Senior Automation Engineer

Job overview

The Senior Automation Engineer role is onsite in Salisbury, NC, with office and plant-floor work and approximately 40–50% travel. Compensation is not specified. The role supports Westlake’s building products manufacturing operations, which produce exterior siding and trim solutions for residential and commercial construction. The engineer leads automation projects from concept through commissioning and startup, improving plant safety, reliability, productivity, and efficiency. Collaboration with engineering, operations, IT, and manufacturing teams helps implement practical solutions and advance automation across multiple sites.

What you'll do

• Lead automation projects from concept and design through installation, commissioning, and startup
• develop solutions to improve safety, reliability, productivity, and 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
• troubleshoot complex issues and provide post-implementation support
• provide technical guidance and training to plant teams
• collaborate with production teams on automation-based process improvements.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

senior automation engineer

manufacturing

industrial automation

plc/hmi

ladder logic

robotics

capital projects

salisbury nc

westlake

40–50% travel

plant operations

engineering

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Benefits effective day one
• medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) match
• annual retirement contribution
• life and AD&D insurance
• paid vacation
• tuition assistance
• fitness reimbursement
• career growth opportunities.

Why this role

Approximately 40–50% travel; requires 10+ years of manufacturing engineering experience and 5+ years in automation, capital project management, engineering design, and equipment integration.

About the employer

Westlake is hiring for this role. Industry: All Other Plastics Product Manufacturing. Sector: 32.