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Tate · 9 hours ago

Automation Engineer

Columbia, MD

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid, Senior Level

$115K/yr - $135K/yr

5+ years exp

Tate is an independent brand within Kingspan Group, recognized as a leader in data center infrastructure solutions. The Controls / Automation Engineer will design, implement, and support industrial automation systems to enhance manufacturing operations, focusing on safety, efficiency, and quality improvements.

IndustrialInformation TechnologyManufacturingReal Estate

Responsibilities

Design, program, test, and commission industrial control systems using Siemens, Allen-Bradley (Rockwell), and Beckhoff PLC platforms

Develop and maintain HMI applications (e.g., WinCC, FactoryTalk View, TwinCAT HMI) to support safe and efficient operator interaction

Configure, tune, and support VFDs and servo drive systems for motion, process control, and material handling applications

Troubleshoot complex electrical, controls, motion, and network issues in live manufacturing environments to minimize downtime

Lead and support automation projects from concept through implementation, including scope definition, justification, scheduling, vendor coordination, and commissioning

Develop business cases for automation investments based on safety risk reduction, productivity gains, quality improvement, and cost justification

Implement Factory / Industry 4.0 solutions for machine connectivity, data collection, OEE, downtime tracking, and root-cause analysis

Integrate manufacturing equipment with MES, SCADA, historians, and data platforms as required

Establish and maintain automation standards, documentation, backups, and version control

Support continuous improvement initiatives using data-driven insights and structured problem-solving methods

Ensure all automation systems comply with applicable safety standards, electrical codes, and internal policies

Provide technical mentorship and support to maintenance and engineering team members

Work Environment: This is a full-time position with a combination of office work and frequent interaction with manufacturing operations. Travel (50% - 60%) will be required to various divisional sites, supplier locations, or customer facilities

Additional Expectation Remain compliant with the Code of Conduct and Policies which includes the Kingspan Group Compliance Policy

Ensure that all duties related to product compliance are adhered to in accordance with the Product Compliance Policy, Laws, Regulations, and market demands

Responsible for all tasks to achieve compliance goals and demands of the Compliance Management System

Must raise concerns related to the Compliance Management System to their supervisor, manager, or any member of the Leadership Team, or through the confidential whistle blower service

Qualification

Siemens PLCsAllen-Bradley PLCsBeckhoff PLCsIndustrial automationHMI developmentVFD configurationIndustry 4.0Project managementTroubleshooting skillsCommunication skillsTeam collaboration

Required

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related technical field (or equivalent experience)

5+ years of experience in industrial automation within a manufacturing or fabrication environment

Demonstrated experience programming: Siemens PLCs (TIA Portal), Allen-Bradley PLCs (Studio 5000 / Logix), Beckhoff PLCs (TwinCAT)

Hands-on experience developing HMIs and configuring VFDs and servo motion systems

Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical, controls, motion, and industrial networks

Experience leading or managing automation projects with measurable business impact

Familiarity with Industry 4.0 / Factory 4.0 concepts, including data collection, machine connectivity, and analytics

Ability to communicate effectively with operations, maintenance, vendors, and leadership

Willingness to travel extensively (50–60%) to support multiple manufacturing sites

Preferred

Experience with industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, EtherCAT)

Knowledge of safety PLCs, safety relays, and machine risk assessments

Exposure to MES, SCADA, historians, or cloud-based manufacturing data platforms

Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations

Benefits

You’ll have access to a wide range of medical, dental, and vision benefits, along with personalized guidance from a “Health Advocate.”

We also offer other supplemental options, including 401k, legal, disability, and theft insurance, to ensure your financial wellness.

Through Planet Passionate we are determined to reduce our manufacturing carbon (CO2e) emissions to as close to zero as technically possible, together with halving carbon intensity in our primary supply chain.

Given the dynamic pace of our business and a strong collaborative environment, your new role will be diverse and multifaceted – allowing you to be more versatile and develop a broader skill set.

At Tate, we don’t believe in hierarchy, we work together as one team for one common goal.

You will have access and exposure to our senior leaders and experts for learning in your role, and additionally mentorship for the future.

We have a great team culture, highly collaborative, supportive, and social.