Job Overview

The Manufacturing Automation Engineer is responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing automation solutions across Port Alpha's shipyard production processes — plate cutting and profiling, panel and sub-assembly fabrication, robotic welding, block assembly, blast and paint, outfitting, material handling, and test — 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 role sits within Shipyard Optimization (Robotics & Autonomous Build) and works hand in hand with Saronic's central automation and software teams so that Port Alpha's automation architecture, controls standards, and MES integration stay aligned with the company-wide approach while fitting the realities of large-structure steel shipbuilding.

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 Port Alpha 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, feeding the Port Alpha Production Systems Roadmap.

• Evaluate and recommend automation technologies including robotics, machine vision, PLC-controlled systems, automated assembly and welding 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 vessels and their structures 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 and Shipyard Optimization to define scalable production architectures and standardized automation strategies that fit the facility layout and flow.

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 facility 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, Operations, and Asset Reliability & Facility 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 production lines and with Saronic's other manufacturing sites.

• 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, including shipbuilding-specific automation.

Qualifications

Required

• 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 production equipment development.

• Experience implementing automated manufacturing systems in high-volume, heavy fabrication, or advanced manufacturing environments.

• Strong understanding of industrial automation systems including robotics, PLCs, HMIs, sensors, pneumatics, servo systems, and machine vision.

• Experience with manufacturing process development, PFMEA, validation methodologies, and production launch activities.

• Ability to interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and process flow documentation.

• Experience managing external automation vendors and integrators.

• Strong project management and cross-functional communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience with robotic welding, automated panel lines, plate cutting and profiling, or other large-structure automation in shipbuilding or heavy fabrication.

• Experience with automated assembly, test automation, or robotic material handling systems.

• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and statistical process control methodologies.

• Experience with controls programming, robot programming, or industrial networking.

• Knowledge of MES integration, traceability systems, and smart factory/Industry 4.0 concepts.

• Experience in shipbuilding, aerospace, automotive, robotics, electronics, or advanced manufacturing industries.

• PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or automation-related certifications are a plus.

Key Competencies

• Automation system architecture

• Design for automation (DFA/DFM)

• Production process optimization

• Equipment commissioning and validation

• Cross-functional technical leadership

• Manufacturing scale-up and launch execution

• Vendor and project management

• Root cause analysis and problem solving

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

• Occasional standing and walking within the office

Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays

Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match