Job Description

Position: Automation System Engineering Lead

Reports to: Director of Automation and Technology Solutions

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. 

Position Summary: The Automation Engineer plays a key role in ensuring the successful execution of customer automation projects, overseeing everything from engineering related items from development to field installation/commissioning. This position involves collaborating with a team to create innovative, customer-centric solutions for end-of-line automation.

Essential Functions: 

System Direction & Concept Development

• Lead creation of automation concepts for new equipment and production solutions.
• Translate requirements into practical machine concepts, layouts, and prototypes.
• Evaluate design tradeoffs (cost, reliability, throughput, maintainability, risk) and recommend clear paths forward.
• Support integration of motion, robotics, handling systems, and safety elements into cohesive designs.

Layouts, Flow & Scoping

• Map process flows and production steps to identify opportunities for automation.
• Develop 2D and 3D layouts to quickly visualize ideas and support early scoping.
• Lead feasibility studies and proof-of-concept efforts to validate approaches before full design.
• Establish repeatable approaches, templates, and standards that accelerate future projects.

Collaboration & Integration

• Work closely with electrical and controls engineers to ensure complete system design (without owning PLC/HMI development).
• Partner with operations, maintenance, and manufacturing engineering to ensure equipment is practical, serviceable, and safe.
• Support build, installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting throughout the project lifecycle.

Mentorship & Technical Growth

• Coach engineers and designers on sound engineering practices, prototype testing, and iterative development.
• Promote structured problem-solving and documentation.
• Help build an environment focused on learning, quality, and speed of execution.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify simplification and standardization opportunities across projects.
• Capture lessons learned and drive reliability improvements.
• Maintain accurate documentation, design records, and system standards.

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. 

Competencies:

• Experience developing automation equipment or integrated production systems.
• Ability to design and review mechanical assemblies, motion systems, and handling solutions.
• Comfortable working with robotics, pneumatics, guarding, and safety requirements.
• Ability to interpret production requirements into layouts, flows, and concepts.
• Understanding of controls/automation interactions sufficient to collaborate effectively.
• Strong communication skills, able to clearly present ideas to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Organized, able to manage multiple initiatives and prioritize effectively.

 Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, or related discipline) or equivalent practical experience.
• 7+ years’ experience working with automation equipment or production systems.
• Background developing custom equipment, special machines, or complex system integrations.
• Experience guiding designs from concept through build and installation.
• Prior mentoring, technical leadership, or project lead experience.

 Additional Details and Requirements:

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.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods while working at a desk or computer.
• Capacity to use standard office equipment such as computer, telephone, and videoconferencing.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work.
• Ability to navigate manufacturing floor environment, which may include walking on uneven surfaces, climbing stairs, and standing for extended periods.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to moderate levels of noise, vibration, and varying temperatures in a manufacturing environment.
• Capacity to wear personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, ear protection, and hard hat as needed.
• Ability to follow health and safety guidelines and protocols including emergency procedures.
• Regular, predictable attendance is required.

Status: Full-time, exempt.

Travel: Up to 25%

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.