Automation Process Equipment Engineer – B17 Finishing Expansion

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Position Summary

The Qnity Global Automation Team is seeking an experienced Automation Process Equipment Engineer to join the B17 Finishing Expansion Commissioning & Startup (C&SU) Team. This role will be responsible for supporting the startup of a newly constructed manufacturing facility and the transfer of an existing constrained production process into a highly automated production environment.

The successful candidate will lead the commissioning and startup of new process equipment and automation systems while ensuring a safe, effective, and timely transition into commercial manufacturing operations. The expansion includes advanced automation technologies such as robotic pick-and-place systems, automated cutting cells, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated inspection systems (AIS), machine vision technologies, and integrated material handling systems.

The engineer will develop and execute commissioning and startup plans, coordinate equipment qualification activities, support operational readiness, and drive continuous improvement of both existing and future automation technologies. Working closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, and external equipment suppliers, this role will serve as a key technical leader throughout startup, stabilization, and optimization of the new manufacturing area.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and successful completion of Commissioning and Startup (C&SU) activities for the B17 Finishing Expansion.
• Develop detailed commissioning, startup, turnover, and operational readiness plans for new process equipment and automation systems.
• Coordinate startup activities across Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, and equipment suppliers.
• Drive issue resolution during commissioning, startup, and process stabilization phases.
• Support equipment acceptance, qualification, validation, and production ramp-up activities.
• Ensure all systems are transitioned safely and effectively from project execution to operational ownership.

Automation & Process Equipment

• Provide technical leadership for automated manufacturing equipment including: Robotic pick-and-place systems Automated cutting cells Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) Automated Inspection Systems (AIS) Machine vision systems Automated material handling systems PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment
• Support integration and commissioning of controls, robotics, safety systems, and manufacturing execution interfaces.
• Collaborate with equipment suppliers and engineering partners to resolve startup and performance issues.
• Drive equipment reliability, performance optimization, and automation enhancements.

Project Execution & Technical Leadership

• Serve as a key technical resource for the transfer of production from an existing constrained operation into the new facility.
• Support construction completion, equipment installation, FAT/SAT execution, and startup readiness reviews.
• Coordinate punch-list management, startup risk assessments, and mitigation activities.
• Develop and maintain project documentation including commissioning plans, startup procedures, troubleshooting guides, and operating standards.
• Provide technical leadership across multiple workstreams while ensuring alignment with project scope, schedule, and startup milestones.

Safety & Compliance

• Support EHS initiatives and promote a strong safety culture throughout project execution and startup.
• Participate in Machine Risk Assessments (MRAs) and implementation of machine safeguarding solutions.
• Support the application of Qnity machine safety standards and startup safety reviews.
• Ensure compliance with Management of Change (MOC) requirements and engineering standards.
• Lead safe startup practices and operational readiness evaluations prior to production launch.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Controls Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, automation, process equipment, or capital project execution.
• Experience commissioning and starting up manufacturing equipment and automated production systems.
• Experience supporting major capital projects, facility expansions, or production transfers.
• Demonstrated success troubleshooting and optimizing automated manufacturing systems in a production environment.

Technical Expertise

• Experience with industrial automation systems, controls integration, and automated process equipment.
• Experience with robotics, machine vision, automated inspection systems, and material handling automation.
• Understanding of PLC, HMI, motion control, and industrial networking systems.
• Experience working with automated web-handling, converting, cutting, or discrete manufacturing processes preferred.
• Knowledge of equipment qualification, startup planning, FAT/SAT execution, and operational readiness processes.
• Experience collaborating with OEMs, system integrators, and equipment suppliers.

Leadership Skills

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams through startup and operational challenges.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Highly motivated problem solver capable of making sound technical decisions in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Ability to influence without direct authority and drive alignment across multiple organizations.

Travel

• Ability to travel as required during equipment fabrication, testing, installation, and startup phases.

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Qnity is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability or any other protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit our Accessibility Page for Contact Information.

Qnity offers a comprehensive pay and benefits package. To learn more visit the Compensation and Benefits page.

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