SPX Technologies

Senior Automation Engineer

SPX Technologies

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Office

Location: Alabama • United States

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Job Level

Senior

Tech Stack

ERP

About the role

  • Automation system design and implementation
  • Design, specify, and implement automated manufacturing systems including robotic welding cells, part handling automation, and auxiliary equipment.
  • Lead automation projects from concept through installation, commissioning, and production handoff.
  • Support robot programming, end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), fixturing concepts, and cell safety design.
  • Coordinate with OEMs, integrators, and internal teams to ensure systems meet performance, safety, and reliability requirements.
  • PLC programming and controls integration: Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems using platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, or similar.
  • Integrate PLCs with robots, weld power supplies, safety systems, vision systems, and automated material handling equipment.
  • Manage equipment projects from concept through installation, commissioning, and handoff to production.
  • Develop and support HMI interfaces for operators and maintenance personnel, including alarms, diagnostics, and recipe management.
  • Implement standardized control architectures, naming conventions, alarm strategies, and documentation.
  • Lead the technical design and deployment of robotic welding systems, including MIG, TIG, and laser welding applications.
  • Establish standard robotic cell architectures, tooling concepts, and programming best practices to improve repeatability and uptime.
  • Serve as a technical mentor and escalation point for plant-based automation engineers, manufacturing engineers, and technicians.
  • Support integration of metal fabrication and automation software with upstream enterprise systems, including SAP.
  • Define standards for machine connectivity, job routing, recipe management, and production data collection.
  • Communicate project status, risks, and technical decisions effectively to engineering leadership and plant stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with IT and controls teams to ensure secure, reliable communication using industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, etc.).
  • Identify and implement automation-driven improvements that increase throughput, reduce labor, improve ergonomics, and enhance safety.
  • Troubleshoot complex automation issues involving PLC logic, robots, sensors, drives, and communication networks.
  • Ensure automation systems comply with applicable machine and electrical safety standards, including risk assessments, guarding, interlocks, and safety PLCs.

Requirements

  • Minimum 5–10 years of experience in automation engineering, controls engineering, or manufacturing engineering with a strong automation focus.
  • Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Omron, or similar).
  • Experience integrating PLCs with robots, HMIs, sensors, VFDs, safety systems, and industrial networks.
  • Hands-on experience supporting manufacturing environments involving metals, fabricated components, or complex assemblies.
  • Strong ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-site manufacturing environment with competing priorities.
  • Familiarity with industrial robots (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa, or similar).
  • Solid understanding of lean manufacturing principles, continuous improvement tools, and structured problem-solving.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Familiarity with ERP systems (SAP preferred).
  • Working knowledge of 2D/3D CAD and manufacturing layouts.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Controls, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, or related engineering field.
  • PLC, robotics, or machine safety certifications are a plus.
Benefits
  • Generous and flexible paid time off including paid personal time off, caregiver, parental, and volunteer leave
  • Competitive health insurance plans and 401(k) match, with benefits starting day one
  • Competitive and performance-based compensation packages and bonus plans
  • Educational assistance, leadership development programs, and recognition programs
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
automation system designPLC programmingrobot programmingHMI developmentrobotic weldingcontrols integrationtroubleshooting PLCslean manufacturing principlescontinuous improvement tools2D/3D CAD
Soft Skills
project managementanalytical skillsorganizational skillseffective communicationproblem-solvingmentoringcollaborationadaptabilityleadershiptime management
Certifications
PLC certificationrobotics certificationmachine safety certificationBachelor's degree in Electrical EngineeringBachelor's degree in Controls EngineeringBachelor's degree in MechatronicsBachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering