Automation Systems Engineer

VAC Magnetics LLC•Sumter, SC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Systems Engineer will play a crucial role in supporting the factory automation workstream for our manufacturing facility in Sumter, South Carolina. This facility is in production of permanent magnets for automotive and commercial applications. This role will be responsible for ongoing implementation of technology and supporting system interfaces to automate the manufacturing processes, ensuring alignment with operational objectives. The Automation Systems Engineer will work closely with operations and maintenance to ensure the design, testing, and implementation of installed automation systems performs as intended.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field..
5-10 years of proven experience in automation and project management, including managing projects with budgets exceeding $10 million USD.
Extensive background in factory automation, with roles such as Customer Project Lead, Technical Sales Manager, Project Manager, or Group Lead.
Strong technical engineering background in automation, controls, and/or electrical engineering.
Demonstrated hands-on experience, such as commissioning automation lines.
Proficient in project management software and tools, with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Exceptional communication skills, including verbal de-escalation, presentation skills, and the ability to manage cross-functional teams.
High resilience, quick perception, and a balance of technical and management skills
Willingness to travel internationally
Travel Requirements: 10% (as needed, domestic or international travel)
English, German beneficial

Responsibilities

Manage interfaces between Manufacturing Equipment and the Execution System.
Support the installation, configuration, and maintenance of automation systems.
Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and quality assurance protocols.
Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of automation solutions.
Monitor project progress and performance, implementing corrective actions as needed.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance project efficiency and effectiveness.
Translates functional requirements to system configuration.
Serves as a technical contact for customers.
Has a firm competency of one or more control systems platforms or industrial processes.
Adapts to new technologies by applying learned concepts and functionality.
Designing electrical control cabinets and panels.
Responsible for efficiently managing, testing, implementing, and completing projects in a timely manner while meeting or exceeding project specifications.
You will work in all areas of project implementation including project management, panel design, hardware selection, vendor/end user/consultant interaction, programming, testing, and site support.
Provide technical guidance and mentoring for others with a thorough knowledge of industry standards and procedures.
Develop procedures and plans for factory and field testing of control panels and systems.
Coordination of projects and resources to meet expected deliverables for quality, schedule, and budget.
Lead activities to ensure that manufacturing, construction, installation, and operational testing conform to functional specifications and customer requirements.
Provide technical support via phone, remote access, and onsite presence.
Responsible for the physical machine hardware used in manufacturing, the networks that connect them, and the software controlling them.
Work closely with the Plant Engineering, MES, IT, Maintenance, and Production teams to support production and facility projects that involve networking, PLCs, HMIs, and associated software.
Collaborate with multiple Operations teams to meet current and future continuous improvement project goals.
Reduce downtime on production equipment due to issues with the control system.
Support network backup and device patching management process.
Review security vulnerabilities and request appropriate remediation from respective teams.
Lead the design and development of PLC, SCADA, and control system applications of varying complexity.
Program and configure PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, historians, and thin client/server architectures.
Support system integration, startup, commissioning, and qualification activities.
Troubleshoot and optimize existing control systems and process loops.
Strong knowledge of control networks.
Experience troubleshooting and optimizing process control systems.
Assumes additional responsibilities as assigned to support.
Excellent communication and leadership skills.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.