Automation Engineer II (AUTOM006871)

Join the Sargent Legacy in Securing our Future

Job Title: Automation Engineer II

Location: Tucson, AZ

Department: Mechatronics

Reports To: Tucson IT & Automation Manager

Job Type: Full-Time

Who We Are Looking For:

Sargent Aerospace & Defense is seeking a hands-on Automation Engineer II to design, integrate, troubleshoot, and sustain industrial control and automated test systems. This role will place immediate emphasis on key programs while adding capacity to active initiatives.

The ideal candidate combines strong electrical controls knowledge with disciplined project execution. They can move between requirements, panel and circuit design, PLC/HMI/SCADA integration, instrumentation, validation, documentation, and production-floor troubleshooting while working effectively with engineering, operations, maintenance, IT, vendors, and system integrators.

We’re looking for someone who embraces our core values, is eager to learn, and thrives in a collaborative cross-functional environment.

Position Summary

This position develops and supports automation solutions that improve safety, quality, capacity, repeatability, maintainability, and operational visibility. The individual serves as a technical contributor for controls and test-system projects, with responsibility for translating business and process needs into documented, supportable solutions. The engineer will help Sargent build internal ownership of externally integrated systems and will create the standards, drawings, software, qualification evidence, and maintenance information needed for long-term sustainment.

Responsibilities

• Provide controls and automation support for current programs, including review of system architecture, SCADA functionality, PLC and HMI controls, instrumentation, business requirements, and integration deliverables
• Work with equipment vendors and 3rd party integrators to clarify requirements, review designs, identify gaps, coordinate testing, and ensure Sargent receives complete and maintainable technical documentation
• Develop a thorough understanding of key system functionality so the internal team can support commissioning, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, future upgrades, and long-term sustainment
• Design, build, modify, and troubleshoot electrical control panels, test boxes, wiring systems, sensor and transducer circuits, data-acquisition systems, and automated test equipment
• Support modernized test kiosks by developing standardized DAQ hardware, wiring, configuration, requirements, qualification documentation, maintenance documentation, and scalable build packages
• Develop and sustain test and calibration solutions, including LabVIEW or equivalent software, fixtures, attenuation or switching circuitry, setup files, procedures, data capture, and training materials
• Create and maintain PLC, HMI, SCADA, LabVIEW, and related automation software using version control, peer review, structured testing, and change-management practices
• Lead or support troubleshooting of complex electrical, controls, instrumentation, communications, and machine-network issues using safe and methodical diagnostic practices
• Create electrical schematics, panel layouts, bills of material, cable and wiring diagrams, I/O lists, network diagrams, requirements, RACI charts, risk assessments, validation plans, work instructions, and maintenance guides
• Plan and execute project work through defined scope, milestones, dependencies, action owners, schedules, and status reporting; maintain project records in approved team systems
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Quality, Calibration, Maintenance, IT, and EHS to ensure solutions meet production, cybersecurity, compliance, safety, and supportability needs
• Provide hands-on support during fabrication, installation, commissioning, qualification, production launch, and post-launch stabilization
• Train technicians, engineers, operators, and support personnel on system operation, diagnostics, documentation, and safe work practices
• Identify and implement continual-improvement opportunities that reduce manual effort, improve test repeatability, eliminate obsolete technology, and increase system reliability.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or a related technical field
• Three or more years of relevant experience in industrial automation, electrical controls, manufacturing test systems, systems integration, or a similar engineering environment
• Experience with PLC-controlled equipment, HMI or SCADA systems, industrial instrumentation, motor controls, sensors, data acquisition, and electrical troubleshooting
• Ability to read, create, and revise electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, I/O documentation, and bills of material
• Experience developing or supporting automation software such as PLC logic, HMI applications, SCADA configuration, LabVIEW, or comparable platforms
• Working knowledge of industrial communication and networking concepts used with automated equipment
• Demonstrated ability to define requirements, document technical work, execute testing, and communicate status, risks, and decisions to cross-functional stakeholders
• Ability to work safely around energized equipment and manufacturing machinery in accordance with training and established procedures

