Automation and Controls Process Engineer

Location & Schedule

Gainesville, GA (Onsite) | Full-time, 07:30 am – 04:30 pm |

Reports to:

Business Unit Manager

At 7:30 am, you’re on the production floor, laptop in hand, walking the four automated assembly lines you steward. Alarms? You triage quickly, trace signals through Siemens PLC logic (STL), and step into a robot cell to reteach a point on a Motoman or KUKA arm. A sensor misread? You verify the machine vision settings, validate 24V DC I/O, and chase a nuisance trip on a 480V AC drive.

By late morning, you’re commissioning a measuring system after refining process parameters and updating work instructions. After lunch, you review an 8D with Quality, unpack a customer complaint to root cause, and launch a data-driven DOE to lock in capability. You wrap the day drafting an automation concept for a new molding application, aligning with Industrial Engineering and planning the acceptance test.

For over 160 years, IMS Gear has grown on customer focus, practical problem-solving, and an open culture with flat hierarchies. Headquartered in Donaueschingen, Germany, we operate worldwide with approximately 3,600 employees across Europe, North America, and Asia.

• Lead capability analyses for machines and processes; drive improvements based on findings.
• Support FMEA, APQP, and Control Plan creation and reviews.
• Recommend capital and indirect investment opportunities with clear business cases.
• Plan and execute complex equipment commissioning and acceptance activities.
• Source released suppliers for indirect materials; request and evaluate quotations in coordination with suppliers.
• Define critical process parameters and ensure ongoing adherence.
• Create and revise detailed work instructions.
• Develop automation concepts; support new program industrialization with Industrial Engineering and implement solutions.
• Prepare, assess, and coordinate complex solution concepts from idea to execution.
• Perform feasibility studies on machine/electrical layouts and functions; select or modify components as needed.
• Design and build smaller, complex process solutions.
• Constructively modify and extend existing processes, functions, and equipment.
• Commission processes and metrology systems to release.
• Program machine controls and teach robots.
• Ensure equipment safety; design and run preliminary tests, feasibility studies, and specifications.
• Identify and realize cost-saving opportunities.
• Launch and implement process optimization initiatives, including partial process solutions and manufacturing changes.
• Participate in internal and external 8D activities; analyze complex alarms and eliminate root causes.
• Maintain automation maintenance histories and share learnings via SharePoint.
• Provide cross-business unit support for complex process changes and troubleshooting.
• Determine complaint root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Plan spare part strategies and initiate purchases.
• Train operators and technicians on equipment; create training materials.
• Mentor interns and bachelor’s students.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 14001, EHS, compliance policies, and company/BU standards.
• Initiate data-driven, statistically designed experiments to improve quality, reduce cost, enhance safety, and increase earnings.
• Support Quality in verifying process parameters and monitoring quality-related devices.
• Be available for on-call support as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 3+ years of relevant experience, or an Associate’s degree with 5+ years relevant experience.

• Expertise with Siemens PLCs in STL.
• Hands‑on experience with Motoman Yaskawa and KUKA robots.
• CAD proficiency (CREO preferred).
• Working knowledge of servo drives.
• Ability to troubleshoot 24V DC; 110V, 230V, 400V, and 480V AC systems and components.
• Capable of integrating automation hardware on the shop floor.
• Strong documentation and problem‑solving abilities.

• PLC troubleshooting
• Electrical troubleshooting
• Industrial robot programming
• PLC programming
• Programming machine vision systems

• 401(k) with company match
• Health, Dental, Medical, and Vision insurance
• Company‑paid Life…