Automation Engineer – New Product Development
Location: Oberlin, Ohio
Full-Time
Salary Range: $85,000 – $100,000 per year
About AdeptAg
AdeptAg LLC is a North American leader in controlled environment agriculture, integrating innovative growing, automation, and irrigation solutions for customers both domestic and international. We help today’s growers meet evolving challenges through advanced automation systems and cost-efficient engineering solutions.
Our Engineering team plays a critical role in driving innovation and delivering next-generation automation systems that support greenhouse and horticulture operations across North America.
The Role
The Automation Engineer – New Product Development (NPD) is a forward-focused engineering role dedicated exclusively to the design, development, and innovation of new automation equipment and systems.
This position drives the technical vision for next-generation products, establishes engineering standards, and transforms market opportunities into manufacturable, scalable solutions. The ideal candidate combines deep automation expertise with innovative thinking and strong cross-functional collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
New Equipment Development
• Lead concept development and feasibility analysis of new automation systems
• Translate market needs and customer requirements into viable technical solutions
• Design complete automation systems including electrical architecture, control system topology, and software/firmware requirements
• Develop PLC programs, HMI interfaces, motion control algorithms, and vision systems
• Build and validate proof-of-concept prototypes
• Design and execute comprehensive testing protocols to validate performance
• Prepare full documentation packages including schematics, BOMs, assembly procedures, and test specifications for production release
Standards Development
• Develop and maintain engineering standards for electrical design and programming conventions
• Establish component selection guidelines and documentation best practices
• Create design standards that ensure consistency, quality, and manufacturability
• Lead component standardization efforts to improve serviceability and reduce cost
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards including UL, NFPA, and CE
Product Vision and Innovation
• Contribute to development and execution of the technology roadmap
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies and components
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Operations to align product direction with market trends
• Provide technical mentorship to engineering team members
• Represent Engineering in new product planning initiatives
• Identify innovations suitable for intellectual property protection
Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
• Minimum 3+ years of automation system design and development experience
• Demonstrated experience taking products from concept through production release
• Experience with machine vision systems preferred
• Background in greenhouse, agriculture, or controlled environment systems preferred
• Valid driver’s license required
• Valid passport and ability to travel across the Canada–U.S. border required
Technical Skills and Competencies
• Expert-level PLC programming experience (strong preference for IEC 61131-3 and CODESYS V3.5)
• Strong electrical engineering fundamentals including circuit design, panel layout, and component selection
• Experience with motion control systems, VFDs, servo drives, and robotics integration
• Proficiency with CAD tools such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD Electrical
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, Modbus, and CAN
• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving abilities
• Excellent documentation and technical writing skills
• Ability to work independently and drive projects from concept through production
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills
Why Join AdeptAg
• Competitive compensation package
• Generous 401(k) with company-paid contribution
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• Voluntary life, accident, and disability insurance options
• Opportunity to shape next-generation automation products
• Collaborative engineering culture
• Growing North American organization with strong innovation focus
If you are a driven automation engineer who thrives on innovation and product development, we encourage you to apply and help shape the future of agricultural automation.
Equal Opportunity Employer
AdeptAg is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
Top Skills
What We Do
AdeptAg is the North American leader in turnkey design, automation solutions, controls, irrigation systems, and services for any of your controlled environment production needs.
