Manufacturing Automation Engineer at Virginia Panel Company – Waynesboro, Virginia

SUMMARY: Responsible for identifying and executing automation opportunities that drive efficiency, quality, and throughput across manufacturing processes. This position plays a key role in designing, implementing, and optimizing automated systems while supporting process improvements, sustaining engineering efforts, lean manufacturing initiatives, and preventive maintenance strategies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Automation & Process Engineering
  1. Identify, design, implement, and repair automated machine solutions to improve manufacturing efficiency and throughput.
  2. Analyze production data using statistical methods to guide automation and process improvements.
  3. Develop routings, work instructions, and standardized processes for new and existing operations.
  4. Lead training efforts for production teams during new machine and process rollouts.
  5. Collaborate in AQP reviews for new drawings, BOMs, and manufacturing documentation.
  6. Drive DFM initiatives and ensure smooth transitions of new products and technologies to production.
• Sustaining Engineering
  1. Own and optimize assigned manufacturing processes, both internally and with external suppliers.
  2. Review and approve engineering changes, deviations, and product control documentation.
  3. Support ME technicians in resolving quality issues and production bottlenecks.
  4. Lead continuous quality improvements and ensure ISO compliance through documentation and audits.
• Lean Manufacturing
  1. Apply lean principles (VSM, Kanban, 6S, product flow) to eliminate waste and increase value delivery.
  2. Conduct time studies and workflow analysis to enhance labor efficiency and space utilization.
  3. Drive automation-centric process improvements with a lean manufacturing mindset.
• Preventive Maintenance
  1. Improve and support preventive maintenance programs for manufacturing equipment.
  2. Collaborate with Maintenance and vendors to maintain tooling and equipment reliability.
  3. Specify, evaluate, and source new equipment and tooling aligned with quality and performance goals.
• Safety
  1. Proactively address safety concerns through engineered solutions.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree (BS) from four-year college or university is preferred along with related experience in automated assembly, wire harness assembly, connector component fabrication and assembly, and team concepts.
• CAD Software, programmable logic controllers, electrical principles, robotics, work processing, spreadsheets, internet software, email, manufacturing software, and database skills required