Principal Automation Engineer

Overview The Principal Automation Engineer is responsible for executing the integration, commissioning, and stabilization of advanced automated manufacturing equipment, including robotic and vision-based systems. This role serves as a lead system-level integrator, ensuring mechanical, controls, and process elements function together to achieve safe, reliable, and production-ready performance. The role contributes to the development and conceptualization of automation solutions by working across mechanical and controls disciplines to ensure designs are practical, integrated, and executable in a production environment. The Principal Automation Engineer leads projects from early design review through implementation and ramp-up, ensuring systems transition effectively from concept to stable production. This is a hands-on execution role supporting critical capital equipment projects. The position focuses on system design, system startup, debugging, and performance stabilization while working within established mechanical and control system standards. This role will take on increasing responsibility in robotics, vision systems, and system-level integration strategy development. This will be an onsite position that requires travel to both our Madison and Poynette facilities. Responsibilities In alignment with direct Manager, develop Automation strategies for the Company. Lead execution of equipment startup, commissioning, and ramp-up activities Perform I/O checkout, system bring-up, and sequence validation Debug system-level issues across PLC controls, mechanical systems, and process conditions Support integration and troubleshooting of robotic and vision systems Modify PLC and HMI logic to resolve issues and support functionality Assist with motion tuning and sequence optimization Diagnose and resolve electrical, mechanical, and controls issues Drive improvements in throughput, uptime, and quality during ramp Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors during execution phases Support documentation updates and system turnover to Production and Maintenance Strong understanding of automated manufacturing systems and machine integration Experience with PLC programming platforms (Rockwell, Mitsubishi preferred) Working knowledge of mechanical systems, fixturing, and equipment functionality Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis capability Ability to diagnose issues across controls, mechanical, and process interactions Experience with robotics and vision systems with interest in developing expertise Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings Qualifications Bachelor's degree in manufacturing, mechanical, electrical, or controls engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 10+ years of experience in industrial automation, equipment integration, or controls engineering required. Hands-on experience with equipment commissioning and production startup is required. Strong understanding of automated manufacturing systems and machine integration Experience with PLC programming platforms (Rockwell, Mitsubishi preferred) Working knowledge of mechanical systems, fixturing, and equipment functionality Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis capability Ability to diagnose issues across controls, mechanical, and process interactions Experience with robotics and vision systems with interest in developing expertise Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings