{"id":2556505,"url":"https://alion.io/job/saronic-technologies-manufacturing-automation-engineer","title":"Manufacturing Automation Engineer","company":{"id":48216,"name":"Saronic Technologies","domain":"saronic.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/saronic-technologies","size_band":"1001-5000","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Ashby","truth_index":{"grade":"B","score":81,"open_postings":70,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0.543,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":66,"computed_at":"2026-10-15T05:46:00Z"}},"role":"Industrial Engineering","role_family":"Industrial Engineering","seniority":"senior","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"explicit","locations":["Brownsville, United States","Austin, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":86000,"max_usd":162000,"period":"year","method":"role_seniority_country_remote_cell","sample_n":5578},"experience_years_min":5,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":true,"technologies":[],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-14T19:14:35Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-14","last_verified_at":"2026-10-15T14:15:23Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":0,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":0},"description":"Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.\nJob Overview\nThe Manufacturing Automation Engineer is responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing automation solutions across Port Alpha's shipyard production processes - plate cutting and profiling, panel and sub-assembly fabrication, robotic welding, block assembly, blast and paint, outfitting, material handling, and test - to improve throughput, quality, repeatability, safety, and cost efficiency. This role serves as the primary technical owner for automation projects from concept through production launch, partnering closely with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain teams.\nThe role sits within Shipyard Optimization (Robotics & Autonomous Build) and works hand in hand with Saronic's central automation and software teams so that Port Alpha's automation architecture, controls standards, and MES integration stay aligned with the company-wide approach while fitting the realities of large-structure steel shipbuilding.\nThe ideal candidate combines strong manufacturing process knowledge with automation expertise and plays a critical role in designing products and processes that are optimized for scalable automated production. Following implementation and production stabilization, ownership transitions to Port Alpha Manufacturing Engineering for sustaining support and continuous improvement.\nResponsibilities\nAutomation Strategy & Process Development\nIdentify manufacturing operations and workflows suitable for automation based on safety, quality, throughput, ergonomic, and cost considerations.\n\nDevelop automation roadmaps and business cases to support production scaling objectives, feeding the Port Alpha Production Systems Roadmap.\n\nEvaluate and recommend automation technologies including robotics, machine vision, PLC-controlled systems, automated assembly and welding equipment, material handling systems, and test automation.\n\nLead feasibility studies, cycle time analysis, and ROI assessments for proposed automation initiatives.\n\nCross-Functional Product & Process Design\nPartner with Design Engineering during product development to ensure vessels and their structures are designed for manufacturability and automation (DFMA/DFA).\n\nProvide design feedback on tolerances, joining methods, part presentation, fixturing, assembly sequence, and inspection requirements to enable robust automated manufacturing processes.\n\nCollaborate with Manufacturing Engineering and Shipyard Optimization to define scalable production architectures and standardized automation strategies that fit the facility layout and flow.\n\nAutomation Project Ownership\nOwn automation projects from concept development through equipment commissioning and production launch.\n\nDefine equipment specifications, statement of work (SOW), acceptance criteria, and validation plans for integrators and vendors.\n\nManage automation suppliers and system integrators throughout design, build, FAT, SAT, installation, and startup activities.\n\nCoordinate equipment integration with facility infrastructure, MES systems, quality systems, and production controls.\n\nDevelop and execute process validation plans, capability studies, and production readiness reviews.\n\nProduction Launch & Handoff\nSupport pilot builds, process debugging, and ramp-to-rate activities during production launch.\n\nEstablish documentation packages including work instructions, PM requirements, spare parts lists, control plans, and troubleshooting guides.\n\nTrain Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, and Asset Reliability & Facility Operations teams on system functionality and maintenance requirements.\n\nTransition ownership of stable production systems to Manufacturing Engineering for sustaining support and continuous improvement activities.\n\nContinuous Improvement & Technical Leadership\nDrive improvements in OEE, yield, uptime, cycle time, and labor efficiency through automation initiatives.\n\nStandardize automation design practices, controls architecture, and equipment specifications across production lines and with Saronic's other manufacturing sites.\n\nSupport root cause investigations and corrective actions related to automated systems during launch phases.\n\nStay current with emerging manufacturing automation technologies and industry best practices, including shipbuilding-specific automation.\n\nQualifications\nRequired\nBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related field.\n\n5+ years of experience in manufacturing automation, process engineering, or production equipment development.\n\nExperience implementing automated manufacturing systems in high-volume, heavy fabrication, or advanced manufacturing environments.\n\nStrong understanding of industrial automation systems including robotics, PLCs, HMIs, sensors, pneumatics, servo systems, and machine vision.\n\nExperience with manufacturing process development, PFMEA, validation methodologies, and production launch activities.\n\nAbility to interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and process flow documentation.\n\nExperience managing external automation vendors and integrators.\n\nStrong project management and cross-functional communication skills.\n\nPreferred\nExperience with robotic welding, automated panel lines, plate cutting and profiling, or other large-structure automation in shipbuilding or heavy fabrication.\n\nExperience with automated assembly, test automation, or robotic material handling systems.\n\nFamiliarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and statistical process control methodologies.\n\nExperience with controls programming, robot programming, or industrial networking.\n\nKnowledge of MES integration, traceability systems, and smart factory/Industry 4.0 concepts.\n\nExperience in shipbuilding, aerospace, automotive, robotics, electronics, or advanced manufacturing industries.\n\nPMP, Lean Six Sigma, or automation-related certifications are a plus.\n\nKey Competencies\nAutomation system architecture\n\nDesign for automation (DFA/DFM)\n\nProduction process optimization\n\nEquipment commissioning and validation\n\nCross-functional technical leadership\n\nManufacturing scale-up and launch execution\n\nVendor and project management\n\nRoot cause analysis and problem solving\n\nPhysical Demands\nProlonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer\n\nOccasional standing and walking within the office\n\nManual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment\n\nVisual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports\n\nOccasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies\n\nLifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)\n\nBenefits\nMedical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services\nSaronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents\nDental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care\nSaronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents\nTime Off: Generous PTO and Holidays\nParental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents\nCompetitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses\nRetirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match\nStock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success\nLife and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage\nPet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline\nAdditional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office\nSaronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees\nIf this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).\nSaronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. 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