Plastics Injection Molding Automation Engineer/Specialist

PRINCIPAL FUNCTION:

The Plastics Injection Molding Automation Engineer will lead Lawrence Plastics’ automation strategy by identifying, developing, implementing, and maintaining automation solutions that improve safety, quality, reliability, efficiency, and production performance. This hands-on role will manage automation projects from concept through implementation and ongoing preventive/predictive maintenance, while troubleshooting downtime, supporting and training internal teams, and occasionally communicating the company’s automation strategy with customers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Identify, develop, implement, and support automation opportunities throughout the injection molding and secondary manufacturing processes.
• Design, program, troubleshoot, and improve robotic and automated systems, including robots, PLCs, HMIs, EOAT, conveyors, servo systems, pneumatics, sensors, and vision systems.
• Serve as the first responder for automation-related equipment failures and provide timely troubleshooting and technical support to minimize downtime.
• Perform scheduled preventive and predictive maintenance on automation equipment and monitor equipment for reliability and degraded performance.
• Support the installation, startup, commissioning, validation, and ongoing operation of new automation equipment.
• Work with Maintenance, Production, Quality, Tooling, Engineering, vendors, and contractors to resolve automation and equipment issues.
• Perform and document root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and reliability improvements related to automation and production equipment.
• Maintain accurate automation maintenance records, equipment documentation, programming backups, and service history.
• Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency, cycle times, quality, safety, ergonomics, labor utilization, and operating costs through automation.
• Support machine safety systems, including guarding, emergency stops, interlocks, and safety circuits.
• Train and assist Production and Maintenance employees with basic automation operation, troubleshooting, and proper escalation of issues.
• Support new product launches, engineering changes, process improvements, and automation projects.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment and follow all Lawrence Plastics policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Technical certification and/or associate degree in automation, electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
• High school diploma with extensive relevant experience will also be considered.
• Minimum of three (3) years of industrial maintenance and automation experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably plastics injection molding.
• Hands-on experience with injection molding robots, 6-axis robots, cobots, EOAT, vision systems, PLCs, HMI systems, conveyors, and automated equipment.
• Experience with preventive/predictive maintenance, troubleshooting, root-causeanalysis, and equipment reliability.
• Automotive/Tier 1 manufacturing experience preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Strong electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic troubleshooting skills.
• PLC and robotic programming and troubleshooting experience. Knowledge of Fanuc, Serpo, Wittmann,
• Yushin, Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, or similar systems preferred.
• Ability to identify automation opportunities and implement reliable, safe, and efficient solutions.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Standing, sitting, and/or bending for extended periods of time.
• Walking short distances frequently.
• Working in a space that lacks climate control.
• Lifting and carrying objects with an estimated maximum weight of up to 40 lbs. regularly.
• Pushing or pulling objects with up to 15 lbs. of force regularly.
•  Gross manipulation skills for picking up, holding, and turning objects.
• Fine manipulation skills such as touching, picking, and moving, primarily with fingers and hands.
• Commitment to workplace safety.
• Required physical presence in the workplace every scheduled day. - Required to work Overtime as needed.

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vison Insurance
• FSA
• AFLAC
• 401(K) matching
• Life Insurance