SENIOR AUTOMATION PROJECTS ENGINEER

SENIOR AUTOMATION PROJECTS ENGINEER - $115,000 TO $158,000 ANNUALLY VulcanForms develops industrially scalable laser metal additive manufacturing technology for aerospace, defense, medical, and other critical industries. Through advanced additive manufacturing, precision machining, software, automation, and operations expertise, we deliver end-to-end production at scale. About the Role: As a Senior Automation Projects Engineer, you will independently lead mid- to large-scale automation initiatives designed to introduce ?lights-out? manufacturing capabilities across VulcanForms? production facilities. You will connect strategic capacity requirements with real-world factory-floor deployment while managing complex project schedules, vendor relationships, budgets, safety requirements, and cross-functional engineering deliverables. Key Responsibilities: - Lead end-to-end deployment cycles for complex automation projects - Ensure project milestones are completed on time, within budget, and according to safety specifications - Scope, evaluate, and manage external automation integrators and equipment manufacturers - Establish and enforce Statement of Work deliverables for vendors and external partners - Coordinate internal resources supporting technology development and project execution - Collaborate with stakeholders across the company to translate engineering and project data into clear automation objectives - Deliver completed automation projects to factory operations teams - Support the development and implementation of company-wide automation standards and frameworks - Ensure interoperability and data continuity among custom machinery, industrial robotics networks, and enterprise systems - Connect physical automation systems with MES, PLM, and ERP digital threads - Support automation improvements that optimize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) Qualifications: - 5+ years of experience leading automation projects, systems integration, or industrial engineering initiatives in a production environment - Bachelor?s or Master?s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Robotics, or a related engineering field - Demonstrated success taking automation systems from vendor design reviews through release into 24/7 production - Strong technical knowledge of industrial robotics, PLC architectures, and safety systems integration - Excellent communication and negotiation skills - Ability to manage external system vendors and internal cross-functional stakeholders - Strong project leadership, organizational, and problem-solving abilities Preferred Qualifications: - Experience managing capital expenditure budgets exceeding $250,000 for automation lines - Practical knowledge of design for manufacturability and design for maintainability in precision manufacturing environments - Experience with lights-out manufacturing, factory automation, or high-volume production systems - Familiarity with manufacturing execution systems, product lifecycle management systems, and enterprise resource planning systems - Experience coordinating automation projects from concept development through production qualification and operational handoff Compensation: - Annual base salary: $115,000 to $158,000 *Actual compensation depends on the candidate?s skills, qualifications, and experience. VulcanForms offers a competitive salary and equity package, along with medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; generous paid time off; and a 401(k) plan with company match. Location / Team: Engineering - Devens, MA