Senior Automation/Controls Engineer

Job Title: Senior Automation/Controls Engineer
Location: Florence, SC
Visa: Any Visa Except H1B

Exp: 8+ years.

Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Senior Automation / Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, implementation, and optimization of advanced automation and control systems within a manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in PLCs, robotics, HMI, motion control, industrial networks, and machine safety.

Job Title: Senior Automation / Controls Engineer
Location: Florence, SC

Key Responsibilities
Lead the design, development, and deployment of automation and controls systems for manufacturing operations.
Develop and maintain PLC architecture, HMI applications, motion control systems, robotics, industrial networks, and machine safety solutions.
Lead automation projects from concept development and technical specifications through commissioning and production stabilization.
Design controls architecture, define hardware specifications, establish programming standards, and support system validation.
Support industrial robot integration, programming, end-of-arm tooling, cell optimization, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
Collaborate with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, IT/OT, Supply Chain, and external suppliers.
Support equipment procurement, including technical specifications, supplier evaluations, technical reviews, FAT, SAT, and final acceptance.
Establish automation and controls standards to improve equipment reliability, maintainability, cybersecurity, and operational support.
Drive digital manufacturing initiatives involving IIoT, machine monitoring, data collection, remote diagnostics, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
Support new product introductions through process automation, equipment development, manufacturing system integration, and production readiness.
Identify opportunities for productivity improvements through robotics, vision systems, automated material handling, error-proofing, and equipment modernization.
Analyze equipment performance and implement improvements to increase OEE, throughput, yield, labor efficiency, and reduce downtime.
Provide technical leadership during installation, startup, debugging, safety validation, commissioning, and production ramp-up.
Mentor engineers, technicians, and maintenance teams on automation, robotics, controls troubleshooting, and problem-solving practices.


Required Qualifications
8+ years of experience in manufacturing automation, controls engineering, robotics integration, or industrial equipment development.
Strong experience leading automation capital projects from concept through production implementation.
Expertise in PLC programming, controls architecture, robot programming, machine safety, and manufacturing system integration.
Experience working with production-critical equipment in high-volume or complex manufacturing environments.
Experience managing automation suppliers, system integrators, equipment builders, and technical service partners.

Preferred Industry Background
Industrial Manufacturing
Factory Automation / Robotics
Automotive or Heavy Equipment Manufacturing
Material Handling or Complex Assembly Manufacturing