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with Ignition SCADA, Allen-Bradley or Siemens PLC platforms, industrial HMIs, and SQL-connected manufacturing systems
• Experience with National Instruments hardware, C-Series DAQ modules, LabVIEW, signal conditioning, frequency-response testing, calibration, or automated test equipment
• Experience reviewing vendor or integrator controls designs and supporting factory acceptance, site acceptance, commissioning, and qualification activities
• Knowledge of control-panel design, electrical noise mitigation, grounding, shielding, power distribution, safety circuits, and component obsolescence management
• Experience preparing validation documentation in a regulated or quality-controlled manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with project charters, requirements management, RACI development, risk management, project schedules, and structured change control
• Experience in aerospace, defense, hydraulics, precision manufacturing, or another highly regulated industry
• AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks Electrical, or comparable electrical-design software experience

RBC Bearings Incorporated (NYSE: RBC/RBCP) is a leading international manufacturer of highly engineered precision bearings, components and essential systems for the industrial, defense and aerospace industries. Founded in 1919, the Company is primarily focused on producing highly technical and/or regulated bearing products and components requiring sophisticated design, testing and manufacturing capabilities for the diversified industrial, aerospace and defense markets. RBC currently has 56 facilities, of which 37 are manufacturing facilities in ten countries and the market capitalization is approximately $6.2 billion.

In 2015, RBC acquired Sargent Aerospace and Defense.

Founded in 1920, Sargent Aerospace & Defense leverages 100 years of expertise as a premier global supplier of precision engineered customized components that directly contributes to the safe operation of countless commercial and military aircraft, rotorcraft, submarines and land-based vehicles.

At Sargent, our mission is to secure our future by making the challenging a reality. We achieve this by delivering high-quality products and services that meet customer requirements and exceed customer expectations through employee development, customer focus and continual improvement.

Sargent’s continuing investment in people, assets, technology, and process quality ensures excellence and is integral to the company’s commitment to customers and their end-users. As we grow, we will continue to root our culture through our core values of Integrity, Respects & Values People, Customer Focus, Teamwork, Results Focus and Continual Improvement.

Company Benefits Include:

• Competitive Compensation
• Bonus platforms
• Holidays/Vacation/Sick Time
• 401k Savings & Investment Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Medical/Dental/Vision Plans
• HSA/FSA
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Accident/Hospital/Critical Care Plans
• Pet Insurance
• Gym & Rideshare Incentives
• Legal Insurance/Identity Theft
• ½ day Fridays

Dedication to our core values. Our must haves…

• Integrity - We do the right thing the right way. Our ideal candidate is ethical, honest in all interactions, delivers good news and bad, and follows through on commitments. Key Skills & Abilities is fair, credible, confidential, fiscally responsible and accountable for decisions and actions.
• Respects and Values People - We encourage and bring out the potential of others. Our ideal candidate embraces diversity, recognizes and supports the accomplishments, talents and development of others. Key Skills & Abilities is committed to the building of strong relationships and creates an environment of trust and mutual respect.
• Customer Focus - We act with excellence in each and every interaction. Our ideal candidate builds strong internal/external customer relationships and goes above and beyond to deliver high-quality products and services on time, every time. Key Skills & Abilities is responsive with strong customer service skills, product and job knowledge to provide excellent customer satisfaction.
• Teamwork - We are better together. Our ideal candidate is inclusive, engaged and collaborative, sharing information, ideas and experiences to accomplish goals, improve decision making and leverage capabilities. Key Skills & Abilities is a dependable team player, demonstrated through attendance and punctuality, works well with others and has strong communication skills (both oral & written) to keep all stakeholders informed.
• Results Focus - We focus on the outcome, not the obstacle. Our ideal candidate must have a strong work ethic with a results/performance driven track record in a fast paced, changing and challenging environment. Key Skills & Abilities is adaptable, works with a sense of urgency and high level of initiative and demonstrates a commitment to quality with attention to detail.
• Continual Improvement - We encourage and drive innovation. Our ideal candidate must be naturally curious, passionate and never satisfied with the status quo. Key Skills & Abilities is innovative and has a problem-solving mindset that provides and implements CI ideas.

EEO/AA/Vet