Automation and Robotics Engineer

Mission

The mission of the Automation and Robotics Engineer is to create reliable, scalable automation solutions that help Merit Manufacturing produce high-quality products safely, efficiently, and consistently. This role transforms production challenges into smarter processes, reduces downtime and manual strain, and builds the technology and infrastructure needed to support Merit’s continued growth.

Position Overview

The Automation and Robotics Engineer is responsible for developing, improving, and supporting the automated systems that keep Merit Manufacturing operating safely, efficiently, and consistently. This position works directly with filling, capping, labeling, sealing, packaging, conveyor, and robotic systems to improve production output and equipment reliability.

Working closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Operations, and Engineering, the Automation and Robotics Engineer troubleshoot equipment, programs and integrates automation systems, leads improvement projects, and helps transform manual or inefficient processes into reliable automated solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, test, install, and support automated manufacturing equipment and robotic systems.
• Program, modify, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, sensors, safety circuits, and industrial control systems.
• Program and troubleshoot industrial robots using teach pendants and applicable programming software.
• Support filling, capping, labeling, sealing, packaging, and conveyor systems throughout the facility.
• Respond to equipment breakdowns and identify mechanical, electrical, programming, or process-related causes.
• Diagnose recurring equipment failures and implement long-term corrective actions.
• Integrate new equipment, robots, sensors, vision systems, conveyors, and controls into existing production processes.
• Improve equipment cycle times, reliability, product changeovers, quality, and overall production efficiency.
• Develop automation solutions that reduce manual labor, improve consistency, and support employee safety.
• Create and maintain PLC programs, electrical schematics, equipment documentation, backups, manuals, and troubleshooting guides.
• Assist with equipment installation, commissioning, validation, and production startup.
• Partner with Maintenance to develop preventive and predictive maintenance plans for automated equipment.
• Train maintenance technicians, setup technicians, equipment operators, and production leaders on equipment operation and basic troubleshooting.
• Support root-cause investigations related to downtime, quality defects, process failures, and safety concerns.
• Ensure equipment modifications comply with safety standards, guarding requirements, and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Coordinate with equipment manufacturers, integrators, contractors, and vendors when outside technical support is required.
• Identify automation opportunities based on safety, quality, cost, labor, and production needs.
• Provide hands-on support on the manufacturing floor and assist with urgent equipment issues as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Robotics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Hands-on experience supporting automation, robotics, or manufacturing equipment in an industrial environment.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting PLC platforms.
• Experience with industrial robots preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, ladder logic, equipment manuals, and technical specifications.
• Experience troubleshooting both electrical and mechanical equipment problems.
• Knowledge of machine safety, guarding, emergency-stop systems, and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Strong root-cause analysis, problem-solving, and project-management skills.
• Ability to document technical work and explain equipment issues to employees with different levels of technical knowledge.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of projects, and respond calmly to urgent production needs.
• Experience in personal care, cosmetics, food, pharmaceutical, chemical, or another regulated manufacturing environment is a plus.

Physical and Work Requirements

• Ability to work primarily onsite in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and work around production equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to safely use hand tools, diagnostic equipment, and electrical testing devices.
• Ability to work inside electrical panels and around moving equipment while following applicable safety and lockout/tagout requirements.
• Willingness to provide support outside normal business hours when necessary for equipment installation, production startup, or emergency troubleshooting.
• Ability to travel between Merit facilities and occasionally travel to vendor or equipment-manufacturer locations as needed.

A Little About Us

Merit Manufacturing is a contract manufacturer in the personal care space.

We make products like shampoo, body wash, beard oil, lotions, and laundry detergent for nationwide brands that you have definitely heard of—and might have even used.

In just six years, we have grown dramatically each year, and we are not done yet.

We recently moved into a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility unlike anything our industry has seen. We worked hard to make this the coolest building you have ever worked in. Whether you are a chemist in the lab or working in the warehouse, we want you to be excited to come to work.

We are a company that truly cares about the growth and advancement of our employees. We exist to provide a safe and sustainable living for everyone who makes this company run, and we are dedicated to that cause. Merit is a company where your voice can be heard and where you can make a difference every day.

Why You Want This Job

• We reward our employees in creative and excessive ways.
• We believe people are our greatest resource.
• You can learn, grow, and advance your career here.
• Every day is an opportunity to go home feeling like you did something of value.

The Basics

Location: Warren, Michigan

Pay Rate: Negotiated based on experience

Benefits:

• Healthcare
• Dental
• Flexible Time Off Policy
• Performance bonus opportunities
• Year-end bonus opportunities
• Company events

Equality

Merit Manufacturing is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.