Automation Application Engineer

About the position

The Automation Application Engineer is responsible for the electromechanical design, development, and implementation of automation projects that improve safety, working conditions and product quality, while increasing throughput and reducing operating costs. In this role, this individual works with a group of other like-minded engineers whose objectives are to automate existing processes, manage projects, coordinate technology solutions, and partner with outside sources to ensure the completion of projects in a timely manner. This highly effective individual is also a part of a team that provides automation leadership and expertise within the organization. In this role, you will be required to map existing processes, perform R&D activities to support existing and future automation projects and identify areas of manufacturing that are 'ripe' for automation. As a key technical team member of the automation team, you will be asked to partner with operations to help participate in the development and alignment of the 1, 3, and 5-year vision for automation. One of the primary goals of this position is to maximize knife production per square foot using safe and effective automation principles and solutions. The successful individual in this position will take the initiative to learn and understand the manufacturing systems and processes as they exist today. Reducing our time to market and increasing our ability to serve internal and external customers with the effective execution of focused value-added automated solutions is key to our continued organizational success.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed and accurate value stream maps to baseline current component value streams
• Isolate and identify opportunities and challenges with production flow
• Improve the traction and focus for process stabilization efforts
• Create flow-minded solutions in partnership with manufacturing and process engineering
• Responsible for the design and development of automation projects including, initial concept, design requirements, system architecture, test plan, prototype fabrication/testing, and final production release
• Participate in conceptual equipment development and product specification to ensure designs provide appropriate components to achieve Benchmade's process standards
• Selection and specification of machine components such as motors, pneumatics, conveyors, and part-feeding components
• Establish test plans at vendor and Benchmade facilities during installation and buy-off of equipment
• Debug and optimize automated processes to maximize cycle time and improve availability and yield
• Create detailed documentation including but not limited to design input requirements, specifications, design of experiments, acceptance test and validation protocols, detailed drawings, and bills of materials
• Modify existing equipment to improve product quality, increase part throughput, decrease cost, and/or strengthen safety measures
• Evaluate and recommend engineering changes to equipment or processes that will ensure maximum productivity
• Manage outside suppliers and contract manufacturers when required

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in Robotics, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or other related degree
• 3+ years of experience automating manufacturing equipment & processes
• Strong manufacturing process knowledge; preferably in low volume, high mix production model
• Proficiency in designing components and automated assemblies in SolidWorks and/or Creo
• Experience in mechanical design of complex tooling and fixturing for automated systems
• Ability to quickly troubleshoot and modify existing equipment as required
• Ability to analyze existing processes to determine the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of automating them to meet company productivity and cost goals
• Hands-on experience with electro-mechanical troubleshooting of an automated manufacturing environment
• Ability to read and modify mechanical and electrical prints as required
• Collaborate with Controls Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers, and plant personnel to optimize system performance

Nice-to-haves

• Ability to develop project simulations using FANUC Robo-Guide or other simulation software solutions
• Experience programming Fanuc robots

Benefits

• Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities