A Manufacturing Automation Engineer designs, programs and improves automated machinery and processes within a manufacturing environment. Are responsible for the design specifications, documentation and troubleshooting of the equipment. Often work within vehicle manufacturing and food processing plants, where robots or machines are used to perform specific functions.
1st Shift•Project Engineer Staffing Support Specialists United States, Wisconsin, Port Washington Aug 22, 2026
Position:
Pro ject Engineer
Location:
Port Washington, WI
Shift:
1st
Shift:
Monday•Friday | 7:00 AM•3:00 PM
Pay:
$80-90K / year
Summary:
The Project Engineer's primary purpose is to provide technical solutions for new and existing production applications while expanding the organization's expertise in automation, controls, and system integration. This position will collaborate with customers, operations, maintenance, vendors, and leadership to successfully execute capital projects, improve equipment performance, and support manufacturing operations.
This is a full-time onsite position (Monday through Friday) based in Port Washington, WI. The majority of this role will be spent on the manufacturing floor working directly with production equipment and automation systems. Success in this position requires a hands-on approach, including troubleshooting controls-related issues, supporting equipment startups, identifying root causes of equipment failures, and implementing sustainable solutions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
A strong emphasis is placed on electrical controls, automation systems, PLCs, HMIs, machine integration, and troubleshooting complex production equipment . Candidates with an understanding of mechanical systems and manufacturing processes will be especially successful in this role.
Job Responsibilities:
Lead automation, controls, and manufacturing equipment improvement projects.
Troubleshoot and resolve PLC, HMI, machine control, and system integration issues on the production floor.
Support installation, startup, and commissioning of new equipment and production lines.
Perform root cause analysis and implement long-term solutions to improve equipment reliability and uptime.
Partner with Operations, Maintenance, and vendors to optimize manufacturing processes and drive continuous improvement.
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Minimum of 3 years of hands-on electrical engineering experience in a manufacturing, automation, or industrial environment.
Experience working with:
PLC programming and troubleshooting
HMI systems
Machine controls and automation systems
Sensors, drives, and industrial communication networks
Demonstrated ability and willingness to work extensively on the production floor diagnosing and resolving automation, controls, and equipment performance issues.
Strong understanding of equipment functionality and how automated systems integrate into production environments.
Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve controls-related issues in a manufacturing setting.
Experience managing engineering projects and working with cross-functional teams.
Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
Preferred
Experience with system integration, machine automation, and process controls.
Understanding of electrical schematics, panel layouts, and control system architecture.
Working knowledge of packaging, converting, liquid processing, or consumer product manufacturing environments.
Mechanical aptitude and understanding of production equipment and machine design.
