Automation Engineer - Equipment/Process, Fort Valley

An established manufacturing organization is seeking an
Automation Engineer, Programming/PLC
to develop, implement, and sustain industrial control software for automated manufacturing equipment.
This role owns PLC logic and related controls software, including robot and vision system interfaces, and works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, and automation suppliers to commission new equipment and improve existing systems.
Automation Engineer, Programming/PLC | What You Will Do
Develop, test, and maintain PLC control logic for automated manufacturing equipment across discrete, continuous, and motion applications
Build and sustain HMI interfaces for machine control, diagnostics, alarms, and operator interaction
Configure and troubleshoot industrial networks and field devices (EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, IO-Link)
Develop and refine robot programs (online/offline) for material handling, assembly, welding, dispensing, and palletizing applications
Integrate robots and vision systems with PLCs, safety circuits, and peripheral equipment
Lead or support commissioning activities including FAT, SAT, and Run-at-Rate
Troubleshoot complex control system issues in startup and production; implement durable fixes and prevent recurrence
Implement and validate machine safety solutions (safety PLCs, light curtains, scanners, interlocked guarding)
Develop and maintain controls documentation including I/O lists, program comments, robot recovery procedures, and work instructions
Support PFMEA, control plan development, and ISO ****-aligned quality requirements
Provide technical coaching to technicians and junior engineers on troubleshooting and safe recovery
Automation Engineer, Programming/PLC | What You Bring
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Industrial, or related field)
5 or more years of hands-on PLC and industrial robot programming experience in a manufacturing environment
Proficiency with one or more PLC platforms: Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, or Omron
Robot programming experience with FANUC, ABB, KUKA, or Yaskawa
Experience with machine safety solutions and functional safety concepts
Familiarity with vision system integration (Cognex, Keyence)
Disciplined approach to change control and documentation in a production environment
U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident required
Automation Engineer, Programming/PLC | Compensation and Opportunity
Competitive base salary
Relocation package available
Annual bonus opportunity
Medical, dental, and vision benefits
401k with company match
14 paid holidays plus vacation time
Continued professional development support
Long-term opportunity within a stable, mission-driven manufacturing organization