Manufacturing Automation Engineer

About the role

Simpson Strong-Tie is a leader in engineered structural connectors, software, and solutions for the building industry. We maintain a reputation as a trusted manufacturer, partner, and corporate citizen committed to our customers and employees. Our founder, Barc Simpson established 9 Principles of Business we live out as company values and have made Simpson Strong-Tie an inspiring place to work since 1956. Our team of talented people are dedicated to our shared mission: to provide solutions that help people design and build safer, stronger structures. Learn about our company culture directly from our team . YOU As an Automation Engineer for the Riverside Branch, you will support and improve the automated systems that drive safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing performance across the facility. You will serve as a technical expert in industrial automation, partnering closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and Safety to troubleshoot issues, improve system performance, and help implement automation solutions that strengthen uptime, quality, and throughput. You are a hands-on problem solver who can move between the plant floor and technical systems with ease, bringing discipline, urgency, and continuous improvement to complex manufacturing environments. WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING (% of Time) Support Automated Manufacturing Systems (35%) Support daily performance of automated manufacturing equipment, including robotic welding cells, fiber laser systems, PLC-controlled equipment, and related automation assets. Troubleshoot controls, automation, and process issues to restore equipment to safe and effective operating condition. Partner with Operations and Maintenance to reduce downtime, improve response time, and stabilize equipment performance. Monitor automation system performance and identify recurring losses, failures, or constraints that impact production. Support safe and efficient operation of automation assets across the manufacturing environment. Lead Controls and Automation Problem Solving (25%) Diagnose and resolve issues related to PLCs, HMIs, sensors, drives, servos, robotics, and automation interfaces. Support root cause analysis for equipment, controls, and process failures, then implement sustainable corrective actions. Develop, revise, and maintain controls logic, automation backups, and related system documentation in alignment with plant standards. Assist with startup, testing, validation, and stabilization of new or modified automation systems. Support integration between machinery, controls, and production processes to improve overall system effectiveness. Drive Continuous Improvement and Process Optimization (15%) Identify and implement improvements that increase uptime, throughput, repeatability, and process reliability. Support cycle time reduction, scrap reduction, labor efficiency, and changeover improvement through automation and process refinement. Partner cross-functionally on Kaizen events, equipment upgrades, and manufacturing improvement projects. Recommend practical automation solutions that align with plant goals for safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Use data, observations, and process knowledge to prioritize and execute improvement opportunities. Maintain Technical Standards and Documentation (15%) Create and maintain automation documentation, including controls architecture, programming backups, troubleshooting guides, equipment settings, and standard work. Support development of preventive and predictive maintenance practices for controls and automation systems. Ensure changes to automation systems are documented, controlled, and communicated appropriately. Assist with spare parts recommendations and identification of critical automation components. Support training materials and technical documentation for maintenance and operations teams Support Safety, Training, and Project Execution (10%) Ensure automation systems, modifications, and controls-related activities align with company safety standards and required machine safeguarding practices. Support risk reduction efforts involving robotics, motion control, electrical systems, and automated equipment. Train and coach maintenance and operations team members on equipment functionality, basic troubleshooting, and proper system use. Support capital projects, equipment installations, vendor coordination, and commissioning activities as assigned. Perform other duties aligned with the role and needs of the business. DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE If you can do everything listed above, you've got what it takes. Perhaps some of the following would be helpful too: Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered. 2+ years of experience supporting industrial automation in a manufacturing environment. Software: Mechanical 2d and 3d design software such as AutoCAD, and Inventor. Strong experience with PLCs, HMI