Automation Engineering Leader

Automation Engineering Leader

Company: Saelens LLC
Department: Engineering
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Position: Full-time, salaried

Salary: Competitive base salary with a performance-based bonus opportunity

The Opportunity

Saelens is a growing manufacturing company investing in advanced automation and autonomous manufacturing cells. We are seeking a hands-on Automation Engineering Leader to help develop and implement the systems that will support our continued growth.

The successful candidate will lead automation projects, influence technical decisions, and work closely with engineering and operations from initial concept through successful production.

Growth Opportunity

As a smaller, growing company, Saelens provides employees with visibility, access to leadership, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. This position offers room to expand its influence and responsibilities as our company and automation capabilities continue to grow.

Key Responsibilities

· Develop and execute the automation and controls roadmap for autonomous manufacturing cells.

· Lead automation projects from concept and equipment selection through integration, commissioning, and production handoff.

· Design and integrate robotics, PLC and HMI controls, machine vision, sensors, motion systems, and machine-safety systems.

· Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, IT, and outside integrators.

· Create consistent automation standards, equipment specifications, documentation, and change-control practices.

· Use throughput, cycle time, scrap, downtime, labor efficiency, and return on investment to prioritize projects and measure results.

· Troubleshoot complex automation issues and ensure systems are reliable, maintainable, and scalable.

· Share technical knowledge and help build automation capabilities across the organization.