Entry Level Automation Engineer Jobs in Ankeny, IA

POSITION SUMMARY - Responsible for continuous improvement of process control and robotic equipment. Perform updates modifications, expertise and skills in the design, fabrication, tryout, troubleshooting, and maintenance of electrical controls and circuits for the safe and efficient operation of plant manufacturing processes and welding controls, automation devices, poka-yoke concepts and techniques. Interact with all levels on the operation team. Maintain and revise Electrical and Pneumatic schematics to match continued changes with Automation Equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT- Must be willing and able to work in an environment exposed to elements that can include but are not limited to coolant, dust, mist, elevated noise, and uncontrolled temperatures.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform modification of existing PLC and robot programs
• Study blueprints, schematics, manuals, or other specifications to determine installation procedures
• Set up and test industrial equipment to ensure proper operation
• Troubleshoot, repair, adjust, or calibrate industrial machines
• Calibrate test instruments and installed or repaired equipment to prescribed specifications
• Coordinate efforts with other workers involved in installing or maintaining equipment or components
• Advise management regarding customer satisfaction, product performance, or suggestions for product improvements
• Test faulty equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test equipment or software, and applying knowledge of the functional operation of electronic units and systems.
• Inspect components of industrial equipment for accurate assembly and installation or for defects, such as loose connections or frayed wires
• Apply creative skills with related knowledge in electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, and the ability to install, program, troubleshoot circuitry, control systems, and machinery
• Perform testing, start-up, and complex troubleshooting of PLCs and other industrial devices and controls
• Program robot for series of manipulator moves manually or by electronic instruction to a microprocessor or by setting up and adjusting sequence by hand-held teach pendant.
• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC, industrial control systems and relay control circuits to include panel layouts, wiring diagrams and interfaces
• Make a majority of program decisions
• Other duties as assigned
• Ability to stop the production line and/or prevent shipment of products due to non-conformance or potential non-conformance products to our customers
• Support the environmental policy with proactive process implementation, improvement suggestions, reducing waste, and acting on environment performance results and findings

• SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Familiarity with industrial control systems and/or robotic systems
• Knowledge of electronics
• Knowledge of pneumatics and mechanical assembly preferred
• Familiarization with safety standards and risk assessment procedures is required
• Knowledge of Fanuc robots, programming, and interfacing with them
• Entry level - Advanced PLC programming knowledge
• Experience with Studio5000 is required; experience with other PLC's is a plus
• Ability to program in ladder logic is required
• Ability to utilize AOI's and UDT's is required
• Knowledge of control circuits and systems is required
• Experience with specifying, integrating, programming, tuning, and/or commissioning different electric motor VFD and/or servo control systems
• Understands the basics of motion control (PID loop tuning, etc.)
• Programming knowledge in at least one high-level language is a plus

Examples being: Java, C++, .NET, Visual Basic, Python, etc.

• Understands Ethernet networking concepts, ie: addressing, packets, etc.
• Knowledge of factory communications such as Modbus, Industrial Ethernet, DeviceNet, ControlNet, and Profibus in a plus
• Flat Bed Laser Trouble Shooting and Programming Experience
• Exhibit strong multi-tasking skill set to support simultaneous on-going engineering and company projects
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an emphasis on the ability to organize
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Hands-On Engineer
• Be able to troubleshoot using a meter/scope/PC to trace a problem.
• Familiarity with the following standards is a plus: NFPA70 (NEC), NFPA 70E (Standard of Electrical Safety), NFPA 79 (Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery), ANSI/RIA R15.06 (Robot Safety)

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or Computer Engineering/Computer Science preferred
Experience: Two to four years related experience preferred
Computer Skills: Must demonstrate computer literacy; Experience with CAD software and Studio 5000 preferred
Certificates & Licenses:
Other Requirements: Ability to maintain a flexible schedule to support 2nd and 3rd shifts as required
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical Demands
Lift/Carry
Stand
F (Frequently)
Walk
F (Frequently)
Sit
F (Frequently)
Handling / Fingering
F (Frequently)
Reach Outward
F (Frequently)
Reach Above Shoulder
F (Frequently)
Climb
O (Occasionally)
Crawl
O (Occasionally)
Squat or Kneel
F (Frequently)
Bend
F (Frequently)
10 lbs or less
O (Occasionally)
11-20 lbs
O (Occasionally)
21-50 lbs
O (Occasionally)
51-100 lbs
O (Occasionally)
Over 100 lbs
N (Not Applicable)
Push/Pull
12 lbs or less
O (Occasionally)
13-25 lbs
O (Occasionally)
26-40 lbs
O (Occasionally)
41-100 lbs
O (Occasionally)
N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this occupation.
O (Occasionally) Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)
F (Frequently) Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)
C (Constantly) Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)
Other Physical Requirements
Sense of Touch
Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Safety Glasses)
The Company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate. Travel between Dee Zee Metro locations may be necessary and will vary based on production needs. A valid Driver's License will be required for such travel.