Lead Automation Engineer

The Lead Automation Engineer will work on a team to drive new product development from concept to deployment.This role will focus on conceiving, designing, developing, programming, and maintaining innovative machinery that may include robotics, mechatronics, inspection, sortation, packaging, storage, material handling or other hardware solutions.

This is an onsite role in our La Vergne TN office. We are offering relocation assistance to candidates willing to relocate.

What will be my duties and responsibilities in this job?

• Control system and/or robot programming
• Create original detailed designs of unusual and complex machinery utilizing engineering software with limited direction from leadership
• Applications development, requirements gathering, concept generation, architecture creation, and specification writing
• Support the project management team by leading design reviews, creating schedules, tracking project costs, and estimating budgets
• Provide training and guidance to lower-level engineers
• Technical writing of machinery manuals and operating procedures
• Manage bill-of-materials (BOMs), select vendors, obtain quotes, create purchase requests, and inspect received components
• Direct the construction, initialization, setup, and installation of machinery
• Lead facility/site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT)
• Lead troubleshooting of machinery in operation
• Create and maintain standards for machine design, programming, and documentation

What are the requirements needed for this position?

• 7+ years of experience in the design and implementation of automated equipment
• 10+ years PLC Programming: Expertise in writing control programs for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) using ladder logic, structured text, function block diagrams, or other relevant IEC languages
• 10+ years Industrial Automation Protocols: Proficiency in communication protocols like EtherNet/IP, Profibus, or DeviceNet for data exchange between PLCs and other devices
• 10+ years Electrical Engineering Fundamentals: Solid understanding of electrical principles, including power distribution, motor control, and safety considerations
• 10+ years Safety: Experience with machine safety systems, ISO standards, RIA 15.06, and similar OSHA requirements
• 10+ years Troubleshooting & Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to diagnose and resolve control system issues efficiently
• 7+ years Motion Control: Understanding of servo and stepper motor principles, along with the ability to design and program motion control systems
• 7+ years Mechatronics: A combination of mechanical, electrical, and control system knowledge, allowing for a holistic understanding of the automated machinery
• 5+ years Robotics Fundamentals: Understanding of robot kinematics, dynamics, and programming for integrating robotic elements into the system
• 5+ years Machine Vision: Knowledge of machine vision systems, including camera selection, image processing, and applying them for automated inspection or object recognition
• 5+ years Project Management: Ability to manage control system projects from design to implementation, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk mitigation
• 3+ years SCADA/HMI Development: Experience in designing and implementing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for operator interaction
• Communication & Teamwork: Excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with engineers, technicians, and other stakeholders

What other skills/experience would be helpful to have?

• BS in ME, EE, Automation, or Related Field or equivalent experience
• Experience with conventional programing languages, including: Python, C#, C++, Visual Basic and others
• Cybersecurity Awareness: Understanding of cybersecurity principles to implement secure communication protocols and protect control systems from cyberattacks
• Version Control Systems: Familiarity with version control systems like Git to manage code changes and ensure project traceability
• Project Management Tools: Proficiency in project management software like MS Project or similar tools for efficient project planning and execution
• Data Acquisition & Analysis: Familiarity with data acquisition techniques and tools for analyzing sensor data and optimizing system performance
• Project Documentation & Report Writing: Ability to create clear and concise technical documentation and reports for control system designs, troubleshooting procedures, and project deliverables
• Experience with B&R, Allen Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, or other industrial PLC products
• Experience with Kuka, Fanuc, ABB, Yaskawa or other industrial robotics products
• Experience with Cognex, Keyence, Basler or other industrial vision products
• Some experience with 3D CAD software, Solidworks preferred
• Some experience Utilizing Visual Components, or similar software for digital twin and offline programming

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Pay Range:

Any posted pay range considers a wide range of compensation factors, including candidate background, experience and work location, while also allowing for salary growth within the position.

Expected application deadline is

If date is blank then this is a pipeline requisition, and we will continue to collect applications on an ongoing basis.

Helping People Thrive in a Connected World
Connect with us. Bring us your best work and your brightest ideas. And we’ll bring you a place where you can thrive. Learn more at jobs.assurant.com.

For U.S. benefit information, visit myassurantbenefits.com. For benefit information outside the U.S., please speak with your recruiter.

What’s the culture like at Assurant?
Our unique culture is a big reason why talented people choose Assurant. Named a Best/Great Place to Work in 13 countries and awarded the Fortune America’s Most Innovative Companies recognition in 2023, we bring together top talent around the world. Although we have a wide variety of skills and experiences, we share common characteristics that are uniquely Assurant. A passion for service. An ability to innovate in practical ways. And a willingness to take chances. We call our culture The Assurant Way.

Company Overview
Assurant is a leading global business services company that supports, protects, and connects major consumer purchases. A Fortune 500 company with a presence in 21 countries, Assurant supports the advancement of the connected world by partnering with the world’s leading brands to develop innovative solutions and deliver an enhanced customer experience through mobile device solutions, extended service contracts, vehicle protection services, renters insurance, lender-placed insurance products, and other specialty products.

Equal Opportunity Statement
Assurant is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not use or consider race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in employment decisions.