Principal Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Job Title: Principal Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Job Code: 40552

Job Location: Palm Bay, FL

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off)

Job Description:

L3Harris is searching for a Senior Manufacturing Automation Engineer responsible for the design, development, integration, and support of advanced automation and robotic systems used within manufacturing operations. This role focuses on implementing custom automation solutions, including robotic cells, special machinery, motion systems, and industrial control platforms. The engineer will apply manufacturing and automation expertise to develop reliable, efficient systems that support production goals. This position requires hands‑on experience in designing, programming, building, and commissioning automated equipment from concept through deployment. The engineer will collaborate across mechanical engineering, manufacturing, tooling, project management, and production teams to ensure that all systems meet functional, safety, and performance requirements.

Essential Functions:

• Lead the evaluation, selection, and deployment of Industry 4.0 technologies including IoT sensors, advanced robotics, and AI/ML to improve factory performance and visibility
• Drive digital transformation initiatives by integrating real‑time data collection, analytics, and modeling solutions into core manufacturing processes
• Champion automation strategies using collaborative robots, autonomous material‑handling systems, and augmented reality tools to enhance safety, quality, and throughput
• Implement predictive and prescriptive analytics models to identify process bottlenecks, reduce downtime, and optimize production flow using historical and real‑time data
• Oversee development and use of digital twins and advanced simulation tools to model factory operations, validate process changes, and improve production yields
• Ensure seamless integration with smart MES platforms, equipment, quality systems, and ERP to enable closed‑loop control, automated alerts, and material/serial‑number traceability
• Develop and design automation equipment and control systems for tooling, fixtures, robotic cells, and custom machinery
• Develop and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), assembly instructions, and technical documentation
• Integrate robotic systems, including external axes and end‑of‑arm tooling
• Provide production support for advanced automation equipment, including troubleshooting and reliability improvements
• Participate in design reviews, prototyping, testing, and complete system integration
• Support the fabrication, assembly, debug, and installation of automation systems
• Provide onsite support for commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities
• Research and apply new components, devices, and automation technologies to improve system performance and cost effectiveness

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or related field and a minimum of 12 years of prior relevant experience; Or, Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience; Or, in lieu of a degree, minimum of 16 years of prior related experience
• 10+ years of experience designing, programming, and commissioning automation systems, robotics, and advanced manufacturing equipment
• 8+ years of experience developing and supporting custom automated machinery including integrating new Industry 4.0 technologies such as IIoT, advanced analytics, and connected factory systems
• Proficiency with industrial automation platforms such as TIA Portal, Studio 5000, TwinCAT, and WinCC, including end‑to‑end controls development and deployment
• Understanding of machine design principles, servo/motion architectures, pneumatic systems, and automated assembly processes
• Experience with manufacturing operations including machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, and mechanical assembly, with the ability to translate process needs into automation solutions
• Hands‑on experience integrating industrial robotic systems (KUKA, FANUC, ABB) and developing complete robotic cells, including vision systems and collaborative automation where applicable
• Practical knowledge of Industry 4.0 concepts including digital twins, edge computing, predictive analytics, cloud‑connected machines, and smart manufacturing workflows
• Working knowledge of industrial automation safety standards, risk assessments, and ergonomics for automated systems
• Travel occasionally to support installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of automated systems in production environments

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Experience with vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, etc.)
• Experience with simulation tools for robotics or automation
• Familiarity with networking architectures (EtherNet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, EtherCAT)
• Knowledge of MES or production data acquisition systems
• Experience with high‑mix, low‑volume manufacturing environments
• Certification in robotics or industrial automation disciplines
• Experience implementing Industry 4.0 / smart factory technologies
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and support technical leadership in automation strategy
• Strong analytical, communication, and project leadership skills with the ability to drive complex automation initiatives from concept through commissioning
• Proven success working in fast‑paced custom automation environments with strong diagnostic and problem‑solving capabilities

#LI-CG1