profibus or similar protocols.
• Basic understanding of SQL databases manufacturing systems and data collection methods preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

Industry Experience & Advanced Technical Skills

• Experience in steel metals aerospace heavy industrial or continuous manufacturing environments.
• Experience with SCADA systems such as FactoryTalk Ignition Wonderware or Siemens WinCC.
• Experience with:
  • Motion control systems
  • Process instrumentation controls
  • Industrial networking
  • Machine safety systems
  • Manufacturing data collection systems
• Experience working with OEM equipment suppliers and system integrators.
• Familiarity with OT cybersecurity concepts and industrial network best practices.

Work Environment & Requirements

• Ability to provide occasional off-hours support for critical production issues.
• Ability to travel between company locations as needed with occasional overnight travel.
• Ability to work safely in an industrial manufacturing environment including exposure to noise heat dust and production equipment.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Valid drivers license and reliable transportation required.

Safety Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a safety-first mindset in all work activities.
• Follow company safety policies OSHA requirements and established procedures.
• Identify and communicate potential safety hazards and improvement opportunities.
• Design and implement solutions that prioritize employee safety and equipment protection.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze complex technical issues and develop practical solutions.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with operators maintenance teams engineers and vendors.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and quality.
• Positive collaborative approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.
  

Core Competencies

• Automation & Controls Engineering
• PLC/HMI Programming
• Electrical Troubleshooting
• Equipment Reliability
• Manufacturing Systems Integration
• Root Cause Analysis
• Project Support & Execution
• Continuous Improvement
• Communication
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties or qualifications. Responsibilities may change based on business needs.

Universal Stainless is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability or veteran status.