Job Title: Aerospace Automation Engineer
Job Summary:
The Mid-Level Aerospace Automation Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining automated systems and processes for aerospace manufacturing, assembly, and testing. This role involves taking a more active role in the optimization and integration of automation systems, such as robotics, PLCs, SCADA systems, and other control technologies. The engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement automation solutions that improve efficiency, precision, and safety in aerospace operations. Additionally, the Mid-Level Engineer will mentor junior engineers, troubleshoot complex issues, and contribute to the continuous improvement of automation systems.
Key Responsibilities:
System Design, Development, and Integration:
- Lead the design and development of automation systems used in aerospace manufacturing and testing, including robotics, PLCs, SCADA systems, and other control technologies.
- Manage the integration of automation systems with existing aerospace platforms, ensuring smooth operation and optimal performance.
- Oversee the development of system architecture, control logic, and integration plans to meet project specifications and operational goals.
Testing, Validation, and Performance Optimization:
- Lead the testing and validation of automation systems to ensure they meet required performance specifications, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Conduct hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, flight simulations, and other performance evaluations to validate system functionality.
- Monitor system performance and identify areas for optimization, implementing improvements to increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance precision.
Troubleshooting and Problem Resolution:
- Take a proactive role in troubleshooting and resolving complex automation issues that arise during system integration, testing, or operational use.
- Use diagnostic tools and data analysis techniques to identify the root cause of system failures, and work to implement corrective actions.
- Lead and support the team in solving difficult automation-related problems, collaborating with engineers and technicians to find efficient solutions.
Control System Programming and Configuration:
- Develop and configure control systems, including PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industrial automation software, to support aerospace automation applications.
- Lead efforts to optimize and enhance control system logic for better performance and reliability in manufacturing and testing processes.
- Support the deployment and testing of control system updates, ensuring that they align with operational requirements and safety standards.
Mentorship and Training:
- Mentor junior engineers and technicians, providing guidance and sharing knowledge on automation system design, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
- Help junior team members develop their technical skills and troubleshoot problems effectively.
- Organize and participate in training sessions to improve the technical expertise of the team and ensure they are up-to-date on the latest automation technologies.
Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams:
- Work closely with engineers from various disciplines (e.g., mechanical, electrical, software) to ensure successful integration of automation systems within aerospace platforms.
- Collaborate with production and testing teams to ensure that automation systems are aligned with operational goals, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Support project managers by providing technical expertise and updates on automation system development and integration timelines.
Continuous Improvement and Innovation:
- Identify opportunities for system improvements, automation upgrades, and innovative solutions to increase system performance and operational efficiency.
- Lead efforts to implement new automation technologies, tools, and methods that align with aerospace industry trends.
- Evaluate and recommend new automation systems or components that can be integrated into aerospace platforms for better performance, safety, and reliability.
Documentation and Reporting:
- Ensure that all system designs, testing activities, maintenance logs, and troubleshooting efforts are properly documented and maintained.
- Prepare detailed reports on system performance, test results, optimization efforts, and issues encountered during the integration or maintenance of automation systems.
- Ensure documentation complies with company standards, industry regulations (e.g., FAA, EASA), and regulatory requirements.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety:
- Ensure that all automation systems comply with regulatory standards, including safety, environmental, and operational certifications.
- Lead the development and execution of testing protocols that meet safety and regulatory guidelines for aerospace systems.
- Conduct safety audits and risk assessments to ensure that automation systems operate safely and meet industry standards.
Project Management Support:
- Collaborate with project managers to track the progress of automation-related projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
- Assist in the preparation of project plans, timelines, and resource allocations for automation system implementations.
- Ensure that automation system projects are executed according to technical specifications and industry standards.
Skills and Knowledge Required:
- Strong technical knowledge of aerospace systems, including avionics, propulsion, flight control, and testing systems, as well as automation systems used in aerospace applications.
- Expertise in PLC programming, SCADA systems, robotics, and control systems used in aerospace automation.
- Experience in integrating and optimizing automation systems for manufacturing and testing aerospace platforms.
- Knowledge of industry regulations (e.g., FAA, EASA) and safety standards for aerospace systems.
- Proficiency with simulation, testing, and diagnostic tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, LabVIEW, Rockwell Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal).
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to resolve complex automation-related issues.
- Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage timelines, resources, and team coordination.
- Strong communication skills to collaborate with engineers, technicians, and other stakeholders.
Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Certifications in industrial automation, PLC programming, or aerospace systems (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, FAA certifications) are a plus.
Key Focus Areas:
- Avionics and Flight Control Systems: Leading the integration and optimization of automation systems for avionics and flight control systems, ensuring they meet performance, accuracy, and reliability standards.
- Safety and Emergency Systems for Aircraft: Overseeing the design, implementation, and testing of automated safety and emergency systems, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and operational readiness during critical situations.
- Precision Instrumentation for Navigation, Communications, and Control: Managing the calibration, testing, and troubleshooting of automation systems used for navigation, communication, and control instrumentation, optimizing system performance and ensuring high precision.
- System Integration and Process Improvement: Leading the integration of automation technologies with other aerospace systems, continuously improving processes to increase system reliability, efficiency, and scalability.
- Technical Leadership and Support: Providing technical guidance to junior engineers, supporting troubleshooting efforts, and ensuring automation systems are fully functional across avionics, safety, and instrumentation systems.
- Regulatory Compliance and Documentation: Ensuring all automation systems meet regulatory requirements, and managing comprehensive documentation for system integration, testing, and operational validation.
Experience:
- 3-5 years of experience in aerospace systems, automation, or industrial control systems, with a focus on aerospace manufacturing or testing applications.
- Proven experience with PLC programming, robotics, SCADA systems, and automation software in aerospace or related industries.
- Experience in troubleshooting, testing, and optimizing automation systems for aerospace applications.
- Experience working in a cross-functional team environment and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Tools and Technologies:
- Expertise in PLC programming and configuration (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Mitsubishi).
- Familiarity with SCADA systems and industrial control software (e.g., Wonderware, Ignition, FactoryTalk).
- Experience with simulation and testing tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, LabVIEW).
- Knowledge of aerospace testing and diagnostic equipment.
Other Requirements:
- Strong leadership abilities to guide junior engineers and work with multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to think critically and develop innovative solutions to improve aerospace automation systems.
- Willingness to travel to testing facilities or client sites as needed.
- A passion for aerospace technology and a commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and performance.