Automation Engineer


HotRun - Chicago, IL
Chicago, Illinois
Posted On: April 21, 2026
Pay: $120,000 to $130,000 per year


Senior Automation Engineer (SME & Future Lead)

Location: South Chicago, IL 

Innovate at the Intersection of Healthcare and Technology As our Senior Automation Subject Matter Expert (SME), you won’t just be maintaining systems—you will be the architect of efficiency for a world-class medical manufacturing campus. This is a high-visibility role where you will justify, design, and integrate the robotics and "Industry 4.0" solutions that produce life-saving medical technologies.

The Opportunity: From Individual Contributor to Team Leader We are looking for a technical powerhouse ready to transition into leadership. While this role begins as a hands-on SME, it is designed to evolve into a Management position, where you will build and lead a dedicated team of automation engineers and technicians.


Why Join Us?

  • Impact: Own the automation roadmap for a premier bio-engineering facility.

  • Career Velocity: Defined path from Senior Engineer to Plant Automation Manager.

  • Culture of Excellence: Work within a highly sophisticated, high-speed manufacturing environment.

  • Comp & Relo: Competitive base salary, performance bonuses, and full relocation assistance for the right candidate.


Core Mission & Responsibilities

  • Lead Large-Scale Integrations: Act as the technical lead for the design, programming, and simulation of next-gen processing equipment.

  • Strategic R&D: Conduct research and development to integrate electronic and mechanical systems that push the boundaries of what our facility can achieve.

  • Full Project Lifecycle: Manage project cost, scope, and scheduling ($CAD/$USD) while coordinating with elite outside vendors for custom fabrication.

  • Advanced Programming: Serve as the master of our PLC and robotic ecosystem (Allen Bradley focus), ensuring logic and instrumentation are optimized for high-speed stamping, welding, and palletizing.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Corporate Management, Maintenance, and Technical Operators to instill "Best Practices" across the plant floor.


Your Profile

  • Technical Foundation: A degree (BS/AS) in Mechanical Engineering, Automation, or Engineering Technology.

  • Proven Expertise: 3+ years of deep experience in automation, electrical design, and mechanical fabrication.

  • The "Tech Stack": Mastery of Allen Bradley PLCs, robotics, industrial sensors, and pneumatic systems. Proficiency in Inventor, Visio, and Project software.

  • The "Soft" Edge: You are a persistent problem-solver who can translate complex technical data into clear presentations for executive leadership.


Technical Skills Preferred

  • High-speed manufacturing (Stamping, Welding, Palletizing)

  • Hydraulics and Pneumatics

  • Machine Qualification & Justification

Ready to lead the future of medical manufacturing? Please submit your resume for confidential consideration.

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