Automation Engineer

Position: Automation Engineer

Reports to: Automation Manager

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

CMD’s Purpose: Making It Better Together… We believe in building lifelong partnerships, providing high performing equipment and value-added solutions. We empower and trust our employees to take initiative and make decisions that drive our business forward. We strive to make a positive impact on the world around us.

Automation Engineer Summary: The Automation Engineer is responsible for designing and developing custom automated machinery, robotic systems, and manufacturing equipment to meet customer and business requirements. This role combines mechanical engineering and machine design expertise with a strong understanding of automation technologies, robotics, motion control, and machine integration. The Automation Engineer collaborates with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams throughout the project lifecycle, from concept development through installation and startup.

Essential Functions:

• Design and develop custom automated machinery, machine assemblies, tooling, fixtures, and robotic work cells.
• Create machine layouts, 3D CAD models, detail drawings, and bills of materials using SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
• Develop innovative automation solutions for manufacturing, assembly, material handling, case packing, cartoning, inspection, and palletizing applications.
• Evaluate and select mechanical, pneumatic, robotic, and automation components based on performance, cost, and reliability requirements.
• Collaborate with Controls Engineers to define system architecture, machine operation, safety requirements, and equipment functionality.
• Support robotic integrations, including robot selection, reach studies, payload analysis, and end-of-arm tooling design.
• Participate in customer meetings, design reviews, and project planning activities to define requirements and present technical solutions.
• Prepare concepts, specifications, technical documentation, engineering estimates, and project support materials.
• Assist manufacturing and assembly teams with troubleshooting, design improvements, and technical problem resolution.
• Support machine testing, validation, factory acceptance testing (FAT), installation, and commissioning activities.
• Review mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and controls documentation to ensure proper system integration.
• Maintain engineering documentation, drawings, change records, and design standards.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable safety, quality, and industry standards.
• Research emerging technologies and recommend improvements to increase machine performance, reliability, and efficiency.
• Travel to customer locations as needed to support project development, installation, startup, and technical support activities.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Automation Engineer Competencies:

• Mechanical design and machine development expertise.
• Working knowledge of industrial automation, controls, and robotics systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong project planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to present technical concepts clearly.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, manufacturing, and customer teams.
• Initiative, accountability, and continuous improvement mindset.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of experience in machine design, automation engineering, robotics integration, or custom equipment development.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
• Experience designing automated machinery, tooling, fixtures, and mechanical systems.
• Working knowledge of industrial automation, robotics, motion control, PLCs, HMIs, and pneumatic systems.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic drawings.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate effectively with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to support customer meetings, installations, and commissioning activities.

Additional Details and Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with robotics integration, material handling, assembly, product handling, casepacking, palletizing, etc. highly desired.
• Experience with FANUC or other industrial robotic systems.
• Familiarity with Rockwell and/or Beckhoff automation platforms and hardware.
• Understanding of automation systems and components is preferred; PLC, HMI, and robot programming experience a plus, but not required.
• Experience with packaging, material handling, assembly, or custom automation equipment.
• Knowledge of machine safety standards and risk assessment practices.

Work Environment: CMD is located in Appleton, WI. Our three facilities operate by secure entry, are well lit, air temperature controlled for comfort, and clean with low noise. Safety is our top priority. Our culture is centered around mutual respect, clarity of communication, and employee wellbeing.

Automation Engineer Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, reach, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and other routine office and manufacturing equipment.
• The position requires sufficient physical mobility to inspect and interact with capital equipment and manufacturing processes, including the ability to bend, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, twist, and work in various positions as needed.
• The position requires the ability to navigate the manufacturing environment safely, including walking on uneven surfaces, climbing stairs, and standing or walking for extended periods.
• Specific vision abilities required include close and distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to visually inspect equipment, components, and work areas, as well as perform computer-based tasks.
• Ability to wear and properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hats, and other protective equipment as required by the work environment.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to moderate levels of noise, vibration, odors, dust, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to follow all applicable health, safety, and environmental requirements, including established safety procedures, PPE requirements, and emergency response protocols.
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the position.

Status: Full-time, nonexempt

Travel: None

Work Authorization/Security Clearance/Confidentiality: Must be authorized to work in the United States and adhere to CMD’s confidentiality agreement(s).

EEO Statement: CMD Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, parental status, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.