Plc Applications Engineer Jobs in Manitowoc, WI (NOW HIRING)

THIS POSITION IS LOCATED IN GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN
Basic Job Purpose:
The Automation Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing automation solutions that improve operational efficiency and productivity thus improving safety and quality throughout the manufacturing facility. This role will lead the evaluation, integration, and optimization of Automated welding and finishing platforms with a secondary emphasis on automated material handling systems while driving continuous improvement initiatives across Operations and manufacturing operations.
Working closely with operations and production supervisors, as well as all engineering teams, the engineer will identify process bottlenecks, reduce manual labor requirements, improve consistency, and deploy automation technologies that support scalable growth and operational excellence.
Assignment of Functions and Responsibilities:
Robotics & Automation Leadership

• Lead the development, implementation, and optimization of Automated welding and grinding, robotic sanding, and automated finishing systems.
• Identify automation opportunities within welding, finishing, assembly, and material handling operations.
• Develop automation roadmaps and business cases that improve throughput, quality, ergonomics, and labor utilization.
• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize robotic systems and peripheral equipment to maximize performance and uptime.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors and integrators on automation projects from concept through production launch.
• Evaluate and implement vision systems, sensors, tooling, fixturing, positioners, conveyors, and machine-tending solutions.
• Support offline programming and process validation for robotic welding and finishing applications.
• Lead automation-related capital equipment projects, including equipment selection, justification, installation, and commissioning.

Welding & Finishing Process Optimization

• Improve robotic and manual welding processes through fixture design, process control, and standardization.
• Analyze finishing operations and implement technologies that reduce cycle times and improve surface quality.
• Support Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives to improve automation compatibility of products and assemblies.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives focused on waste reduction, labor efficiency, quality improvement, and throughput gains.
• Utilize root cause analysis and data-driven problem solving to address recurring production challenges.
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators including:
  • OEE
  • Throughput
  • Cycle Time
  • Downtime
  • Scrap and Rework
  • Labor Efficiency
• Facilitate Kaizen events and process improvement projects throughout the facility.
• Develop standardized work instructions and best practices for automated processes.

Cross-Functional Support

• Work directly with welders, fabricators, operators, maintenance technicians, and supervisors to identify and implement improvements.
• Train production personnel on current cobot, and future robotic systems, automated equipment, and process changes.
• Collaborate with Operations teams to improve equipment reliability and preventive maintenance programs.
• Ensure all automation systems comply with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Success Measures

• Successful implementation of robotic welding and finishing automation projects.
• Increased throughput and capacity within fabrication and finishing operations.
• Reduction in finishing cycle times and ergonomic risks.
• Reduction in scrap, rework, and production bottlenecks.
• Achievement of annual cost savings and continuous improvement objectives.

Minimum Requirements for Education, Skillset, Qualifications, and Experience:
Required

• Must be a US citizen
• A minimum of an associate's degree in manufacturing engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or related field; equivalent manufacturing experience may be considered.
• Experience within a fabrication, welding, machining, or manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of welding processes, fabrication methods, and manufacturing operations.
• Experience implementing automation solutions in a production environment.
• Demonstrated project management and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively on the shop floor and communicate with personnel at all organizational levels.

Preferred

• Experience with industrial robotic systems
• Robotic welding programming and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience with robotic grinding, polishing, or finishing applications.
• Knowledge of PLC programming and industrial controls.
• Experience with machine vision systems and automated inspection technologies.
• CAD experience for fixture and tooling design.
• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma experience.
• Hands-on welding, fabrication, or manufacturing engineering experience.