Automation R&D Engineer – AI & Smart Machines
Robesonia, PA | Full-Time | Up to 30% Travel
Reading Bakery Systems (RBS) designs and manufactures industrial baking equipment and complete production systems for snack manufacturers worldwide. Our equipment helps produce cookies, crackers, pretzels, and other baked snacks. At our Science & Innovation Center, engineers and food technologists work with customers to test new products, refine processes, and advance the technology behind commercial baking.
We’re looking for an Automation R&D Engineer to help develop the next generation of intelligent industrial equipment.
This hands-on role combines automation, controls, troubleshooting, and R&D. You’ll work with industrial bakery equipment to develop and test smarter machines using sensors, machine data, advanced automation, and emerging technologies such as AI and machine vision.
What You’ll Do
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Develop and test new automation and smart-machine technologies
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Create improved diagnostics, condition monitoring, operator guidance, and predictive-maintenance solutions
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Explore practical uses for AI, machine learning, machine vision, and data analytics
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Work hands-on with PLCs, HMIs, drives, sensors, instrumentation, and industrial equipment
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Support prototypes, testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and customer startups
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Turn recurring field problems into better controls, diagnostics, and machine designs
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Help define future RBS standards for Industrial IoT (IIoT), machine connectivity, data collection, OPC UA, MQTT, edge devices, and intelligent equipment
Required Qualifications
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BS in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field
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Hands-on experience using Rockwell Automation software—including Studio 5000, RSLogix 5000, and FactoryTalk View—is required, with demonstrated ability to program, troubleshoot, and modify Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI applications
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Strong industrial controls and machine-troubleshooting experience
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Experience commissioning or improving industrial machinery
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Ability to take ideas from concept through prototype testing and into production
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Ability and willingness to travel up to 30% is required
Bonus Experience
Siemens controls, Python, machine vision, AI/ML, predictive maintenance, condition monitoring, Industrial IoT (IIoT), OPC UA, MQTT, edge computing, robotics, motion control, or OEM equipment.
You don’t need to be an AI scientist. We want a strong automation engineer who is excited about using new technology to solve real manufacturing problems.
Help us build the next generation of smarter industrial baking equipment.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field
- Hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation software, including Studio 5000, RSLogix 5000, and FactoryTalk View
- Ability to program, troubleshoot, and modify Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI applications
- Strong industrial controls and machine-troubleshooting experience
- Experience commissioning or improving industrial machinery
- Ability to take ideas from concept through prototype testing into production
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 30%
- Experience with Siemens controls, Python, machine vision, AI/ML, predictive maintenance, condition monitoring, IIoT, OPC UA, MQTT, edge computing, robotics, motion control, or OEM equipment
What We Do
Reading Bakery Systems is a worldwide leader and manufacturer of bakery equipment, providing innovative process solutions and support for the baked snack food industry, including pretzel, baked crisp, biscuit, cracker, and pet treat manufacturers.
