Vesuvius is looking for an Automation Engineer to provide hands-on technical leadership for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all automation, PLC, robotic, and material handling systems within the plant. You will act as a technical authority, supporting automation-driven productivity and long-term asset reliability for maintenance and production teams.

What You'll Do

Design, program, modify, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
Develop and maintain control logic, sequencing, interlocks, alarms, and safety functions.
Ensure optimal performance of automated production lines, robotic systems, and AGV/EGV systems.
Lead advanced troubleshooting of automation-related failures to minimize downtime.
Maintain version control, backups, and change management for all automation programs.
Support or lead robot design, integration, and modification, including end-of-arm tooling and safety interfaces.
Maintain and optimize motion control, servo systems, drives, and vision systems.
Identify opportunities to replace manual processes with automation to improve safety, quality, and productivity.
Support the development and execution of Preventive Maintenance plans for automation, PLCs, robotics, and AGV/EGV systems.
Define automation-specific PM tasks, frequencies, spare parts, and technical standards in CMMS.
Actively support breakdown response and emergency troubleshooting.
Participate in and technically lead RCFA for automation-related failures.
Contribute to improvement of MTBF, MTTF, OEE, and reduction of unplanned downtime.
Support or lead automation-related CAPEX projects, including scope definition, technical evaluation, installation, commissioning, and validation.
Support FAT/SAT activities and contractor supervision.
Identify and implement automation and Industry 4.0 opportunities aligned with Lean principles.
Standardize automation hardware, software, and design approaches across the plant.
Ensure all automation systems comply with OSHA regulations, Vesuvius Group standards, and electrical and machine safety requirements.
Support LTT, machine guarding, and safety PLC implementations.
Participate in audits, SCARs, and corrective actions related to automation and controls.
Design and maintain systems with safety by design principles.
Create and maintain electrical schematics, control narratives, SOPs, and technical documentation.
Ensure automation assets, BOMs, spare parts, and documentation are properly maintained in CMMS.
Train and coach Maintenance Technicians, PLC Technicians, and operators on automated systems.
Support cross-training to reduce single-point technical dependency.

What We're Looking For

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or equivalent experience.
3–5+ years of experience in industrial automation, PLC programming, and system integration.

Nice to Have

Automation / PLC certifications.
Experience in a manufacturing and/or unionized environment.

Technical Stack

PLCs: Allen-Bradley, Siemens
HMI / SCADA development and troubleshooting
Motor controls, VFDs, servo drives, motion control
Robotics, AGV/EGV systems, vision systems
Electrical schematics and control panel design
CMMS usage for PMs, assets, and documentation
CAD tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD Electrical – preferred)

Team & Environment

You will report functionally and operationally to the Maintenance Manager. The role involves close collaboration with Maintenance Technicians and PLC Technicians, Production and Engineering teams, as well as external integrators, OEMs, and service providers.