Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Join Our Team as a Manufacturing Automation Engineer at Johnson Electric!

Location: Springfield, TN (onsite)
Relocation: Relocation support provided
Travel: Less than 5%
Vacancy Type: Existing Position

As our next Manufacturing Automation Engineer, you’ll lead the design, development, implementation, validation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes that deliver world-class safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance in a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment. You’ll provide technical leadership across manufacturing processes while supporting new product launches, automation initiatives, robotics integration, PLC-controlled equipment, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

You’ll partner closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Product Engineering to develop robust manufacturing systems that meet IATF 16949, VDA 6.3, customer-specific requirements, and operational excellence objectives. You’ll also mentor engineers and technicians, lead complex manufacturing projects, drive process standardization, and champion continuous improvement throughout the product lifecycle.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Lead high-impact manufacturing and automation projects.
• Work with robotics, PLCs, machine vision, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Collaborate with global cross-functional teams.
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Mentor and develop engineering talent.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Lead the development, implementation, optimization, and standardization of manufacturing processes that improve safety, quality, productivity, cost, scrap, yield, and cycle time.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to Process Engineers, Engineering Technicians, and cross-functional manufacturing teams.
• Lead automation projects from equipment specification and design review through implementation, commissioning, and validation.
• Support the integration of PLCs, robotics, machine vision, sensors, poka-yoke systems, and Industry 4.0 technologies while coordinating with automation suppliers and system integrators.
• Support new product launches and APQP deliverables, including Process Flow, PFMEA, Control Plans, process documentation, and manufacturability reviews.
• Lead process design reviews, DFM/DFA assessments, process capability studies, DOE activities, statistical analysis, and corrective actions to optimize manufacturing performance.
• Partner with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Product Engineering on equipment installations, manufacturing improvements, audits, compliance activities, and customer requirements.
• Develop manufacturing strategies and continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen operational performance, process capability, accountability, and profitability.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 3+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing or advanced manufacturing engineering.
• Knowledge of PLC-controlled equipment, including Allen-Bradley and/or Keyence, along with machine vision, cameras, scanners, sensors, and related automation technologies.
• Experience with APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proven experience leading manufacturing improvement and automation projects, including working with equipment suppliers or system integrators.
• Strong analytical, technical decision-making, problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills, with the ability to influence without authority and mentor others.
• Must be able to work for any employer in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Bonus Points If You Have:

• Experience with 6-axis KUKA robots and AI vision systems.
• Strong knowledge of static and dynamic balancing concepts and functionality.
• Experience managing capital equipment procurement and implementation.
• Experience managing automation suppliers and equipment integrators.

How to Apply: Apply online at www.johnsonelectric.com - We can’t wait to meet you!

What We Offer:

Johnson Electric offers talented people like you the opportunity to grow professionally and personally, surrounded by some of the most dedicated, innovative, and entrepreneurial colleagues you will find anywhere. We offer competitive pay and benefits, along with a culture driven by our values and designed to ensure that our most important asset, our people, can flourish.

Please note: Johnson Electric may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools as part of our recruitment process.

Come join our global, inclusive & diverse team

Our purpose is to improve the quality of life of everyone we touch through our innovative motion systems. We are a truly global team bound together by our shared values. Our culture is built on the diversity, knowledge, skills, creativity, and talents that each employee brings to the company. Our people are our company’s most valuable asset. We are committed to providing an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace where employees of different backgrounds feel valued and respected, regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity or religious background. We are committed to inspiring our employees to grow, act with ownership and find fulfilment and meaning in the work they do.