Automation Engineer

Job Title: Automation Engineer

Location: Denver, CO 80216

Employment Type: Direct Hire

About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to support the development, integration, testing, troubleshooting, and sustainment of industrial control systems. This role will primarily focus on supporting existing PLC-controlled products and developing automated accelerated testing systems for new electromechanical tools. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead or contribute to automation and controls-based projects, including the development of accelerated electromechanical testing systems for new products.

• Maintain, troubleshoot, modify, and support existing PLC-based automation and control systems.

• Design, develop, test, troubleshoot, and implement custom control hardware and software for new and existing products.

• Collaborate with Product Engineers, Product Managers, and third-party contractors to design and develop PCBA-controlled systems, with a focus on closed-loop motor/motion control and data acquisition.

• Manage third-party contractors supporting hardware development, including component specification, Statement of Work (SOW) development, quotation review, technical oversight, scheduling, and verification testing.

• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including schematics, drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), process flow diagrams, test documentation, and other engineering documentation in accordance with internal processes and quality standards.

• Research and evaluate new technologies to support product innovation, automation, and continuous improvement.

• Conduct benchmark, accelerated life, laboratory, and field testing of new and existing products.

• Collect, process, and analyze test data using data acquisition systems and appropriate analytical tools.

• Work with Product Management to capture Voice of Customer (VOC) feedback and translate customer requirements into product and design improvements.

• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards and certification requirements and work with regulatory bodies as needed.

• Perform root cause investigations and implement corrective actions to resolve product and process issues.

• Support Supply Chain activities, including supplier selection, qualification, technical evaluation, and ongoing supplier engagement.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Product Management, Supply Chain, Quality, and other departments to support product development and production objectives.

• Manage multiple automation, controls, and product development projects while maintaining schedules, priorities, and technical deliverables.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field required; equivalent education and experience may be considered.

• Minimum of 2+ years of experience with PCBA-based control systems, including hardware and embedded software.

• Experience with PLC and HMI systems preferred.

• Experience with motor and/or motion control strongly preferred.

• Experience programming embedded control systems using C, C++, Python, or similar programming languages.

• Experience programming PLC and HMI systems using IEC 61131-3 languages, including Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and/or Function Block Diagrams.

• Strong ability to diagnose and troubleshoot industrial control panels, electrical components, hardware faults, and AC/DC electrical circuits.

• Experience integrating electrical designs into mechanical assemblies and selecting/specifying components such as motors, encoders, load cells, sensors, and related control-system hardware.

• Experience with data acquisition systems and test data post-processing and analysis.

• Ability to design, test, troubleshoot, and implement custom control hardware and software into new products and verify existing product functionality.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, root cause investigation, and corrective action skills.

• Strong time management and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, product management, supply chain, quality, and external partners.

• Strong business acumen and ability to balance technical requirements, cost, schedule, quality, and customer needs.

• 3D CAD experience preferred; SolidWorks experience strongly preferred.

• Experience developing Windows-based applications that interface with PCBA- or PLC-controlled systems preferred.

• Experience with Root Cause and Corrective Countermeasure (RCCM) methodologies preferred.

• Familiarity with applicable electrical, product safety, quality, and regulatory standards preferred.