Join AeroFarms at our advanced indoor farming and automated packaging facility in Danville, VA as an Automation & Continuous Improvement Engineer. This role will drive automation performance, packaging efficiency, and mechanical innovation across the facility while working closely with operations and engineering teams to continuously improve production systems.Position OverviewThe Automation & Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for improving the performance, reliability, and scalability of automated systems across AeroFarms’ production and packaging operations.
This role combines automation engineering, mechanical design, and manufacturing process optimization to drive measurable improvements in throughput, quality, and operational efficiency.
The ideal candidate thrives in a hands-on manufacturing environment, enjoys solving complex production challenges, and is motivated by building and improving real-world systems.Key Responsibilities – Manufacturing Automation & Process Optimization• Identify and implement improvements to automated production and packaging systems to increase throughput and reduce downtime.
• Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
• Implement automation improvements that improve equipment uptime, product flow, and labor efficiency.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and root cause analysis.Packaging Systems Engineering• Improve the performance of automated packaging lines including weighing systems, conveyors, labeling equipment, and product handling systems.
• Optimize line balance and material flow to reduce operational bottlenecks.
• Reduce product giveaway and improve packaging accuracy through process improvements and automation modifications.
• Support the design and integration of new packaging technologies and equipment.Mechanical Design & Equipment Innovation• Design mechanical improvements and custom components to enhance equipment performance.
• Develop fixtures, brackets, guards, and tooling to support automation improvements.
• Work with fabrication teams or vendors to implement equipment modifications.
• Prototype and test equipment upgrades to improve reliability and efficiency.Automation & Controls Engineering• Support and modify PLC-controlled automation systems across the facility.
• Troubleshoot and optimize robotics, motion systems, and automated work cells.
• Modify PLC logic to support new processes, equipment upgrades, and production improvements.
• Support commissioning and integration of new automated equipment.Equipment Reliability & Performance• Investigate recurring equipment issues and lead root cause analysis.
• Implement engineering improvements that reduce equipment failures and improve system robustness.
• Develop engineering solutions that improve maintainability and reliability of automated systems.Cross-Functional Engineering Collaboration• Partner with operations, maintenance, agronomy, and engineering teams to solve production challenges.
• Work with external integrators, vendors, and equipment manufacturers to develop system improvements.
• Support capital improvement projects and equipment upgrades.Safety, Compliance & Documentation• Ensure all equipment modifications meet machine safety, electrical safety, and food manufacturing standards.
• Maintain documentation and change management records for automation and equipment improvements.Technical Scope• PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, Siemens, Schneider, Wago)
• Automated packaging systems
• Conveyance and product handling equipment
• Servo and stepper motion control systems
• Robotic work cells
• Industrial sensors and instrumentation
• Weigh scales and labeling systems
• Pumps, valves, motors, and environmental control equipmentQualificationsRequired:
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or Mechatronics
• 3+ years of experience in highly automated manufacturing or packaging environments
OR
• Associate’s degree in Automation, Mechatronics, or related field and 7–10 years of industrial automation experience
Preferred:
• Experience in high-speed packaging or automated manufacturing
• Experience with mechanical design or equipment fabrication
• Experience working in food manufacturing or regulated industries
• Experience with robotics or motion control systemsSkills & Competencies• Strong mechanical and automation troubleshooting ability
• Ability to design and implement practical engineering solutions
• Hands-on approach to solving manufacturing challenges
• Experience analyzing production systems and identifying improvements
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to translate operational problems into engineering solutions
• Curiosity and drive to continuously improve systems
Top Skills
What We Do
AeroFarms is on a bold mission to grow the best plants possible for the betterment of humanity. We are an award-winning indoor farming company and Certified B Corporation transforming agriculture with people and planet in mind. Using the latest breakthroughs in vertical farming, artificial intelligence and plant biology, we are fixing our broken food system and improving the way fresh produce is grown and distributed locally and globally. We have built a proprietary agriculture platform to grow a wide array of products, delivering superior flavor, better quality and improved nutrition with the most sophisticated levels of traceability & food safety in our industry. The unique way we grow indoors creates the perfect conditions for healthy plants to thrive, allowing us to deliver the highest quality produce to our customers all year round, while using up to 95% less water, 99% less land, 390X more productivity and zero pesticides compared to traditional field farming. We have been leading the indoor farming industry for over a decade, and proud to have been recognized with over 50 Awards for our breakthrough technology, commitment to people and planet, and the achievements of our world-class team, including TIME's Best Inventions, Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies and Fast Company's World Changing Ideas for 4 years in a row. Join our team and let's reach new heights: https://www.aerofarms.com/careers/
