Drawbridge - Chaska, MN, United States
Tagged: Industrial Controls, Tool & Fixture Design, Electromechanical Systems, Automation Engineering, GD&T, Electrical Schematics, Electric Motor Production, PLC Programming, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, DFM (Design for Manufacturability), Process Improvement, Manufacturing Engineering, Robotics Integration, HMI Development, Industrial Automation, MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), Root Cause Analysis, Logic Diagrams, SCADA Systems, Aerospace Manufacturing

POSITION OVERVIEW:

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Automation Engineer to join our team in the aerospace electric motor manufacturing industry. This role is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of automated systems and controls that drive production efficiency, consistency, and quality across manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will have experience in industrial automation, PLC programming, robotics, and knowledge of electric motor production processes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related field.
• 4+ years of experience in an automation engineering role within a manufacturing environment (preferably electric motor or electromechanical systems).
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.), HMI development, and industrial control systems.
• Familiarity with motor assembly processes (winding, stator/rotor assembly, bonding, machining, etc.).
• Experience with robotic integration (e.g., Fanuc, ABB, UR).
• Experience in lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong understanding of industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, ProfiNet).
• Knowledge of data acquisition, MES, and SCADA platforms.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Regularly required to talk, hear, reach with hands and arms, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Frequently required to stand, sit, walk, stoop, crouch, and move around the facility.
• May lift or move items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Vision and color vision must pass job-required vision screening.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in the selection, specification, and commissioning of automation equipment.
• Design new automated systems and processes for new product introductions or improvements to existing products.
• Investigate, assess, and resolve production issues effectively.
• Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency.
• Communicate effectively with suppliers to procure necessary equipment.
• Assemble and test automation hardware.
• Analyze equipment layout, workflow, assembly methods, and workforce utilization to maximize efficiency.
• Create, maintain, and refine manufacturing documentation (Operation Sheets, Routers, Set-up/Tooling sheets, etc.) through effective selection of manufacturing methods.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation including electrical schematics, logic diagrams, and system manuals.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to tool/fixture design, material selection, facility layout plans, cost estimates, DFM concepts, GD&T practices, machine shop documentation, root cause investigations, troubleshooting, performance metrics, and operational activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Production) to support new product introductions and process improvements.
• Perform manufacturing engineering activities in a manner that supports standardization, first-pass yield, and best industry practices.
• Generate accurate estimates for setup, cycle time, materials, and other manufacturing methods.
• Communicate issues in a timely manner to all affected parties.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Take initiative to accomplish goals and support team success.
• Actively participate in team meetings and provide constructive recommendations.
• Facilitate training to maintain a cross-trained workforce.
• Define, develop, and maintain performance metrics and implement actions to resolve issues.
• Ensure safety, quality, and housekeeping standards are followed.
• Contribute to a positive and cooperative work environment.
• Complete special projects and assignments as required.