Sr Automation Engineer

Sr. Automation Engineer

Travel:

25% – Domestic and International

Description

Seeking a Sr. Automation Engineer for the St. Joseph MI area location. The Sr. Automation Engineer supports efforts and plans to coordinate the quality control program designed to ensure continuous production consistent with established standards for company worldwide. A proven hands-on and metrics-driven approach to drive results in a multi-cultural environment is a critical success factor.

JOB DESCRIPTION                                               

Job Title                Sr. Automation Engineer

Reports to           Director of Manufacturing

Objectives of the role:

Based in the USA this position will oversee and support the functions for advancing and implementing new manufacturing automation technologies at operation facilities. This role demands a high level of hands-on engineering background in advanced automation and manufacturing technology with exceptional management and communication skills.  This will be a leadership by direction role and require teamwork with both employees and the leadership team to innovate and create strategic business initiatives that align with the overall company goals.

To be a successful candidate this role requires an understanding of automation assembly equipment along with their associated tooling.  A strong background in machinery specifying, purchasing and installation as well as LEAN practices are a must.  This role will be at the forefront of developing and implementing new manufacturing automation technologies. To do this successfully this will require: establishing the capital and expense budget estimates; determining impact to the existing manufacturing footprint; developing a supporting equipment supply base; defining and documenting potential benefits and Return on Investment; presenting project business case; project management to completion.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

·         Leading organization in an automation strategy in planning, development, and execution.

·         Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and linkage to Product Engineering & NPI Programs.

·         Drive continuous improvement in key automation processes; at distribution centers and manufacturing locations.

·         Leverage Lean principles to drive the design and execution of new manufacturing processes, methodologies and equipment layouts to improve overall equipment effectiveness and material flow.

·         Build organizational competency in automation, and ensure step-level changes towards delivering global strategy.

·         Develop advanced assembly machinery and techniques for both manufacturing and distribution locations to optimize quality, throughput and quick changeover.

·         Establish a common system of engineered standards to be applied globally for established manufacturing labor standards. Standards based on widely accepted manufacturing standards systems like MTM (motion time measurements).

·         Establish common standards for specifying, quoting and purchasing machinery and tooling to facilitate commonality in like machinery, tooling and practices to be executed.

·         Work with outside suppliers to source machinery, tooling and gages.

·         Accountable to acquire and manage the associated capital equipment for new or existing automation solutions from conception through to formal production handoff at the selected operation locations.

·         Maintain communication with all team members and leadership team to ensure direct and timely closure to all projects

 

Key Working Relationships:

·         VP Global Engineering   

·         Product Engineering Team

·         Plant Based Manufacturing/Operations

·         Quality Team

·         Plant based leadership  

·         International Tooling & Machinery Manufacturers

·         Plant based sustaining Engineering team                                

 

Knowledge/experience/skills/personal attributes
	ESSENTIAL		DESIRABLE
1	Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with automation equipment.	1	Bachelor’s degree in Engineering – (Automation, Process Control, Electrical, Mechanical or Computer Science
2	Mechanical / Technical Diploma / Degree or equivalent experience in Automation.	2	Knowledge of stamping, welding, and product assembly
3	Experience with PLC’s and robotic equipment	3	Significant knowledge in state-of-the art manufacturing process technology, product development, quality and continuous improvement methods
4	Strong project management skills	4	Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously using
5	Good writing, documentation, organizational and presentation skills.
6	Proficient in Microsoft Office suite of tools, Specifically Word, Excel, Power Point, MS Project

 

·   Domestic & International Travel as required