Job Title: Aerospace Automation Engineer
Job Summary:
The Senior Aerospace Automation Engineer is responsible for overseeing the design, development, testing, and optimization of automation systems for aerospace manufacturing, assembly, and testing operations. This leadership role involves guiding the automation strategy for aerospace platforms, ensuring that all automation systems meet performance, safety, and regulatory standards. The Senior Engineer will lead the integration of cutting-edge technologies, manage cross-functional teams, troubleshoot complex system issues, and mentor junior engineers, driving continuous improvement in automation systems and contributing to the overall efficiency and reliability of aerospace operations.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership in System Design and Development:
- Lead the design, development, and integration of advanced automation systems used in aerospace manufacturing, assembly, and testing processes, including robotics, PLCs, SCADA systems, and other industrial control technologies.
- Develop and oversee the implementation of automation solutions that improve operational efficiency, precision, and safety across aerospace systems.
- Work closely with senior management and cross-functional teams to define automation strategies and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
System Integration and Optimization:
- Lead the integration of automation systems with existing aerospace platforms, ensuring compatibility, reliability, and seamless functionality between new and legacy systems.
- Optimize automation systems for better performance, minimizing downtime, reducing cycle times, and enhancing overall system efficiency.
- Oversee the calibration, validation, and testing of integrated automation systems to ensure they meet stringent aerospace standards.
Troubleshooting and Advanced Problem Resolution:
- Lead complex troubleshooting efforts for automation systems, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools, data analysis, and root cause analysis (RCA) techniques to resolve issues.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify systemic issues, implement corrective actions, and ensure that automation systems remain reliable and efficient.
- Provide expert technical support to resolve critical failures during system operations and minimize disruptions to aerospace production and testing.
Control System Programming and Configuration:
- Oversee the development, modification, and optimization of control system logic, including PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industrial control software, for aerospace automation applications.
- Ensure that control systems are programmed to meet both operational requirements and safety standards.
- Lead efforts to continuously enhance and update control system logic based on evolving technologies and industry best practices.
Project Management and Strategic Leadership:
- Manage aerospace automation projects from initiation to completion, ensuring that they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
- Coordinate with project managers to ensure that resources are allocated effectively, risks are mitigated, and project milestones are achieved.
- Lead and guide teams in executing complex automation integration projects, ensuring efficient workflow, adherence to timelines, and resolution of project challenges.
Mentorship and Team Development:
- Mentor junior engineers and technicians, providing guidance and training on best practices, advanced automation systems, and troubleshooting techniques.
- Foster a collaborative and high-performance team environment, encouraging knowledge sharing, innovation, and professional development.
- Lead by example in the continuous improvement of technical skills, safety standards, and operational efficiency within the team.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement:
- Drive the adoption of new technologies and methodologies in aerospace automation, ensuring that systems remain cutting-edge and competitive.
- Continuously assess and enhance automation systems, integrating new tools, technologies, and innovations to improve system performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
- Lead initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall efficiency of aerospace automation, reducing maintenance costs, and increasing system uptime.
Documentation and Compliance:
- Ensure comprehensive and accurate documentation of all automation system designs, configurations, test results, maintenance activities, and troubleshooting efforts.
- Prepare detailed reports for senior management, regulatory bodies, and internal stakeholders, documenting system performance, issues, resolutions, and recommendations for improvements.
- Ensure that all automation systems and processes comply with industry standards, regulatory requirements (e.g., FAA, EASA), and company procedures.
Regulatory and Safety Assurance:
- Oversee the implementation of safety protocols and regulatory compliance measures for aerospace automation systems.
- Ensure that all automation systems are designed, tested, and maintained according to safety regulations and best practices.
- Conduct regular audits of systems and processes to ensure compliance with industry regulations and company safety standards.
Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams:
- Work closely with engineers, quality assurance teams, operations, and management to ensure that automation systems are fully integrated and meet operational requirements.
- Act as the technical liaison between engineering, operations, and project management teams to ensure alignment of project goals, timelines, and deliverables.
- Collaborate with external vendors and suppliers to source and implement the best automation technologies and components for aerospace systems.
Skills and Knowledge Required:
- Expertise in the design, integration, and optimization of aerospace automation systems, including robotics, PLCs, SCADA systems, and other industrial control technologies.
- In-depth knowledge of control systems, automation programming, and system integration for aerospace manufacturing and testing processes.
- Strong experience with PLC programming, control system design, and industrial automation software (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Honeywell, Wonderware).
- Advanced troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose complex issues and implement effective solutions in automation systems.
- Deep understanding of aerospace industry regulations (e.g., FAA, EASA) and safety standards for automation systems.
- Proven experience in leading teams, mentoring junior engineers, and driving continuous improvement in automation systems and processes.
- Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage resources, timelines, budgets, and risks for complex automation projects.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across disciplines and manage stakeholder relationships.
Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
- Relevant certifications in industrial automation, control systems, or aerospace systems (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, FAA certifications) are beneficial.
Key Focus Areas:
- Avionics and Flight Control Systems: Leading the design, development, and optimization of automation systems for avionics and flight control systems, ensuring high performance, accuracy, and seamless integration with the aircraft's operational systems.
- Safety and Emergency Systems for Aircraft: Overseeing the development, testing, and continuous improvement of automated safety and emergency systems, ensuring they are fully compliant with regulatory standards and capable of responding effectively during critical flight situations.
- Precision Instrumentation for Navigation, Communications, and Control: Driving the integration and optimization of automation systems for precision navigation, communication, and control instrumentation, ensuring system reliability, accuracy, and compliance with aviation standards.
- Innovation and System Optimization: Leading innovation initiatives to advance automation technologies, improving system performance, and integrating emerging technologies into flight systems to enhance operational efficiency and safety.
- Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management: Ensuring that all automation systems comply with international aviation regulations (e.g., FAA, EASA), leading risk assessments and audits, and ensuring systems meet the highest safety and performance standards.
- Team Leadership and Mentorship: Leading, mentoring, and providing technical expertise to the engineering team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and driving the successful delivery of complex automation projects.
- Stakeholder Collaboration and Reporting: Collaborating with senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and external stakeholders to align automation projects with organizational goals, ensuring timely delivery, resource optimization, and transparent reporting of system performance.
Experience:
- 7+ years of experience in aerospace systems, automation, or industrial control systems, with at least 3 years in a senior or leadership role.
- Extensive experience with PLC programming, robotics, SCADA systems, and other industrial automation technologies in aerospace applications.
- Proven track record of managing complex automation projects, integrating new systems, and optimizing automation performance.
- Hands-on experience with troubleshooting, testing, and optimizing aerospace automation systems in real-world environments.
Tools and Technologies:
- Advanced proficiency with PLC programming and control systems (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell Automation).
- Experience with SCADA systems, industrial control software, and automation design tools (e.g., FactoryTalk, Wonderware, Ignition).
- Familiarity with simulation and modeling software (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, LabVIEW).
- Expertise in performance monitoring and data analysis tools for system optimization.
Other Requirements:
- Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage and motivate teams.
- Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- A commitment to ensuring the highest standards of safety, performance, and regulatory compliance in aerospace automation systems.
- Willingness to travel to aerospace facilities, testing locations, or client sites for system installations, testing, or troubleshooting.