Senior Automation Engineer - Air Manufacturing Innovation

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

Nike Air Manufacturing & Innovation is transforming manufacturing through automation, robotics, connected systems, and Industry 4.0 capabilities. This role reports to the Automation Engineering Manager and partners closely with Lead Automation Engineers, Operations, Process Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, IT, and external technology providers to deploy and operationalize automation solutions that support Air MI's future manufacturing strategy.

The Senior Automation Engineer serves as the primary technical execution leader responsible for converting approved automation concepts and production-intent designs into safe, reliable, and sustainable manufacturing solutions that can be transitioned to Operations.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a Senior Automation Engineer who is passionate about deploying automation technologies, solving complex manufacturing challenges, and delivering business value through execution excellence. This role is responsible for the detailed design, implementation, commissioning, validation, and operationalization of automation projects across Air MI. This role is focused on taking approved concepts and successfully delivering them into production environments.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with project execution skills and is comfortable leading deployments in active manufacturing environments. They can navigate ambiguity, manage cross-functional stakeholders, resolve technical issues, and maintain focus on safety, schedule, quality, and business outcomes.

The successful candidate will play a key role in helping establish AM93 as Nike's benchmark smart manufacturing facility while building repeatable deployment standards that can scale across the Air MI network.

Key attributes for this role include:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience, and training.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in automation, robotics, controls, manufacturing systems, or related engineering disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience delivering automation projects from detailed design through commissioning and operational handoff.
• Strong knowledge of Rockwell PLCs, HMI development, industrial networking, and controls architectures.
• Experience with robotics platforms (ABB, Denso, Universal Robots, or equivalent).
• Experience with vision systems (Keyence, Cognex, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with industrial data systems, OT connectivity, and Industry 4.0 concepts.
• Understanding of FAT, SAT, commissioning, validation, go-live, and production acceptance processes.
• Strong structured problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and work effectively across Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and IT.

WHAT YOU’LL WORK ON

As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will lead the execution and deployment of automation solutions that improve safety, quality, productivity, and operational performance across Air MI manufacturing operations. You will be responsible for ensuring automation systems are successfully implemented, validated, stabilized, and transitioned into sustainable operations.

You will:

• Lead detailed design, integration, and deployment of automation solutions across material handling, thermoforming, inspection, packaging, and connected manufacturing systems.
• Drive commissioning, validation, FAT, SAT, pilot execution, go-live, and production acceptance activities.
• Partner with Lead Automation Engineers to convert production-intent designs into deployable manufacturing solutions.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities with Operations, Maintenance, IT, Facilities, EHS, and external vendors to ensure project readiness and successful implementation.
• Develop validation plans, execute testing protocols, and document results to support production readiness decisions.
• Troubleshoot complex automation, controls, robotics, and system integration issues during deployment and stabilization.
• Support hypercare activities and transition systems into long-term operational ownership.
• Develop technical documentation, operating procedures, and deployment playbooks to support scalable implementation across the Air MI network.
• Provide technical coaching and knowledge transfer to Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams.
• Communicate project progress, risks, issues, and mitigation plans to project leadership and stakeholders.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys turning concepts into reality, leading technical deployments, and solving the challenges associated with bringing advanced manufacturing technologies into production environments.

We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.