Engineer Production 1
The Automation Production Engineer I supports the improvement, implementation, and maintenance of automated manufacturing processes and equipment, focusing on PLCs, robotics, and control systems. This entry-level role involves troubleshooting, engineering changes, new product introductions, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to enhance equipment safety, quality, and productivity in a manufacturing environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
This entry-level Automation / Production Engineering role supports the implementation, operation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing equipment and processes at a Confidential Client facility in Waller, TX. The position focuses on PLC-controlled systems, industrial robotics, HMIs, sensors, actuators, servo systems, conveyors, and other automated equipment. You'll work closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, Controls, and equipment suppliers under the guidance of senior engineers.
What You’ll Do
- Support continuous improvement efforts for automated manufacturing equipment and processes.
- Troubleshoot automation, controls, electrical, and mechanical equipment issues on the production floor.
- Assist with PLC and HMI program updates and debugging with mentorship from senior engineers.
- Support robot programming, teaching, recovery, and optimization activities.
- Participate in equipment installation, startup, commissioning, and production validation.
- Support supplier-runoff and acceptance testing for new equipment.
- Help develop fixtures, tooling, material-handling systems, and assembly equipment.
- Use Lean tools (Kaizen, time studies, value stream mapping) and structured problem solving (8D, FMEA) to improve safety, quality, cycle time, uptime, and productivity.
- Maintain technical documentation: equipment drawings, programs, specifications, and change requests.
- Assist with capital equipment projects, including vendor coordination and commissioning.
- Provide day-to-day technical support to Production and Maintenance teams.
- Participate in cross-functional teams for new product launches and automation upgrades.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation, Industrial, Systems Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
- 0–2 years of relevant experience (internships, co-ops, university projects, or hands-on automation experience accepted).
- Basic understanding of PLCs, HMIs, industrial robots, sensors, actuators, motors, and control systems.
- Familiarity with electrical schematics, control panels, I/O, and Ethernet-based industrial networks.
- Basic mechanical and pneumatics knowledge relevant to automated equipment and conveyors.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with AutoCAD or controls drawings preferred.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, teamwork, and time-management skills.
- Able to work on-site at the Waller, TX facility and collaborate across functions (Production, Maintenance, Quality, Safety).
Preferred Skills
- Hands-on or classroom experience with PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Omron, or similar).
- Familiarity with industrial robot brands (FANUC, Yaskawa, ABB, Kawasaki, or similar).
- Experience or interest in HVAC, appliance, automotive, or other high-volume manufacturing environments.
- Prior exposure to Lean manufacturing tools, FMEA, 8D, and structured continuous improvement methods.
Compensation & Employment Type
- Estimated: $89,536 per year (estimated).
- Employment type: Full-time (Contractor/full-time assignment possible — see role details).
Work Environment & Notes
- Entry-level engineering role with structured assignments and mentorship from senior engineers.
- Work primarily on-site at Confidential Client’s manufacturing facility in Waller, TX.
- The role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams and occasional coordination with external vendors and system integrators.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.
View My Salary Range