Senior Engineer, Automation Controls, Air Manufacturing Innovation

This role sits within the Production Equipment Engineering team in Manufacturing Operations, supporting a fast-paced, highly integrated production environment. It exists to drive equipment reliability, enable scalable automation deployment, and own system-level performance to deliver measurable improvements in equipment reliability, automation integration, and manufacturing efficiency. The team provides the final line of technical support in the escalation process, offering solutions and structured action plans for complex equipment issues.

• Lead the reliability and performance of advanced manufacturing systems across extrusion, thermoforming, RF, and automation platforms; own complex technical problems and ensure automation solutions are ready for scalable deployment.
• Lead resolution of critical equipment escalations, driving root cause elimination and long-term reliability improvements.
• Own and execute complex continuous improvement and retrofit projects that improve uptime, performance, and cost efficiency.
• Drive improvements in key performance metrics including uptime, OEE, and equipment stability.
• Lead vendor engagement, defining scope, managing execution, and ensuring delivery of technical solutions.
• Support and validate pilot automation solutions, ensuring readiness for production deployment and scale.
• Define and implement technical standards, system improvements, lessons learned, and best practices.
• Ensure systems are production-ready, maintainable, and sustainable after implementation.
• Mentor and support junior engineers and maintenance technicians, providing technical guidance and problem-solving leadership.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Manufacturing Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to drive execution and alignment.

• Bachelor's degree in Automation, Controls, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or related Engineering field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in manufacturing, automation, or controls engineering in high-volume production environments.
• Advanced experience troubleshooting complex industrial equipment and control systems (< 50VDC, <440VAC).
• Hands-on experience with PLC and VFD systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens), HMI, and integrated automation architectures.
• Experience with communication protocols and integration of electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Proven experience leading equipment continuous improvement or retrofit projects.
• Strong experience applying structured problem solving.
• Ability to read and interpret complex electrical, mechanical, and controls system documentation.
• Demonstrated experience working cross-functionally in production environments.
• Strong leadership, communication, and technical decision-making skills.
• Deep understanding of industrial controls systems, automation architecture, and manufacturing process.
• Strong bias for action, strategic thinking, and ability to translate ambiguous problems into structured solutions that improve uptime, performance, and cost.
• Ability to independently lead critical problem resolution, execute complex retrofit and automation projects, and influence cross-functional teams.
• Ability to safely lead complex technical initiatives and own system-level performance.

• Experience with plastics processing equipment (extrusion, thermoforming, RF welding, trimming).
• Experience with robotics (ABB, Denso) and vision systems (Keyence, Cognex) integration.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical or equivalent controls design tools.
• Experience leading vendor-supported projects (scope definition, execution, validation).
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or reliability-centred maintenance principles.
• Experience supporting pilot-to-production transitions of automation solutions.

• Office-based Monday to Friday (8 hours/day).
• May require working outside regular business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to address urgent equipment needs.
• Option to be hired in either Beaverton, OR or Saint Charles, MO.