The Automation Lead Engineer is responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing automation solutions that improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost across manufacturing operations. This role leads the site's automation strategy, manages a portfolio of automation projects, and partners with operations, engineering, quality, and maintenance teams to deploy scalable manufacturing technologies.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the site’s strategic automation roadmap, aligning it to operational and productivity objectives.
- Identify and prioritize projects that support the overall automation roadmap, ensuring timely implementation.
- Track project schedules and budgets to ensure that productivity commitments are achieved.
- Support capital planning by developing proposals and justifying investments based on operational and financial impact.
- Support troubleshooting and improvements of existing automation equipment.
- Standardize automation best practices and documentation to improve reliability and maintainability.
- Grow and develop the site's automation engineering capabilities by mentoring engineers and building expertise to support current and future manufacturing needs.
- Coordinate with external automation integrators, equipment suppliers, and contractors as required.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- 3+ years of manufacturing engineering or automation experience in a production environment.
- Experience leading industrial automation projects from concept through implementation.
- Working knowledge of robotics, PLCs, machine vision, industrial controls, and automated manufacturing equipment.
- Strong project management and cross-functional leadership skills.
- Demonstrated ability to partner with contractors, integrators, and suppliers to implement automation solutions.
- Experience with aerospace manufacturing and AS9100 environments preferred.
Why Join Simmonds Precision?
At Simmonds Precision Products Inc., you'll be part of a team dedicated to quality, innovation, and excellence in aerospace manufacturing and repair. We offer opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative environment where your contributions help support the safety and reliability of aircraft around the world.
Compensation & Benefits
We believe great work deserves great support. Our total rewards package is designed to take care of your health, your future, and your everyday life:
- Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus HSA/FSA options, an onsite cafeteria and fitness center.
- Financial Security: Build your future with competitive pay, an annual bonus opportunity, a 401(k) plan with up to 4% company match with an additional annual employer contribution starting at 3% toward you retirement, and company-paid life and disability insurance.
- Time to Recharge: Enjoy four (4) weeks of vacation, five (5) additional days of paid time off during our annual holiday shutdown. We also offer paid sick leave, maternity and paternity leave, giving you time to rest, recharge and focus on the time you need.
- Grow Your Career: Generous tuition reimbursement up to $20,000 annually combined with ongoing professional development opportunities to keep learning and moving forward
- Extras That Make Life Easier: Supplemental insurance options, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), legal services, identity theft protection, discounted auto/home insurance, and pet insurance
Pay Range
$150,000 to $200,000
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
- 3+ years of manufacturing engineering or automation experience in a production environment.
- Experience leading industrial automation projects from concept through implementation.
- Working knowledge of robotics, PLCs, machine vision, industrial controls, and automated manufacturing equipment.
- Strong project management and cross-functional leadership skills.
- Demonstrated ability to partner with contractors, integrators, and suppliers to implement automation solutions.
- Experience with aerospace manufacturing and AS9100 environments.
What We Do
Simmonds Precision Products, Inc. is a leading global designer and manufacturer of highly engineered fuel, proximity sensing, and structural health monitoring solutions for the aerospace and defense end markets. Based in Vergennes, Vermont, the company provides precision-engineered components for commercial aviation, military, and rotary-wing platforms, specializing in high-quality products with significant aftermarket content across major aerospace and defense platforms.
