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Automation Engineer

Dover · Elon, NC

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Level
Engineer
Team
Controls
Degree
Required
Experience asked
3+ years
Industry
Industrial
Posted
Today

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level controls role at Dover (industrial) in Elon, NC. Design, develop, and debug PLC programs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar) for assembly automation equipment.

They ask for
3+ years · degree required
Tools it names
Lean, Six Sigma, Value stream mapping, OEE, Root cause, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ)

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026

Controls Engineer roles in North Carolina: typical posted base $108k–$154k.

Median of the low and high ends of 7 live postings that list pay, out of 35 controls engineer openings in North Carolina, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

North Carolina plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 34 other live controls postings in North Carolina.

Base pay
Not listed in this posting

Typical $108k–$154k, from 7 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
Less than usual (3+ vs 5+)

Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ Automation 83%
  • ✓ PLC 69%
  • ✓ Robotics 40%
  • ✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 34%
  • AutoCAD 23%
  • MES 23%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for Value stream mapping, OEE, Welding, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 3+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

  1. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Dover

    Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.

  2. 2

    Send a short, curious note

    One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.

  3. 3

    Turn a reply into a short call

    Questions worth asking about this team:

    • What does a normal week look like on your team?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 4

    Apply with someone vouching for you

    If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.

  5. 5

    Bring proof to the interview

    One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: Dover in Elon

1 other open role at this site.

Full description from DoverAs posted on their careers site.Show

requirements

  • ✓Research and evaluate automation equipment vendors, integrators, and component suppliers based on technical fit, cost, lead time, and reliability
  • ✓Solicit and review vendor quotes and proposals; lead technical evaluation and vendor selection process
  • ✓Manage vendor-built automation projects from kickoff through FAT/SAT and installation, including schedule tracking, budget oversight, and change order management
  • ✓Review vendor-supplied design packages, electrical schematics, and controls documentation for compliance with internal standards and specifications
  • ✓Act as primary technical point of contact and lead design reviews, progress meetings, and FAT/SAT activities with external vendors and integrators
  • ✓Ensure vendor equipment meets safety, quality, and performance

requirements

prior to acceptance and handoff to production

Show full description ↓

Since 1892, OPW customers have been able to count on us to revolutionize fluid-handling operations around the world. As a global leader in fluid-handling solutions, the mission of OPW is to be a developer of a comprehensive array of innovative fluid-handling solutions that our customers can consistently and reliably count on. These include loading and unloading systems for high-value hazardous and non-hazardous bulk products; railcar and transport tank-truck valves, gauging devices and tank-monitoring systems; automated storage-terminal controls and systems; and regulators, fittings, valves, vaporizers, vacuum-jacketed piping and gas-handling systems for the safe handling and distribution of cryogenics and industrial gases. OPW has more than 2,000 employees with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe and China, and sales offices around the world. OPW is part of the Clean Energy & Fueling segment of Dover (NYSE: DOV).

The Automation Engineer will be responsible for the design, programming, integration, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of automated assembly and testing equipment, including PLC-controlled machinery, robotic work cells, and associated controls hardware. This role will work cross-functionally with manufacturing engineering, maintenance, quality, and production teams to bring automated systems from concept through commissioning (both in-house and vendor) and provide ongoing production support. We are looking for individuals who have knowledge or experience in assembly/testing and automation processes, a keen eye for safety and quality, the ability to solve problems and troubleshoot, and the desire to develop and expand their skills in a production-driven environment. The Automation Engineer will report to the PES Value Stream Manager.

Controls Design and Programming

  • •Design, develop, and debug PLC programs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar) for assembly automation equipment
  • •Program and integrate industrial robots (FANUC, Universal Robots, etc.) for pick-and-place, path planning, material handling, loading/unloading, dispensing, welding, or assembly applications
  • •Develop HMI screens and operator interfaces for machine control and diagnostics
  • •Design and implement vision system integration (Keyence or similar) for part inspection, guidance, and quality verification
  • •Configure and troubleshoot servo motion control systems, VFDs, and motor drives
  • •Collaborate with mechanical and electrical design engineers during the concept and design phases to ensure controls feasibility

Equipment Specification & Vendor Management

  • •Develop detailed technical specifications (URS/equipment specs) for new automation equipment, including PLC, robotics, and vision system

Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement

  • •Provide technical support for installed equipment, including root cause analysis and corrective action for downtime events
  • •Identify and implement improvements to improve machine uptime, cycle time, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
  • •Support preventive maintenance programs and develop troubleshooting documentation for maintenance and production staff
  • •Analyze production data and machine performance to identify optimization opportunities
  • •Integrate mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and controls subsystems into functioning automated work cells

Documentation & Compliance

  • •Create and maintain electrical schematics, I/O lists, controls architecture diagrams, and program documentation that complies with all applicable safety standards
  • •Participate in risk assessments and safety validation for automated equipment
  • •Maintain version control and backups of PLC, HMI, and robot programs

What You'll Bring

  • •Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or a related field
  • •3+ years of experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs in an industrial/manufacturing environment
  • •Hands-on experience programming industrial robots and integrating them into automated systems
  • •Working knowledge of electrical schematics, ladder logic, structured text, and function block programming
  • •Understanding of pneumatics, sensors (photo eyes, proximity, encoders), servo/motion control, and machine safety circuits
  • •Experience with HMI development platforms
  • •Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose mechanical, electrical, and software issues under time pressure
  • •Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and P&IDs
  • •Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

The Ideal Candidate Will Also Bring

  • •Experience with FANUC and Universal Robots programming/certification
  • •Familiarity with machine vision systems (Keyence or similar)
  • •Experience with industrial networking protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, DeviceNet, Modbus TCP)
  • •Experience with Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, or similar 3D CAD software for reviewing mechanical designs
  • •Prior experience in high-volume assembly and testing automation, packaging automation, or similar
  • •Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or continuous improvement training

#L

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