Operations Automation Engineer

Operations Automation Engineer – Job Description

We are seeking a hands-on Operations Automation Engineer to design, program, support, and continuously improve our custom-built automated manufacturing and test equipment. This role will focus on standardizing and upgrading our controls platforms (PLC, HMI, motion control, robotics), ensuring reliable performance across multiple production cells. The engineer will work closely with manufacturing engineers, test engineers, and operations teams to maintain and enhance our custom automation solutions that are critical to throughput, quality, and safety.  

Key Responsibilities

System Integration & Support

• Daily on-site support for automation equipment in one of the highest volume factories at Fluke. 
• Provide troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and upgrade complex controls/motion/robotics and mechanical issues to support factory operations (OTD & Productivity)
• Maintain and update electrical schematics, controls documentation, and system drawings.
• Integrate vision, sensors, and serial communications into automation equipment.
• Ensure safe operation of all automation equipment in compliance with OSHA and company standards.
• Create, implement, and execute Preventative Maintenance plans on new and existing equipment. 

Controls Engineering

• Develop, program, and maintain PLC logic, primarily on Automation Direct platforms:
  • Direct Logic and DoMore CPUs 
  • Standardize and optimize control logic for consistency and reliability.
• Program, configure, and troubleshoot Automation Direct C-More HMIs (EA7, EA9, CM5 generations).

Motion & Robotics

• Configure and support Intelligent Actuator (IAI) linear slides:
  • RCP (external controller, I/O PLC control)
  • ERC3 (built-in controller, I/O PLC control)
  • Robonet (external controller, RS485 PLC communication)
• Maintain and improve THK linear slides with stepper motor control driven directly by PLCs.
• Support SCARA robots for contact placement and assembly:
  • Maintain IAI SCARA systems (standalone controller, PLC-triggered).
  • Program, integrate, and troubleshoot newer Epson SCARA robots with vision systems, including I/O and serial communication with PLCs.

Process Improvement

• Partner with manufacturing and test engineers to identify automation upgrades and opportunities to improve cycle time, throughput, and repeatability.
• Lead standardization efforts to consolidate controls platforms across cells.
• Support Kaizen and continuous improvement events with automation expertise.
• Monitor and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), focusing on machine uptime, sustainment, and long-term reliability of automated systems.

Project Management

• Lead automation upgrade projects from concept through deployment (requirements, design, programming, debug, validation, training).
• Manage timelines, budgets, and vendors for controls-related projects.
• Train technicians and engineers in operation and troubleshooting of upgraded equipment.
• Plan, justify, and execute capital equipment (CAPEX) projects, ensuring alignment with operational and financial goals.
• Support implementation and utilization of the CMMS (eMaint) system to track equipment performance, preventive maintenance, and downtime.
• Oversee inventory and spare parts management for automation and controls equipment to minimize downtime and ensure readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or Mechatronics, from an ABET accredited university.  
• Minimum 2 years related field experience or equivalent practical experience.
• Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting Automation Direct PLCs (Direct Logic, DoMore) and C-More HMIs.
• Strong background with robotics (IAI robotic slides and SCARA robots).
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols: I/O, RS485, serial communication, Ethernet/IP.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting and maintaining electromechanical systems in a production environment.
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience upgrading legacy controls systems and migrating platforms.
• Familiarity with stepper motor control, servo systems, and vision integration.
• Exposure to scripting/programming languages (Python, C#, VB) for automation support.
• Experience with high-volume manufacturing and automated test equipment.
• Solidworks and/or Creo experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of MES/SCADA integration and Industry 4.0/IIoT concepts.
• Experience with a CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Software), or eMaint. 

Fortive Corporation Overview

Fortive's essential technology makes the world safer and more productive. We accelerate transformation in high-impact fields like workplace safety, build environments, and healthcare.

We are a global industrial technology innovator with a startup spirit. Our forward-looking companies lead the way in healthcare sterilization, industrial safety, predictive maintenance, and other mission-critical solutions. We're a force for progress, working alongside our customers and partners to solve challenges on a global scale, from workplace safety in the most demanding conditions to advanced technologies that help providers focus on exceptional patient care.

We are a diverse team 10,000 strong, united by a dynamic, inclusive culture and energized by limitless learning and growth. We use the proven Fortive Business System (FBS) to accelerate our positive impact.

At Fortive, we believe in you. We believe in your potential—your ability to learn, grow, and make a difference.

At Fortive, we believe in us. We believe in the power of people working together to solve problems no one could solve alone.

At Fortive, we believe in growth. We're honest about what's working and what isn't, and we never stop improving and innovating.

Fortive: For you, for us, for growth.

About Fluke

Fluke is leading the world in creating software, test tools and technology that will support customers today and in the future. We are a customer-obsessed market leader with a strong reputation for reliability, quality and safety.A wholly owned subsidiary of Fortive Corporation (www.fortive.com), Fluke is a global corporation headquartered in the greater Seattle area. Driven by the successful Fortive Business System, Fluke offers the passion of a startup with the resources of a Fortune 500 company. We are focused on the growth of our individual employees, teams and the Fluke brand.

We Are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Fortive Corporation and all Fortive Companies are proud to be equal opportunity employers. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or other characteristics protected by law. Fortive and all Fortive Companies are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment application process, please contact us at [email protected].

Bonus or Equity
This position is also eligible for bonus as part of the total compensation package.

Pay Range
The salary range for this position (in local currency) is (Everett): 74,865.00 - 139,035

Is this role subject to ITAR?
The essential duties of this position require adherence to U.S. Government export control regulations. Accordingly, candidates must either be U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) or be prepared to collaborate with the company in securing the necessary U.S. government export authorizations. While the company encourages all interested applicants to apply, please be aware that ongoing employment is dependent upon obtaining the appropriate government export authorizations.