Deckorators, a brand of UFP Industries, is a leader in composite decking, railing, and outdoor living products. Our Buffalo, New York plant is the newest and flagship location utilizing our proven and growing Surestone technology. This state-of-the-art extrusion and polymer manufacturing facility serves as a center of excellence for innovation, quality, and process automation across our network.
Job SummaryThe Automation Engineer will lead the implementation, integration, and support of automation and data systems at the Buffalo plant. This role focuses on driving process efficiency, system connectivity, and digital transformation within our extrusion and polymer operations. The Automation Engineer will collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, and IT to deliver smart, connected manufacturing solutions that enhance production reliability, safety, and quality.
Principal Duties and ResponsibilitiesDesign, implement, and support Industry 4.0 initiatives, including data acquisition and system integration.
Develop, test, and deploy Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Digital Quality Systems (QMS), and other digital tools to enhance visibility and control on the production floor.
Design, develop, document, program, debug, and maintain automation PLC/HMI/SCADA/MES software.
Lead or support automation projects involving extrusion line instrumentation and automated material handling systems.
Integrate process equipment with plant-wide systems to enable real-time performance tracking and predictive maintenance.
Partner with process and quality engineers to develop and deploy AI-driven and machine learning solutions for quality improvement and process optimization.
Manage all project phases: Needs Definition, Design/Build, and Installation/Startup, ensuring proper documentation and hand-off.
Support troubleshooting, upgrades, and optimization of existing automation systems to minimize downtime and improve OEE.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure automation systems meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
Provide technical guidance and training to maintenance and operations personnel.
Stay current on emerging technologies and recommend future automation opportunities to maintain plant competitiveness.
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Controls, or Computer Engineering (or related field).
5–10 years of experience in automation, controls engineering, or process optimization within manufacturing; extrusion or polymer experience preferred.
Proven ability to design, program, and troubleshoot Rockwell FactoryTalk View ME & SE systems and Allen-Bradley PLCs (MicroLogix, CompactLogix, ControlLogix).
Ability to validate and condition PLC/MES data to support process analysis and improvement.
Experience deploying MES or plant-level integration platforms such as Ignition; ERP interfacing preferred.
Working knowledge of Python, Java, or other programming languages a strong plus.
Strong understanding of manufacturing data systems, sensors, and connectivity (OPC, SQL, Ethernet/IP).
Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills.
Knowledge of VFDs, servos, and common system interfaces (CIP, Fieldbus).
Proficiency in managing multiple automation projects from concept through commissioning.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Highly organized with demonstrated project management capability and attention to detail.
5–10 years of control system programming experience across multiple platforms (Allen-Bradley, Red Lion, Siemens, Schneider).
5–10 years of HMI/SCADA design experience (Ignition Perspective, FactoryTalk View, Crimson).
Knowledge of common industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, ControlNet).
Based full-time at the Buffalo, NY flagship plant.
Limited travel to other Deckorators facilities may be required (up to 20%).
Opportunity to help shape automation standards and digital transformation strategy for the Surestone platform across the organization.
Compensation & Benefit Information
Salary Pay Range: $85,000-$120,000K annually dependent on experience*
*pay range may be adjusted depending on cost of living
Bonus/Incentive Pay:
Annual performance bonus opportunity based on Company and specific business unit ROI and PBOP achievement criteria and individual job responsibility and performance.Benefits currently offered to our employees:
Medical insurance
Health savings account with company contribution
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Basic and voluntary life insurance
Disability insurance
401(k) plan with company match
Paid vacation and holidays
Stock purchase program with employee discount
Educational reimbursement
Wellness programs and challenges
Other supplemental benefits
The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Top Skills
What We Do
UFP Industries is a holding company whose operating subsidiaries – UFP Packaging, UFP Construction and UFP Retail Solutions – manufacture, distribute and sell a wide variety of products used in residential and commercial construction, packaging and industrial applications. Founded in 1955, the company has operations in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
