Senior Automation Engineer

Senior Automation Engineer

Location: Flowery Branch, GA

Salary Range: $137,000.00 to $154,000.00

About SKF:

SKF, reducing friction since 1907, re-imagining rotation for a better tomorrow!

SKF is an industry-leading manufacturer that has been a cornerstone in industrial life. Wherever there are machines or products in motion, SKF bearings are there to reduce friction. SKF drives the industries that support our way of life, powers the machines that put food on the table, and even helps explore the cosmos.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. SKF is on pace to decarbonize all its production facilities by 2030.

We’re guided by our SKF values. Collaboration is critical to the success of our colleagues, partners, and customers. Curiosity and Courage provide a foundation for innovation and advancement. And we do this work out of Care for our people, customers, communities, and the planet.

We’re a company committed to a culture of belonging, where all our people are encouraged to be themselves and grow their careers in an equitable environment.

Learn about SKF at www.skf.com.

Summary:

Responsible for designing, leading, and scaling automation solutions that improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost efficiency across industrial and digital systems. This role goes beyond execution, sets technical direction, challenges legacy ways of working, and turns automation into a competitive advantage.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and maintain scalable, secure automation architectures for manufacturing systems, ensuring long-term reliability and maintainability.
• Define and enforce standards across PLC, HMI/SCADA, robotics, and industrial networks.
• Translate business needs into automation solutions and lead execution from concept through commissioning (scope, cost, schedule).
• Develop/review PLC code and design intuitive HMI/SCADA interfaces; implement and integrate robotics, motion, vision, and safety systems.
• Integrate automation with MES, historians, quality systems, and enterprise platforms to enable digital transformation (IIoT, analytics).
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with operations, IT, and external integrators/OEMs.
• Proactively mitigate risks, lead root cause analysis, and implement sustainable solutions to improve uptime and performance.
• Drive continuous improvement by leveraging automation and data to reduce waste, minimize downtime, and increase throughput; support commissioning and startup activities.

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide technical leadership and direction; coach and develop team members to build automation capability.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with operations, IT, and key stakeholders to align on priorities, architecture, and execution.
• Coordinate effectively with external integrators and OEMs.

Operational Excellence

• Drive performance through metrics, continuous improvement, and disciplined execution of automation initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Controls, Automation, Mechatronics, or related).
• 10+ years of experience in industrial automation/controls engineering.
• Proven success leading complex automation projects in manufacturing environments.
• Experience delivering multiple projects and scaling automation/digital solutions.
• Exposure to robotics, vision, motion control, and integrated manufacturing systems (MES, data platforms).
• Working knowledge of industrial cybersecurity principles.

Desired Skills:

• Advanced PLC programming, troubleshooting, and system integration (including HMI/SCADA).
• Strong knowledge of industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus) and control systems architecture.
• Experience with robotics, motion control, vision systems, and functional safety.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and ownership mindset from issue identification through resolution.
• Clear and effective communicator able to translate complex technical concepts into practical outcomes.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus. 

Travel Requirements:

• 15-25% of travel

What You’ll Love About SKF:

Rest and Relaxation. Enjoy a generous PTO policy and 13 paid holidays.

Work/Life Integration. SKF supports work/life integration, home, family, community, personal well-being and health. 

Diversity in the Workplace.  At SKF, we strive to embed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in everything we do. By developing a culture of belonging, our people can flourish; leading to an inclusive, equitable environment that promotes leadership, engagement and innovation.

Best in Class Benefits. SKF cares about the wellbeing of our employees. Comprehensive healthcare options to fit your needs and opt out payment.  Added benefits include company paid life insurance, STD, LTD. Supplemental benefits include critical illness coverage, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs, and much more!

Bonus. SKF offers STVS (Short Term Variable Salary) or Sales Incentive based on company performance and at the discretion of management.

Invest in your Future. Participate in our 401K program that boasts a 10% employer contribution: 100% match up to 5% of your elected contribution (100% Vested) plus an additional 5% company contribution.