Senior Automation Engineer
Westlake · Salisbury, NC
- Level
- Senior
- Team
- Controls
- Travel
- 50%
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 10+ years
- Industry
- Chemicals
- Posted
- Today
The role in 30 seconds
A senior controls role at Westlake (chemicals) in Salisbury, NC. Hands-on knowledge of PLC/HMI programming, ladder logic, and industrial robotics such as FANUC, ABB, or KUKA.
- They ask for
- 10+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- PLC, Robotics, Automation, AutoCAD
- Day to day
- about 50% travel
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 26, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in North Carolina: typical posted base $112k–$162k.
Median of the low and high ends of 8 live postings that list pay, out of 39 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 38 other live controls postings in North Carolina.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- More than usual (10+ vs 5+)
Typical $112k–$162k, from 8 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Automation 79%
- ✓ PLC 64%
- ✓ Robotics 38%
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 33%
- ✓ AutoCAD 23%
- MES 21%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
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
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Westlake
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 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
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- The posting says about 50% travel. Between which sites?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 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
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.
Full description from WestlakeAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.
We are seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to help drive automation strategy and execution across our building products manufacturing operations. In this role, you will execute automation projects from concept through commissioning, improve plant safety and performance, and partner cross-functionally with engineering, operations, IT, and manufacturing teams to implement practical, high-impact solutions. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineer who thrives in a hands-on manufacturing environment and wants to make a meaningful impact across multiple sites.
Westlake Royal Building Products offers a broad range of exterior siding and trim solutions designed for beauty, durability, and low maintenance. Our innovative vinyl, composite, and specialty materials support residential and commercial construction across diverse styles and climates.
We promote a culture centered on innovation, collaboration, and growth.
What You’ll Do
- •Lead automation projects from concept and design through installation, commissioning, and startup.
- •Develop solutions that improve safety, reliability, productivity, and operational efficiency.
- •Partner with engineering, manufacturing, IT, and project teams to identify automation and AI opportunities.
- •Manage scope, schedule, budget, risk, and stakeholder communication.
- •Perform feasibility studies and technical assessments to support sound engineering decisions.
- •Troubleshoot complex issues and provide post-implementation support.
- •Provide technical guidance and training to plant teams.
- •Collaborate with production teams to identify and implement process improvements through automation.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
What We’re Looking For
- •Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
- •10+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
- •5+ years of experience in automation, capital project management, engineering design, and equipment integration.
- •Hands-on knowledge of PLC/HMI programming, ladder logic, and industrial robotics such as FANUC, ABB, or KUKA.
- •Strong project leadership, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
- •Experience with project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk assessment, and technical documentation.
- •AutoCAD experience is a plus.
Why Join Us
This is an opportunity to take on visible, high-impact work in a hands-on manufacturing environment. You’ll partner with cross-functional teams, help shape automation strategy across multiple sites, and play a key role in driving meaningful operational improvement.
Work Environment & Travel
This role includes both office and plant-floor work. Travel is expected approximately 40–50%, and candidates should be comfortable working in an industrial environment and using required PPE.
If you enjoy solving complex manufacturing challenges and leading impactful automation projects, we encourage you to apply.
Competitive Pay & Benefits
- •Benefits effective day one.
- •Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- •401(k) with company match.
- •Annual retirement contribution.
- •Life and AD&D insurance.
- •Paid vacation.
- •Tuition assistance program.
- •Fitness reimbursement program.
- •Career growth and advancement opportunities.
If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here. You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.