Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms. JOB OVERVIEW The Manufacturing Automation Engineer is responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing automation solutions across production processes to improve throughput, quality, repeatability, safety, and cost efficiency. This role serves as the primary technical owner for automation projects from concept through production launch, partnering closely with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain teams. The ideal candidate combines strong manufacturing process knowledge with automation expertise and plays a critical role in designing products and processes that are optimized for scalable automated production. Following implementation and production stabilization, ownership transitions to Manufacturing Engineering for sustaining support and continuous improvement. RESPONSIBILITIES Automation Strategy & Process Development - Identify manufacturing operations and workflows suitable for automation based on safety, quality, throughput, ergonomic, and cost considerations. - Develop automation roadmaps and business cases to support production scaling objectives. - Evaluate and recommend automation technologies including robotics, machine vision, PLC-controlled systems, automated assembly equipment, material handling systems, and test automation. - Lead feasibility studies, cycle time analysis, and ROI assessments for proposed automation initiatives. Cross-Functional Product & Process Design - Partner with Design Engineering during product development to ensure products are designed for manufacturability and automation (DFMA/DFA). - Provide design feedback on tolerances, joining methods, part presentation, fixturing, assembly sequence, and inspection requirements to enable robust automated manufacturing processes. - Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to define scalable production architectures and standardized automation strategies. Automation Project Ownership - Own automation projects from concept development through equipment commissioning and production launch. - Define equipment specifications, statement of work (SOW), acceptance criteria, and validation plans for integrators and vendors. - Manage automation suppliers and system integrators throughout design, build, FAT, SAT, installation, and startup activities. - Coordinate equipment integration with factory infrastructure, MES systems, quality systems, and production controls. - Develop and execute process validation plans, capability studies, and production readiness reviews. Production Launch & Handoff - Support pilot builds, process debugging, and ramp-to-rate activities during production launch. - Establish documentation packages including work instructions, PM requirements, spare parts lists, control plans, and troubleshooting guides. - Train Manufacturing Engineering and Operations teams on system functionality and maintenance requirements. - Transition ownership of stable production systems to Manufacturing Engineering for sustaining support and continuous improvement activities. Continuous Improvement & Technical Leadership - Drive improvements in OEE, yield, uptime, cycle time, and labor efficiency through automation initiatives. - Standardize automation design practices, controls architecture, and equipment specifications across manufacturing lines. - Support root cause investigations and corrective actions related to automated systems during launch phases. - Stay current with emerging manufacturing automation technologies and industry best practices. QUALIFICATIONS Required Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related field. - 5+ years of experience in manufacturing automation, process engineering, or pro