Production Engineer Specialist

Your role and responsibilities (Mandatory)

In this role, you will have the opportunity to optimize the Production organization’s assembly methods, processes, and equipment to minimize labor hours in accordance with business strategies related to quality, efficiency, costs, and safety. Each day, you will ensure appropriate production methods, cycle time, equipment performance, and materials/components in support of production targets. You will also showcase your expertise by defining the working phase sequence of a new production process to achieve the targeted product cost and equipment investment budget.

The work model for the role is on site.

This role is contributing to the ELDS Business Line in Pinetops, North Carolina.

You will be mainly accountable for:

Process Improvement & Optimization

Lead initiatives to enhance safety, quality, customer service, and productivity in manufacturing processes. Utilize advanced technology solutions to troubleshoot and resolve process issues aligned with corporate and plant objectives. Conduct feasibility studies and develop implementation plans for continuous process optimization.

Lead technicians and production operators on leveling up technical knowledge regarding Casting systems, Vacuum systems, Hydraulics, Logical control systems and winding operations.

Process Design & Development

Design and develop new or improved manufacturing processes with integrated automation and control systems. Define equipment specifications, justify investments, oversee procurement, installation, programming, start-up, capability validation, and documentation. Develop electrical layouts, schematics, network architectures, and bills of materials.

Automation & Control Systems

Program and configure PLC systems, distributed I/O modules, and HMI interfaces. Implement advanced automation solutions including AGVs, robotic cells, and automated conveyor systems. Lead hands-on activities including design, engineering, installation, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting of automation and control systems.

Standards, Layout & Cost Optimization

Establish process standards, routings, staffing requirements, and manufacturing instructions. Analyze and design equipment and workspace layouts to maximize operational efficiency. Drive cost reductions through process improvements, tooling optimization, and vendor management. Manage tooling suppliers and vendors, ensuring build quality, adherence to timelines, and budget constraints.

Tooling & Equipment Design

Create and maintain tooling documentation, select and design fixtures, tooling, and accessories. Use design software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for conceptualization and technical specification development. Estimate capital expenditures and support implementation of equipment modifications.

Operational Support

Support production operators and supervisors in implementing process changes. Investigate new technologies and methods to optimize equipment and process design aligned with Factory of Tomorrow initiatives.

Qualifications for the role

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and 10 years of professional experience, or Associate Degree and 12 years of professional experience.

• Preferred 10 years of professional experience in manufacturing engineering, production process design, or industrial automation. Proven experience with process development, automation projects, or manufacturing optimization.

• Strong proficiency in PLC programming (Allen Bradley, ABB) and automation development

• Extensive knowledge of control systems, distributed I/O systems, bus communication protocols, and HMI development

• Proficiency in design software: SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and MS Office (Excel). PowerBI and programming skills are advantageous

• Knowledge of process design principles, tooling, and fixture design

• Familiarity with machine safety standards and electrical design principles

• Understanding of industrial robotics, servo systems, and automation technologies (AGVs, robotic cells, conveyor systems)

• Understanding of Casting systems and casting technologies.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in cross-functional, multicultural international teams

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills

• Project management capabilities and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

• Attention to detail and adherence to lead times and budget constraints

• Ability to learn new technologies and methods quickly

• Experience with manufacturing automation in casting, machining, or related processes

• Knowledge of flow simulation tools and fluid dynamics

• Experience with digital transformation and Industry 4.0 initiatives

• Experience with Factory of Tomorrow or similar manufacturing transformation programs

What's in it for you?
 

We want you to bring your full self to work—your ideas, your energy, your ambition. You’ll have the tools and freedom to grow your skills, shape your path, and take on challenges that matter. Here, your work creates impact you can see and feel, every day.

ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer for protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities at ABB.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their- sex (gender identity, gender expression,  sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age,  race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.

For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following websites: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, applicants may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762.

Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ABB's career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by calling an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762 or by sending an email to [email protected]. Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner.

ABB Benefit Summary for eligible US employees

Go to MyBenefitsABB.com and click on “Candidate/Guest” to learn more

Health, Life & Disability

• Choice between two medical plan options: A PPO plan called the Copay Plan OR a High Deductible Health Plan (with a Health Savings Account) called the High Deductible Plan. 
• Choice between two dental plan options: Core and Core Plus
• Vision benefit
• Company paid life insurance (2X base pay)
• Company paid AD&D (1X base pay)
• Voluntary life and AD&D – 100% employee paid up to maximums
• Short Term Disability – up to 26 weeks – Company paid
• Long Term Disability – 60% of pay – Company paid.  Ability to “buy-up” to 66 2/3% of pay.
• Supplemental benefits – 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance
• Parental Leave – up to 6 weeks
• Employee Assistance Program
• Health Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoption
• Employee discount program

Retirement

401k Savings Plan with Company Contributions 

Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP)

Time off

ABB provides 11 paid holidays.  Vacation is provided based on years of service for hourly and non-exempt positions.  Salaried exempt positions are provided vacation under a permissive time away policy.