Manufacturing Automation Engineer

SCOPE OF THE JOB

The manufacturing automation engineer will be part of the advanced manufacturing team.  This role’s focus will be on improving production efficiency, quality, cost, and safety through advanced manufacturing technologies, robotics, integration and process control.  This position will be one of the subject matter experts on implementing and supporting advanced manufacturing projects throughout the entire organization.  Smith & Wesson has numerous manufacturing processes but is heavily focused on CNC machining and manual assembly.  This position’s initial primary focus will be on improving CNC machining and manual operations. The advanced manufacturing team will leverage industry integrators to implement projects. The automation engineer will ensure any new process meets all internal requirements and provide technical support during all phases of a project.  This position will require the capabilities to program and troubleshoot newly installed or pre-existing PLCs, HMI and automation control systems. 

Salary Range: $80,000-$118,250

TRAVEL

This position will be based out of our facility in Springfield, MA and will require travel to support other Smith & Wesson facilities and attend industry events to maintain expertise.  Travel will be more frequent when project implementation occurs.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBLITIES

• The position will be one of the primary technical experts on identifying the latest and greatest manufacturing technology that will benefit Smith & Wesson manufacturing processes
• Identify areas of opportunity to apply advanced manufacturing principles to meet company objectives centered on safety, quality, delivery and cost
• Gather necessary manufacturing process information needed to create a project scope
• Assist in presenting project details to integrators and provide technical insight as needed to ensure all process specific requirements are being considered
• Work collaboratively in evaluating integrators’ proposed solutions and capabilities of implementing any new manufacturing process
• Coordinate communication with key internal stakeholders and assist in presenting final project proposals to gain internal alignment on the solution
• Work closely with integrators, all engineering teams, IT, operations and other key disciplines to turn project proposals into approved capital projects and create a project plan to support
• Must be able to understand and interpret complex part drawings, understand product design intent to provide technical guidance for any advanced manufacturing project
• Spend the required amount of time to get a deep understanding of any process being evaluated and work with manufacturing engineering and operations to gain agreement on new processes
• Must be able to work independently and drive to get pertinent information needed for a given project
• Gather and analyze production data to identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reductions
• Implement automation to tend CNC machines or other production equipment
• Implement CNC manufacturing processes that independently adjust cutting tools to ensure 100% of parts are with specification limits
• Evaluate current manufacturing processes and apply SPC methodologies to drive process improvements that will ensure a stable process for automation
• Provide support and training to other engineers and users on how to operate the newly implemented or modified systems
• Provide and maintain documentation for any systems, processes or modifications made.
• Stay in tune with current manufacturing technologies through research, attending industry events and discussion with business partners

NOTE: This list presents only the principal duties of the position and is not intended to be comprehensive. The duties and responsibilities listed above may be changed or supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.

Competencies of the ideal candidate

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering Required
• 5+ Years of Experience Working in Manufacturing Automation, preferably in a CNC environment
• Thorough understanding of CNC machining processing including G-code and macro variable programming
• Experience with robotic machine tending and automation tool adjustments required
• Experience in maintaining PLC, HMI and automation system controls
• Experience utilizing SPC for process control in a CNC environment is preferred
• Experience with CAD / CAM software (SolidWorks / Mastercam Preferred)
• Experience with MES or data acquisition systems preferred
• Knowledge of continuous improvement techniques such as Lean / Six Sigma is preferred
• Technical knowledge of CNC machining, automated assembly and data gathering from controls and sensors on factory floor
• Demonstrated ability to design, develop and implement manufacturing automation solutions

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• Must have working command of the English language
• Must be able to read, write and interpret the English language
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills across all levels of the business
• Problem solving and analytical thinking
• Strong attention to detail
• Capable of being flexible to changing business objectives and project scope
• Must be able to communicate in English verbally and in writing (verbal instructions, written memos and instructions)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work in an office and manufacturing factory environment.
• Able to sit and work at a computer keyboard for extended periods of time.
• Able to stand / work for extended periods of time on factory floor
• Able to lift and move up to 30 pounds occasionally.

NOTE: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Within any of our facilities, employees may be exposed to manufacturing noise, airborne liquid chemicals, fine particulate dust, ambient temperatures, and industrial lighting. Work environment is similar to most manufacturing and distribution operations. May be exposed to excessive noise, temperatures, hazards associated with working around moving machinery, work in confined quarters, exposure to vibrations and shop lighting, continuous exposure to hot temperatures, may be humid, odors, dust, continuous exposure to mechanical hazards, and occasional exposure to chemical hazards.

The following Personal Protective Equipment is required:

• Safety glasses with side shields and hearing protection required when on manufacturing floor

The use of additional personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when a job task(s) is being completed in or around your assigned department or in another department, this includes safety eyewear, hearing protection, and safety footwear.

WHO WE ARE

Since 1852 Smith & Wesson has empowered Americans with the freedom, equality, and security promised by the Declaration of Independence and guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. It is this sense of safety and security that frees us to pursue our goals and dreams, define our future, and fulfill the promise of America.

BENEFITS

Revised 4/23/2026