Automation Engineer

Position Overview

Newell Brands is a leading consumer products company with a portfolio of iconic brands like Graco®, Coleman®, Oster®, Rubbermaid®, Sharpie® and Yankee Candle®, and 24,000 talented teammates around the world. Our culture is built on values in action: Integrity, Teamwork, Passion for Winning, Ownership, and Leadership. This position will lead efforts in the Writing Supply Chain Organization with a focus on Factory of the Future and the identification and implementation of automation opportunities, including designing, building, testing, and implementing automation/robotics solutions that are productive, safe to operate, and economical to purchase and maintain.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in standing up automation projects using innovative manufacturing concepts focused on process improvement.
• Responsible for the design, quotation, installation, and commissioning of automation projects, with a successful pass off and launch partnership with Operations.
• Review and critique product designs for cost and manufacturability.
• Examine and assess the business case and tradeoffs of using new innovative manufacturing concepts.
• Assess manufacturing processes for the feasibility of using collaborative and industrial robot applications.
• Create, compile, and document requirements for automated solutions, including hardware and software dependencies.
• Recommend physical changes to the manufacturing facility to support equipment installation.
• Assist in soliciting quotations, qualifying suppliers, and selecting equipment vendors.
• Pilot and debug robotic manufacturing processes for production-based environments.
• Support the installation of robotic and automation solutions.
• Facilitate project management with integrators.
• Manage projects to ensure on time and on budget delivery.
• Drive to attain productivity goals and achieve targets.
• Identify training needs of the automation and operations team and develop training plans.
• Provide coaching and constructive feedback to create success within the team.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and success of projects.
• Collaborate with Safety and Operations professionals to ensure successful management of change.
• Manage and direct the activities of on-shift Automation Technicians.

Required Qualifications

• Experience with electrical systems including sensors, motor controls, VFD, servo drives, analog instrumentation, safety emergency stop, and guard door systems.
• Experience with PLC and HMI programming including ladder logic and function block programming.
• Experience with network communication such as ControlNet, Ethernet, EtherCat, etc.
• Knowledge of electrical safety code.
• Background and knowledge in manufacturing areas such as robotics and human-robot interfaces.
• Experience with collaborative robots and associated peripheral equipment (vision systems, force gauges, end of arm tooling options, etc.).
• Experience with plant/facility design/layout software.
• Proficiency in computer-aided design and drafting, and computer-aided manufacturing (CADD/CAM) systems.
• Capable of creating bills of material and maintaining project budgets.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team environment with constant interruptions.
• Ability to clearly communicate business goals for associates to understand their contribution to the organization’s success.
• Effective communication with all levels of management and production personnel.
• Must be able to walk, bend, kneel, stoop, climb, reach, and grasp for varying periods during working hours.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or an Associate degree with a minimum of 1+ years’ experience in an engineering discipline.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, including presentation skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and assignments simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• Consumer Products Industry Experience preferred