The Plastics Injection Molding Automation Engineer will lead Lawrence Plastics’ automation strategy by identifying, developing, implementing, and maintaining automation solutions that improve safety, quality, reliability, efficiency, and production performance. This hands-on role will manage automation projects from concept through implementation and ongoing preventive/predictive maintenance, while troubleshooting downtime, supporting and training internal teams, and occasionally communicating the company’s automation strategy with customers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Identify, develop, implement, and support automation opportunities throughout the injection molding and secondary manufacturing processes.
• Design, program, troubleshoot, and improve robotic and automated systems, including robots, PLCs, HMIs, EOAT, conveyors, servo systems, pneumatics, sensors, and vision systems.
• Serve as the first responder for automation-related equipment failures and provide timely troubleshooting and technical support to minimize downtime.
• Perform scheduled preventive and predictive maintenance on automation equipment and monitor equipment for reliability and degraded performance.
• Support the installation, startup, commissioning, validation, and ongoing operation of new automation equipment.
• Work with Maintenance, Production, Quality, Tooling, Engineering, vendors, and contractors to resolve automation and equipment issues.
• Perform and document root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and reliability improvements related to automation and production equipment.
• Maintain accurate automation maintenance records, equipment documentation, programming backups, and service history.
• Identify opportunities to improve production efficiency, cycle times, quality, safety, ergonomics, labor utilization, and operating costs through automation.
• Support machine safety systems, including guarding, emergency stops, interlocks, and safety circuits.
• Train and assist Production and Maintenance employees with basic automation operation, troubleshooting, and proper escalation of issues.
• Support new product launches, engineering changes, process improvements, and automation projects.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment and follow all Lawrence Plastics policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Technical certification and/or associate degree in automation, electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
• High school diploma with extensive relevant experience will also be considered.
• Minimum of three (3) years of industrial maintenance and automation experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably plastics injection molding.
• Hands-on experience with injection molding robots, 6-axis robots, cobots, EOAT, vision systems, PLCs, HMI systems, conveyors, and automated equipment.
• Experience with preventive/predictive maintenance, troubleshooting, root-causeanalysis, and equipment reliability.
• Automotive/Tier 1 manufacturing experience preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Strong electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic troubleshooting skills.
• PLC and robotic programming and troubleshooting experience. Knowledge of Fanuc, Serpo, Wittmann,
• Yushin, Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, or similar systems preferred.
• Ability to identify automation opportunities and implement reliable, safe, and efficient solutions.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Standing, sitting, and/or bending for extended periods of time.
• Walking short distances frequently.
• Working in a space that lacks climate control.
• Lifting and carrying objects with an estimated maximum weight of up to 40 lbs. regularly.
• Pushing or pulling objects with up to 15 lbs. of force regularly.
•  Gross manipulation skills for picking up, holding, and turning objects.
• Fine manipulation skills such as touching, picking, and moving, primarily with fingers and hands.
• Commitment to workplace safety.
• Required physical presence in the workplace every scheduled day. - Required to work Overtime as needed.

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vison Insurance
• FSA
• AFLAC
• 401(K) matching
• Life Insurance

Overall responsibility is to perform a variety of production sorting and inspection tasks while maintaining accurate data records. The role requires adherence to work instructions, company policies, and safety procedures with a focus on quality organization and efficiency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Perform various production sorting, inspection, and data recording tasks, including visual and touch point inspections, with fast-paced precision, ensuring no defects.

Document Inspection results using logs and reports.

Read and follow work instructions, work rules, and directions accurately.

Ensure employees are trained to perform assigned duties safely and accurately.

Follow all company policies and procedures consistently.

Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

High school graduate or equivalent

One year of prior related quality experience is a plus.

Should have familiarity with quality control standards.

Experience working in an IATF 16949 environment is a definite plus.

U.S. work authorization.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

Demonstrated ability to read and comprehend quality standards.

Detail-oriented with a results-driven approach.

Demonstrate a positive attitude, flexibility, adaptability, and self-motivation.

Reliable and committed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Standing, sitting, and/or bending for extended periods of time.

Walking short distances frequently.

Working in a space that lacks climate control.

Lifting and carrying objects with an estimated maximum weight of up to 40 lbs. Occasionally.

Pushing or pulling objects with up to 15 lbs. of force regularly.

Gross manipulation skills for picking up, holding, and turning objects.

Fine manipulation skills such as touching, picking, and moving, primarily with fingers and hands.

Commitment to workplace safety.

Required physical presence in the workplace every day scheduled.

Required to work Overtime as needed.

Overall responsibility is to operate assigned machine(s) to ensure the production of quality parts to meet customer requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

- Inspect products as they are produced by assigned machine and review procedures to ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.

- Read blueprints and work instructions to understand quality expectations for each product.

- Complete all training activities in order to perform assigned duties safely and accurately.

- Comply with IATF 16949 standards.

- Dependable attendance daily is required, as is the ability and willingness to work Overtime as scheduled.

- Various other duties as required and assigned by the department supervisor.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

- High school graduate.

- Prior experience in a similar environment is a plus, but not a requirement.

- Familiarity with quality control standards – especially IATF 16949 - in a production setting is a plus, but not a requirement.

- U.S. work authorization.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

- Demonstrated ability to read and comprehend production instructions.

- Detail-oriented with a results-driven approach.

- Reliable and committed.

- Experience in the use of Microsoft software, including Word and Excel is a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

- Standing, sitting, and/or bending for extended periods of time.

- Walking short distances frequently.

- Working in a space that lacks climate control.

- Lifting and carrying objects with an estimated maximum weight of up to 40 lbs. regularly.

- Pushing or pulling objects with up to 15 lbs. of force regularly.

- Gross manipulation skills for picking up, holding, and turning objects.

- Fine manipulation skills such as touching, picking, and moving, primarily with fingers and hands.

- Commitment to workplace safety.

- Required physical presence in the workplace every day scheduled.

- Required to work Overtime as needed.