Senior Automation Engineer

Company Description

IPSUMM is a New Hampshire–based engineering firm specializing in manufacturing automation, custom machinery, system integration, and precision mechanical design. Our team delivers high-quality, innovative solutions for clients across multiple industrial sectors. As our operations continue to expand, we are seeking an experienced Purchasing Agent to support our engineering and production teams through efficient, strategic sourcing and procurement.

Role Description

Serve as a technical leader in the design, development, and deployment of advanced automation, robotics, and controls systems. Drive innovation, standardization, and continuous improvement initiatives while mentoring engineering staff and partnering cross-functionally to deliver scalable, high-performance automation solutions aligned with business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee complex automation projects from concept through design, integration, validation, installation, and commissioning, ensuring delivery on scope, schedule, and ROI targets.
• Act as the primary technical authority on automation projects, guiding architecture decisions, defining standards, and ensuring engineering excellence.
• Interface directly with customers, stakeholders, and leadership to define requirements, shape proposals, and influence strategic direction of automation initiatives.
• Drive the development of new products and automation platforms, including proof of concept, prototyping, validation, and scalability assessments.
• Utilize AI-assisted engineering tools to support design, code development, simulation, documentation, and troubleshooting, while maintaining full technical ownership of all outputs.
• Evaluate existing systems and lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, reliability, throughput, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Architect and develop advanced control systems, including PLC, HMI, motion control, robotics, and vision systems, ensuring robust and maintainable designs.
• Establish and enforce best practices for software development, controls architecture, and documentation, including version control and coding standards.
• Lead root cause analysis and resolution of complex system issues, implementing long-term corrective actions to prevent recurrence and minimize downtime.
• Provide strategic guidance on component selection, obsolescence mitigation, and technology roadmaps in collaboration with manufacturing and supply chain teams.
• Oversee and standardize engineering documentation, including schematics, control narratives, and software documentation to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Support global field operations, including high-level troubleshooting, system optimization, and commissioning support.
• Develop and deliver technical training programs for engineers, technicians, and operations personnel.
• Champion adoption of emerging technologies and industry best practices through research, benchmarking, and participation in professional networks.
• Leverage AI to improve engineering efficiency, including automation of repetitive tasks, generation of documentation, and accelerated problem-solving, while maintaining engineering rigor and traceability.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, standards, and internal policies.
• Mentor, coach, and develop junior engineers, providing technical leadership, performance feedback, and career guidance.
• Contribute to departmental strategy, resource planning, and continuous improvement of engineering processes.
• Maintain awareness of emerging AI technologies and assess their applicability to industrial automation and controls systems.

Travel

Domestic and international travel as required to support global projects and customer engagements.

Competencies

• Advanced technical leadership and decision-making
• Strategic thinking and systems-level problem solving
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without authority
• Advanced deductive and inductive reasoning

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Automation, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 7–10+ years of experience in automation, controls engineering, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Deep expertise in complex automated systems including PLCs, HMIs, motion control (VFDs, servos, steppers), robotics, and machine vision systems.
• Proven experience leading large-scale automation projects and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Advanced programming experience (e.g., Allen-Bradley Studio 5000, robotics platforms, PID control, servo systems); experience with Beckhoff, Mitsubishi, vision systems, VB/C++ is a plus.
• Strong troubleshooting expertise across electrical, controls, and integrated automation systems.
• Proficiency in electrical design and documentation (AutoCAD, BricsCAD, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated ability to establish standards, mentor engineers, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and collaboration skills.

Pay: $70,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person