Automation and Digitalization Engineer

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Automation & Digitalization Engineer is the site execution owner for day-to-day delivery of the digitalization and automation roadmap under the technical direction of the Head of Automation. This role develops, deploys, and sustains machine and process control software and associated industrial data flows to improve safety, quality, throughput, and equipment uptime.

This role is best suited to an engineer who has hands-on experience in OEM and on-site support environments, including commissioning, troubleshooting, and full project ownership from programming through acceptance verification. The position leverages practical experience programming Omron Sysmac and Allen-Bradley Studio 5000, building and standardizing HMIs (e.g., Omron NA / PanelView), and working across a wide range of automation and robotics platforms (including Omron, ABB, and FANUC).

The position integrates controls hardware and components across electro-mechanical and pneumatic motion systems, optical sensing, data acquisition, conveyor control, and robotic pick-and-place. Typical project exposure includes conveyor systems, palletizing robotics, line efficiency/output improvements, and pharma line controls overhauls that improve downtime performance and production data visibility (e.g., SQL/OEE tracking).

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Controls Software Development & Lifecycle Ownership

Develop, configure, and debug PLC programs, HMIs, and (as applicable) robot controller code aligned to functional requirements and site standards.

Own code lifecycle discipline for assigned systems: backups, versioning, release notes, validation steps, and controlled deployment/startup.

Apply practical controls experience with Omron Sysmac / NA and Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 / PanelView to deliver robust changes into manufacturing environments.

Contribute to HMI/interface standardization across equipment to improve usability and consistency.

Controls Systems Integration (Electrical / Motion / Sensing / Robotics / Conveyance)

Integrate and validate electrical controls components including sensors, actuators, electrically controlled pneumatics, conveyors, and robotic interfaces.

Diagnose I/O, device configuration, and network/communication issues; implement corrective actions and preventive improvements.

Implement robotics solutions across multiple robot types (6-axis, cobots, SCARA, delta robots, and AMRs) and vendors (Omron, ABB, FANUC) depending on application needs and integration constraints.

Support tooling and mechanical integration collaboration (e.g., EOAT design support for robotic/cobot systems) as part of delivering complete automation cells.

Commissioning, Runoff, and Controls Acceptance

Execute commissioning plans and participate in equipment runoff to verify control system functionality, safety interlocks, alarms, and HMI usability.

Document test results, manage punch-list items for controls scope, and coordinate closure with OEMs/system integrators.

Own or co-own end-to-end delivery on projects ranging from multi-programmer/multi-machine integration to solo controls ownership (programming, implementation, commissioning, and acceptance verification).

Operational Support & Root Cause / Reliability Improvements

Provide on-call/as-needed troubleshooting for hardware–software integration and HMI issues impacting operations.

Lead or support structured problem solving (e.g., 5-Why/fishbone) and implement sustainable fixes to reduce repeat downtime.

Apply broad field experience across industries (automotive, food & beverage, material handling, pharmaceutical).

Digitalization / Industrial Data Enablement

Implement and sustain machine data capture/tagging and support data architecture deployment through understanding of controls, data management, and industrial networking.

Support connectivity debugging and data quality validation to ensure reliable downstream analytics/monitoring.

Support digitalization initiatives such as SQL/database tracking of manufacturing performance (e.g., OEE-related data collection) to improve information gathering and reduce downtime loss.

Leverage supporting scripting/programming exposure (SQL, Visual Basic, Python) as needed for integration, data handling, or tooling around automation systems.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Internal: Head of Automation; Maintenance & Reliability; Engineering; Operations/Production; Quality; EHS; IT/Networking

External: OEMs, system integrators, automation vendors, and contractors supporting installation/commissioning

RESOURCES MANAGED

Financial Accountability: No direct budget ownership; supports scoping, vendor coordination, and recommendations for automation components/services

Supervision: Individual contributor; may provide technical direction to contractors/technicians during builds, commissioning, and outages

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or related discipline; or equivalent practical controls experience. Bachelor's +5 years’ experience or Electrical degree with +10 years.  

Engineering background aligned to Systems + Computing with a systems-thinking approach to automation design and integration.

Hands-on experience in industrial automation/controls including PLC/HMI commissioning and sustaining, with evidence of delivering controls changes into production safely.

Preferred experience in OEM / system integrator environments, including factory/site acceptance testing and on-floor support.

This role may require occasional travel, up to 10% of the time, based on business needs.

TECHNICAL SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

PLC programming/troubleshooting (Omron Sysmac) is a must.

PLC programming/troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley RSLogix/Studio 5000); familiarity with IEC 61131 concepts beneficial.

HMI development and debugging (e.g., Omron NA, PanelView, Ignition or similar).

Ability to integrate and troubleshoot sensors, electrically controlled pneumatics, motion/conveyance controls, and safety-related control interfaces.

Industrial networking fundamentals (e.g., Ethernet/IP), device communications, and basic troubleshooting methodology.

Strong structured troubleshooting, documentation, and change control practices for production systems.

Clear communication and cross-functional coordination skills in a manufacturing environment.

Robotics experience spanning multiple vendors and architectures; experience delivering palletizing, conveying, and line integration projects is strongly beneficial.

PHYSICAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments. Must be able to access all areas of the manufacturing facility, including routinely walking and climbing ladders/stairs, and lifting up to 50 pounds. May require occasional off-shift or weekend work for commissioning, outages, or urgent operational support.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $77,000 - $118,000 Our salary ranges are

determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the base pay target range

for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional

factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

This position is also eligible for short-term incentive compensation.

In addition to compensation, Zoetis offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports the physical, emotional

and financial wellbeing of our colleagues and their families including healthcare and insurance benefits beginning

on day one, a 401K plan with a match and profit-sharing contribution from Zoetis, and 4 weeks of vacation.

Visit zoetisbenefits.com to learn more.