{"id":2850624,"url":"https://alion.io/job/gentex-corporation-automation-engineer","title":"Automation Engineer","company":{"id":2534666,"name":"Gentex Corporation","domain":"gentexcorp.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/gentexcorp","size_band":"501-1000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Paylocity","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":75,"open_postings":7,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":1,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":35,"computed_at":"2026-11-01T06:10:25Z"}},"role":"Industrial Engineering","role_family":"Industrial Engineering","seniority":"junior","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Simpson, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":61000,"max_usd":110000,"period":"year","method":"role_seniority_country_remote_cell","sample_n":4343},"experience_years_min":1,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-19T13:06:20Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-19","last_verified_at":"2026-11-01T10:04:16Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":12,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":12},"description":"Description\nPURPOSE:\nThe Automation Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, maintaining, and improving automated manufacturing systems and processes supporting new and existing products. This role focuses on integrating automation, robotics, controls, and advanced manufacturing technologies to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.\nThe position supports new product introduction, production sustainment, and continuous improvement initiatives by identifying automation opportunities, developing technical solutions, troubleshooting equipment and process issues, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. The Automation Engineer works under established technical direction to implement reliable, efficient, and scalable automation solutions aligned with manufacturing objectives.\nDUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:\n1. Automation Development and Integration\nSupport the design, development, and implementation of automated manufacturing systems and equipment.\nIdentify opportunities to automate manual processes and improve manufacturing efficiency, consistency, and repeatability.\nAssist in the integration of robotics, PLCs, sensors, machine vision, motion control, and other automation technologies.\nSupport the development of equipment concepts, functional requirements, specifications, and system layouts.\nCollaborate with manufacturing and design engineering to incorporate Design for Automation (DFA) and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles into new products and processes.\nSupport the evaluation of emerging automation technologies and their potential manufacturing applications.\n2. Equipment Installation, Commissioning, and Qualification\nSupport equipment installation, startup, commissioning, and acceptance activities.\nAssist in developing and executing equipment testing, process validation, and qualification plans.\nVerify automated equipment performance against established specifications, safety requirements, and production objectives.\nCoordinate with equipment suppliers, system integrators, and internal technical teams to resolve installation and performance issues.\nSupport equipment acceptance testing and the transition of automated systems into production.\nDevelop and maintain equipment operating parameters, recipes, and control settings as applicable.\n3. Production Support and Troubleshooting\nProvide technical support for automated manufacturing equipment and production processes.\nTroubleshoot automation, controls, sensors, robotics, and equipment-related issues to minimize downtime and production interruptions.\nIdentify root causes of recurring equipment failures and implement sustainable corrective actions.\nCollaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering to improve equipment reliability and process performance.\nSupport the development of preventive maintenance requirements and troubleshooting procedures.\nAssist in monitoring equipment performance, cycle time, uptime, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).\n4. Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement\nIdentify and implement automation and process improvements that enhance safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.\nSupport Lean Manufacturing initiatives, including waste reduction, standardized work, cycle-time improvement, and production flow optimization.\nAnalyze manufacturing data to identify trends, process constraints, and opportunities for improvement.\nParticipate in root cause analysis, corrective action, and continuous improvement activities.\nEvaluate the effectiveness of implemented automation solutions and recommend further improvements.\nSupport efforts to reduce scrap, rework, labor content, and process variability.\n5. Project Execution and Supplier Coordination\nExecute assigned automation projects in accordance with established scope, schedule, budget, and technical requirements.\nAssist in preparing equipment specifications, project schedules, cost estimates, and capital expenditure justifications.\nCoordinate with vendors and system integrators to evaluate technical proposals and support equipment selection.\nTrack project activities, resolve technical issues, and communicate project status, risks, and resource needs to stakeholders.\nSupport equipment procurement, factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing, and project closeout.\nIdentify opportunities to reuse proven automation designs and standard components across manufacturing processes.\n6. Documentation and Standardization\nDevelop and maintain automation documentation, including equipment specifications, electrical schematics, control narratives, operating procedures, and troubleshooting guides.