Senior Equipment and Automation Engineer

About the role

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most.

For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future.

What to Expect

Generac is seeking a Senior Equipment & Automation Engineer to serve as an on-site technical lead at a co-located Contract Manufacturer (CM) facility.

In this Manufacturing Engineering team role, you will own the performance, reliability, and continuous improvement of Generac-owned and -developed automation lines and process equipment operating within the CM's plant, working cross-functionally with other onsite Generac personnel and product design engineering, supply chain, test engineering, product management, and CM stakeholders to launch, sustain, and improve some of the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the industry.

You will bring a broad, hands-on skillset spanning mechanical troubleshooting and maintenance support, PLC and robotics programming, and process improvement. The ideal candidate brings deep strength in one or more of: PLC programming, robotics, vision systems, or HMI development, and is eager to build breadth across the rest through hands-on collaboration with the broader Manufacturing Engineering team.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the on-site automation and equipment engineering lead at the CM facility, representing Generac's interests on all matters related to Generac-owned automation lines and process equipment.
• Sustain production operations by responding to and resolving equipment breakdowns quickly and efficiently to minimize downtime during core hours, and by training on-site CM maintenance teams to resolve issues across other shifts.
• Act as an active leader on the cross-functional Manufacturing Engineering team, diagnosing equipment failures, driving root cause analysis, and improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE); lead equipment upgrades with a focus on serviceability, reliability, and process capability.
• Program ladder logic and structured text across multiple PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell preferred); program and teach industrial 6-axis robots (FANUC preferred) to sequence complex, multi-station machinery for pick-and-place, dispense, fastening, soldering, inspection/test, and conveyance applications.
• Develop and improve equipment validation procedures, including calibration and qualification.
• Serve as the expert-level trainer on all machines in the production system, owning the technical knowledge level of CM technicians and providing hands-on support to troubleshoot and resolve extended downtime situations.
• Take initiative to create, implement, and continuously improve preventive and predictive maintenance documentation and schedules.
• Participate in spare parts analysis and inventory strategy, including cost reduction, working with the CM's Spares team to RMA faulty components and communicating needs to equipment vendors.
• Partner closely with CM plant personnel, production, and quality teams, as well as Generac engineering, to ensure equipment consistently meets safety, quality, and throughput targets.
• Support capital equipment installations, upgrades, and commissioning activities, including Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
• Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring all troubleshooting, maintenance, and improvement work complies with lockout/tagout, machine guarding, and other applicable safety standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field (required).
• 5+ years of experience in industrial automation, equipment engineering, or maintenance engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and controls systems on automated production equipment; mechanical aptitude and comfort debugging a process or cell at the machine level.
• Demonstrated experience programming, configuring, and troubleshooting industrial PLC systems.
• Experience with industrial robotics programming, integration, and/or troubleshooting.
• Experience commissioning and improving automated equipment, with a demonstrated track record of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) improvement and preventive/predictive maintenance program development.
• Strong root cause analysis and structured problem-solving skills (e.g., DMAIC, Ishikawa/Fishbone, 5-Why, 8D).
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and mechanical drawings.
• Willingness to work on-site at a Contract Manufacturer facility, with occasional travel to other sites as needed to support FAT milestones or new equipment launches.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally across external CM partner and internal Generac teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation platforms (Studio 5000, RSLogix 500/5000, FactoryTalk View, ControlLogix/CompactLogix).
• Experience with FANUC robotics (TP programming, RoboGuide, iRVision, R-30iB controllers).
• Experience with machine vision systems, sensors, and end-of-arm tooling design or troubleshooting.
• Experience developing and improving HMIs, and familiarity with Ignition or similar SCADA/MES platforms.
• Ability to update 3D CAD models for rapid fixture and jig design.
• Familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), ergonomics, and Change Management practices.
• Prior experience working within a contract manufacturing or outsourced production model.
• Experience with industrial networking protocols (EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet).