Automation Engineer

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Beyond this core principle, our shared values and behaviors unite us as we work together to elevate customers, shape lives and protect the future. We champion our customers and help them succeed. We play to win - adapting quickly in an everchanging world - and make smart choices to safeguard our business, our communities and the people we serve for generations to come. And we invest in our world-class team, empowering our colleagues to unpack their potential, because we believe when our people grow, so does our business.

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Position Summary

The Automation Engineer is responsible for the design, programming, integration, reliability, and continuous improvement of automation systems supporting a high-volume plastics injection molding operation. This role owns controls and automation performance across large-tonnage injection molding presses (650-1000 ton), part extraction robots, automated material/part conveyance, dry offset printing lines, and custom packaging robotic cells. The Automation Engineer works cross-functionally with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Tooling to maximize OEE, uptime, safety, and product quality, while reducing scrap and operating cost.

Key Responsibilities

A) Automation Reliability, Uptime & Troubleshooting (Daily Ownership)

• Serve as the plant's technical owner for PLC/controls, robot programming, and HMI/SCADA supporting:
  • Large-tonnage injection molding machines
  • Part extraction and downstream robots
  • Conveyors, accumulation, and transfer systems
  • Dry offset printing equipment and automation interfaces
  • Packaging robotic cells (pick/place, case pack, palletizing as applicable)
• Diagnose and resolve complex, system-level issues involving:
  • Servo/drive systems, sensors, safety devices, pneumatics/hydraulics interfaces
  • Communications networks (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profinet, IO-Link, serial interfaces)
  • Interlocks between press/robot/conveyance/printing/packaging
• Perform root cause analysis (RCA) on recurring automation downtime; implement permanent corrective actions (logic changes, error-proofing, standardization)
• Maintain and enforce controls backups, program revision control, and disaster recovery plans

B) Programming, Integration & Controls Engineering

• Develop and modify PLC logic, robot programs, and HMI screens to support new tooling, new products, and line balancing
• Integrate automation equipment with molding machines and downstream operations:
  • Part transfer timing, cooling/handling windows, reject routing, printing registration interfaces, packaging flow logic
• Specify and implement:
  • I/O architectures, sensor packages, drive/VFD setup, motion control sequences
  • Vision/inspection triggers and reject management (where applicable)
• Support FAT/SAT activities, commissioning, and ramp-up to production stability

C) Safety Systems & Compliance

• Own functional safety performance of automated cells:
  • Safety PLC logic, E-stops, light curtains/area scanners, door interlocks, safe speed/torque (as applicable)
• Lead or support risk assessments and safety validations for new or modified automated equipment
• Ensure safe operation and compliance with internal standards and applicable regulations

D) Continuous Improvement & Cost Reduction

• Drive automation-focused continuous improvement projects:
  • Cycle time reductions, scrap reduction, labor elimination, stability improvements
• Implement error-proofing (poka-yoke) strategies:
  • Jam detection, part presence verification, automated rejects, printer misregistration detection, packaging cell fault-proofing
• Develop and monitor automation performance metrics:
  • Downtime Pareto, MTBF/MTTR, chronic fault lists, OEE loss due to controls/robotics
• Identify obsolescence risks and create modernization plans for controls hardware/software

E) Collaboration, Documentation & Training

• Partner with Production, Quality, Tooling, and Maintenance to:
  • Improve process capability, reduce variation, and support PPAP/validation activities
• Create and maintain:
  • Electrical/controls documentation, network maps, logic narratives, SOPs, PM checklists, spare parts recommendations
• Train Maintenance and Operations on:
  • Safe recovery steps, basic troubleshooting, standardized start-up/changeover procedures

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or equivalent experience
• 3+ years automation/controls experience in manufacturing (plastics, packaging, printing, or high-speed automation preferred)
• Hands-on experience with:
  • PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, etc.)
  • Industrial robotics (Fanuc, ABB, Yaskawa/Motoman, KUKA, or similar)
  • HMIs (FactoryTalk View, WinCC, Ignition, etc.)
  • Industrial networking and communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, IO-Link, etc.)
• Strong troubleshooting capabilities with:
  • Sensors, servos/drives/VFDs, pneumatics, hydraulic interfaces, safety systems
• Working knowledge of manufacturing safety principles in automated environments

Preferred Qualifications (Highly Desired)

• Experience in injection molding automation, especially:
  • Large tonnage presses (650-1000 ton)
  • Part extraction robots (e.g., Sepro, Wittmann, Yushin, Star, etc.)
  • Downstream automation (conveyance, cooling, buffer/accumulation)
• Experience integrating or supporting:
  • Dry offset printers (registration control, part handling, reject systems)
  • Custom packaging robotic cells (pick/place, case packing, palletizing)
• Experience with:
  • Vision systems (Cognex/Keyence), barcode/traceability, MES/data collection, OPC UA
  • Motion control and coordinated multi-axis systems
  • Project management (CAPEX, timelines, vendor management)

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical problem solving; capable of structured RCA (5-Why, Fishbone, Pareto)
• High sense of ownership and urgency during downtime events
• Ability to work cross-functionally and communicate with both technical and non-technical teams
• Able to prioritize work in a fast-paced, multi-line production environment
• Documentation discipline and standardization mindset

Physical / Work Environment

• Manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, moving equipment, forklifts, heated processes
• Must follow PPE requirements and safety procedures
• May require lifting up to 30 lbs and occasional ladder/platform work
• On-call or flexible support may be required for critical downtime events, launches, and weekend work

We expect our people to be guided by The Amcor Way and demonstrate our Values every day to enable the business to win. We are winning when:

• Our people are engaged and developing as part of a high-performing Amcor team
• Our customers grow and prosper from Amcor's quality, service, and innovation
• Our investors benefit from Amcor's consistent growth and superior returns
• The environment is better off because of Amcor's leadership and products

Amcor is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you would like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please click on the "Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal" Poster. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please call 224-313-7000 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

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When you join Amcor, you will have access to a comprehensive benefits and compensation package that includes:

• Medical, dental and vision plans

• Flexible time off, starting at 80 hours paid time per year for full-time salaried employees

• Company-paid holidays starting at 8 days per year and may vary by location

• Wellbeing program & Employee Assistance Program

• Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

• Life insurance, AD&D, short-term & long-term disability, and voluntary benefits

• Paid Parental Leave

• Retirement Savings Plan with company match

• Tuition Reimbursement (dependent upon approval)

• Discretionary annual bonus program (initial eligibility dependent upon hire date)