Automation Engineer I

Posted 2 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Diamond Bar, CA, USA
In-Office
82K-119K Annually
Entry level
Manufacturing
We deliver an unbeatable combination of quality, price, and service through hard work and innovation to our customers.
The Role
Entry-level automation engineer supporting PLC/HMI/control systems across manufacturing plants. Assist in programming, commissioning, troubleshooting, data collection, and continuous improvement under senior engineer mentorship. Work includes validation, documentation, and collaboration with operations, maintenance, and quality teams; exposure to AI-assisted analytics and automation projects.
Summary Generated by Built In

At Niagara, we’re looking for Team Members who want to be part of achieving our mission to provide our customers the highest quality most affordable bottled water.

Consider applying here, if you want to:   

  • Work in an entrepreneurial and dynamic environment with a chance to make an impact.   
  • Develop lasting relationships with great people.   
  • Have the opportunity to build a satisfying career.

We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages for our Team Members.

Automation Engineer I

This entry-level role supports automation initiatives across manufacturing plants. The Automation Engineer I assists in the design, programming, and troubleshooting of automation systems spanning multiple equipment OEMs and technology generations. The role emphasizes skill development through mentorship and project involvement, with the expectation of building technical independence and expanding scope over time. The role includes exposure to data‑driven and emerging technologies, including AI‑assisted diagnostics and tools, to support smarter automation and continuous improvement.

Essential Functions

Automation Support and Implementation

  • Own programming, testing, and maintaining PLC, HMI, and control systems
  • Support automation project execution under the direction of senior engineers
  • Participate in commissioning and validation of new equipment and upgrades

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

  • Perform structured troubleshooting using established diagnostic and root‑cause techniques
  • Escalate issues with clear data, observations, and hypotheses, not just symptoms
  • Apply repeatable troubleshooting methods
  • Work with maintenance and production teams to resolve technical issues
  • Document changes and updates to control systems

Skill Development and Engineering Judgement

  • Develop the ability to assess multiple solution options and understand associated risks
  • Learn when decisions can be made independently versus when escalation is required
  • Document assumptions and learning outcomes from projects and failures

Data Collection and Process Improvement

  • Collect and validate operational data to support automation improvements, including the use of AI‑assisted analytics, visualization, or alerting tools where applicable
  • Assist with implementing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency

Collaboration and Compliance

  • Collaborate with engineering, operations, and quality teams to align automation activities with production needs

Ensure compliance with safety standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements

  • Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice.

Qualifications

Minimum Required

  • 0-2 years of experience in automation, controls, or manufacturing.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field.
  • Foundational knowledge of PLCs, control systems, and industrial automation.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • List if any travel is required using percentage of time:
    • 50% - on average

Preferred

  • 2 Years– Experience in Field or similar manufacturing environment
  • 2 Years – Experience working in Position               
  • 2 Years – Experience managing people/projects
  • Internship or co-op experience in automation, controls, or manufacturing.
  • Exposure to data analytics tools, scripting, or AI‑assisted engineering platforms
  • Exposure to Rockwell, Siemens, or similar PLC platforms.
  • Familiarity with SCADA systems, HMIs, and industrial networks.
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.

*experience may include a combination of work experience and education

  • Minimum Required: 
    • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field.
  • Preferred: 
    • Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field.

Certification/License:

  • Required:            N/A
  • Preferred:           N/A

Foreign Language

  • Required:            None Required
  • Preferred:           None Required

Typical Compensation Range

Pay Rate Type: Salary

$82,011.54 - $118,916.74 / Yearly

Benefits

Our Total Rewards package is thoughtfully designed to support both you and your family:

Regular full-time team members are offered a comprehensive benefits package, while part-time, intern, and seasonal team members are offered a limited benefits package.

  • Paid Time Off for holidays, sick time, and vacation time
  • Paid parental and caregiver leaves
  • Medical, including virtual care options
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Health Savings Account with company match
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Expanded mental wellbeing benefits including free counseling sessions for all team members and household family members
  • Family Building Benefits including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation plus adoption, surrogacy, and Doula reimbursements
  • Income protection including Life and AD&D, short and long-term disability, critical illness and an accident plan
  • Special discount programs including pet plans, pre-paid legal services, identity theft, car rental, airport parking, etc. 
  • Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan and scholarship opportunities
  • And more!

https://careers.niagarawater.com/us/en/benefits

* *Los Angeles County applicants only** Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the California Fair Chance Act, and any other applicable local and state laws.

Any employment agency, person or entity that submits a résumé into this career site or to a hiring manager does so with the understanding that the applicant's résumé will become the property of Niagara Bottling, LLC. Niagara Bottling, LLC will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.

Employment agencies that have fee agreements with Niagara Bottling, LLC and have been engaged on a search shall submit résumé to the designated Niagara Bottling, LLC recruiter or, upon authorization, submit résumé into this career site to be eligible for placement fees.

Skills Required

  • 0-2 years of experience in automation, controls, or manufacturing.
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field.
  • Foundational knowledge of PLCs, control systems, and industrial automation.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Ability to program, test, and maintain PLC, HMI, and control systems (hands-on automation support).
  • Willingness/ability to travel approximately 50% on average.
  • Internship or co-op experience in automation, controls, or manufacturing.
  • Exposure to data analytics tools, scripting, or AI-assisted engineering platforms.
  • Exposure to Rockwell, Siemens, or similar PLC platforms.
  • Familiarity with SCADA systems, HMIs, and industrial networks.
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
  • Master's degree in a related field (preferred).

Niagara Bottling Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Niagara Bottling and has not been reviewed or approved by Niagara Bottling.

  • Parental & Family Support Family-focused benefits include $10,000 adoption assistance, $10,000 surrogacy reimbursement, enhanced fertility coverage with IVF, paid parental leave, and Milk Stork support for nursing parents. Caregiver leave and family-building resources are highlighted to support employees and their households.
  • Healthcare Strength Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage is offered alongside life and disability insurance, with mental health access through 12 Lyra counseling sessions for employees and household members. Wellness resources and multiple plan options are designed to support a range of needs.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth Paid time off spans holidays, sick days, vacation time, bereavement, and paid volunteer time, with an unlimited vacation policy referenced for certain roles. PTO accrual and rollover structures provide additional flexibility depending on tenure and plan.

Niagara Bottling Insights

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The Company
HQ: Diamond Bar, CA
7,500 Employees
Year Founded: 1963

What We Do

Niagara Bottling is a leading beverage manufacturer in the U.S., supplying some of the largest brands and stores throughout the country. We are committed to producing high-quality beverages, including bottled water, sparkling water, teas, sports drinks, non-dairy milk products, and more, while reducing our impact on the environment. Niagara began as a family business in 1963 offering five-gallon containers for home and office delivery. In the early 1990s, we expanded into single-serve private label bottled water for grocery, club, convenience and wholesale customers. Today, we remain a family business, providing our customers with an unbeatable combination of quality, price and service.

Why Work With Us

Niagara’s stability and growth provide security and opportunity. Team Member relationships drive success, impact innovation, and shape the future. We appreciate everyone’s unique experiences and are fulfilled by challenging work, a supportive team, and leaders who value us.

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