Automation Design Engineer

Piezo Technologies is seeking an experienced Automation Design Engineer to own the full lifecycle of automated manufacturing equipment, from concept through production. This onsite role in Indianapolis, IN combines hands-on design, build, debugging, and commissioning to boost capacity, improve quality, reduce costs, and ensure safe operation on the factory floor. The position offers a compensation package of USD 110,000 per year and requires a strong background in electrical and mechanical engineering, automation, and mechatronics to deliver robust, production-ready systems.

Responsibilities

• Architect, physically assemble, debug, and deploy automated manufacturing equipment, including assembly lines, material handling systems, fixtures, and end-of-line test devices.
• Perform mechanical assembly and system integration across subsystems.
• Support electrical panel fabrication, verify wiring, and conduct I/O checkout.
• Install sensors, actuators, robotics, and pneumatic components.
• Bring systems up, execute power-on testing, and perform on-machine debugging.
• Develop PLC logic and HMI interfaces.
• Program robots to meet production requirements.
• Utilize Python-based software for automation support, test systems, data collection, analysis, or manufacturing utilities.
• Build, integrate, and commission robotic and pneumatic subsystems, including end-of-arm tooling, cylinders, valves, regulators, and air logic.
• Design and implement automated assembly and material handling systems with reliable handoffs, part tracking, and system robustness.
• Lead commissioning, debugging, and validation from prototype through full production ramp.
• Own automation projects from concept through FAT, SAT, installation, validation, and sustained production support.
• Support manufacturing by troubleshooting live production automation equipment to minimize downtime and improve OEE.
• Implement poka-yoke, in-process inspection, and automated quality controls.
• Conduct root cause analysis of equipment failures and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to optimize process flow, ergonomics, cycle time, and line balance.
• Support equipment upgrades, retrofits, and obsolescence mitigation.
• Develop standard work, maintenance documentation, and training materials for production support teams.
• Manage automation-related capital projects, including vendor coordination and FAT/SAT activities, while maintaining hands-on technical ownership.
• Ensure automation systems comply with applicable safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain complete engineering documentation including schematics, software revisions, and change control.
• Provide technical guidance to automation technicians and manufacturing support staff.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost, quality, throughput, and safety.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 5–8+ years of hands-on experience building automated manufacturing equipment.
• Proven experience constructing automated assembly and material handling systems.
• Direct, hands-on experience with industrial robotics and pneumatic systems (cylinders, valves, regulators, air logic, tooling).
• Hands-on experience supporting automation in a production environment with uptime and throughput accountability.
• Experience in regulated or high-reliability industries (medical, aerospace, defense, automotive, oil & gas, or industrial manufacturing) is preferred.
• This role involves access to ITAR-controlled information; must be a U.S. Person or Protected Individual as defined by ITAR.
• Strong hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, motion control, robotics, sensors, actuators, and industrial networks.
• Python software experience required, applied to automation, test systems, data collection, or manufacturing support tools.
• Proven ability to debug electro-mechanical automation equipment on the shop floor.
• Experience designing and integrating robotic systems with pneumatic tooling.
• Ability to read, create, and debug electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Experience with industrial test equipment and in-process / end-of-line testing.
• Programming experience with PLC languages and automation software platforms.
• CAD experience (electrical and/or mechanical) is beneficial.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Technologies

• Python
• PLC languages
• HMI interfaces
• Robot programming
• CAD (electrical/mechanical)
• Industrial networks
• Motion control

Environmental & Physical Requirements

• Manufacturing / Non-Sedentary: Work may occur in an office or warehouse environment; expect to spend 66%+ of the workday standing, walking, bending, stooping, or climbing.
• Potential exposure to dust; the role may require lifting and/or pushing up to 50 pounds about one-third to two-thirds of the time.

Additional Information

Job duties may include additional responsibilities as assigned by a supervisor or manager. This description outlines the general nature and level of work; it is not intended to be exhaustive. Piezo Technologies reserves the right to modify job responsibilities, reassign or transfer positions at any time without notice.