\nSupport the development and maintenance of PLC programs, HMI configurations, robot programs, and related technical files in accordance with company standards.\nMaintain appropriate revision control, backups, and documentation for automation systems.\nEstablish and follow standard practices for equipment installation, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.\nSupport the development of standardized automation platforms, components, and control practices under the direction of senior technical personnel.\nEnsure documentation supports safe operation, repeatable processes, and effective knowledge transfer.\n7. Safety, Quality, and Compliance\nIncorporate appropriate machine safety, guarding, interlocking, and risk-reduction measures into automation projects.\nSupport machine risk assessments and compliance with applicable OSHA requirements, recognized industrial safety standards, and company procedures.\nCollaborate with Quality Engineering to ensure automated processes meet product specifications and quality requirements.\nSupport process capability studies, equipment qualification, and corrective action activities as required.\nEnsure automation changes are appropriately reviewed, documented, tested, and released before implementation in production.\n8. Cross-Functional Collaboration and Technical Development\nWork closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Product Development, IT, and external suppliers.\nParticipate in new product introduction activities to ensure manufacturing equipment and automation requirements are addressed.\nCommunicate technical issues, project progress, and improvement opportunities to engineering leadership and manufacturing stakeholders.\nDevelop technical expertise in automation, robotics, controls, and manufacturing systems.\nShare lessons learned and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering practices.\nApply established automation standards and incorporate feedback from senior engineers to improve technical performance and project execution.\nRequirements\nEDUCATION AND/OR PROFESSIONAL LICENSE(s):\nBachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field required\nRelevant technical certifications in automation, robotics, PLC programming, or industrial controls preferred \nTraining or certifications in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvements preferred\nEXPERIENCE:\n1-5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, automation engineering, controls engineering, or a related technical field.\nExperience with automated manufacturing equipment, industrial controls, robotics, or system integration preferred.\nExperience supporting equipment installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and process qualification preferred.\nExperience working in cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, and product development teams preferred.\nExposure to aerospace, defense, composite manufacturing, or other regulated manufacturing environments is a plus.\nKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:\nWorking knowledge of manufacturing automation, industrial controls, and automated production systems.\nFamiliarity with PLC programming, HMI systems, sensors, actuators, and industrial electrical systems.\nUnderstanding of robotic systems, machine vision, motion control, and automated material handling.\nAbility to interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, equipment layouts, and technical specifications.\nFamiliarity with automation programming and troubleshooting tools, including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or comparable control platforms, preferred.\nUnderstanding of machine safety, risk assessments, guarding, and applicable industrial safety standards.\nWorking knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement principles.\nAbility to evaluate manufacturing processes and identify opportunities for automation, cycle-time reduction, and quality improvement.\nFamiliarity with CAD tools, manufacturing data systems, and equipment documentation.\nBasic understanding of project management, equipment specifications, capital expenditures, and return-on-investment evaluations.\nStrong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.\nHands-on approach with the ability to work effectively on the manufacturing floor.\nStrong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate across engineering, operations, quality, and external suppliers.\nPOSITION SUPERVISES (by department name or job title):\nIndividual contributor role \nMay coordinate activities with technicians, operators, and cross-functional team members \nNo direct supervisory responsibilities\nCONTACT WITH OTHERS:\nFrequent interaction with engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain teams \nRegular communication with suppliers and occasional interaction with customers \nPHYSICAL / WORK ENVIRONMENT:\nCombination of office and manufacturing floor environment \nExposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, and production conditions \nAbility to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform typical physical activities (standing, walking, bending, etc.) \nTRAVEL:\nLimited travel required\nLOCATION:\nGentex’s Carbondale facility is located in Northeastern Pennsylvania in Lackawanna County. Carbondale, PA is about twenty miles north of Scranton, PA, 50 miles south of Binghamton, NY, and about 125 miles from New York City and Philadelphia. The area hosts numerous nearby state parks, nature preserves and local colleges and universities, including The University of Scranton and Marywood University. Northeast Pennsylvania is a beautiful area and offers an excellent cost of living. It is a great place to work, recreate, meet people, raise a family and live!\nGentex Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard for any applicable state or federal protected class. Gentex is an E-Verify Participant. 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