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Automation Engineer

Tate.com

115k - 135k USD/year

Office

Columbia, Maryland, United States

Full Time

Job Type: Full-time

Duration of role: Permanent

Position: 1

Report to: Director of Manufacturing Engineering

Location: Remote, United States.

 

 

About Us

 

At Tate we are passionate about everything we do. As an independent brand operating within Kingspan Group, a global plc group of companies, Tate has been recognized worldwide as an industry leader in the development and manufacture of data center infrastructure solutions and commercial office raised access floors, for over 60 years.  With revenues of over $600m and growing, Tate plays a pivotal role in offering expertise in cutting edge design engineering to craft solutions, by working collaboratively with clients as a trusted partner. 

 

Tate continues to grow and expand, operating multiple manufacturing and commercial sites across the US, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We are excited about our fresh, dynamic, and inclusive team of experts working on new innovations and forward-thinking designs, as we remain a market leading player within our industry. We continue to invest heavily in the best available manufacturing tools and equipment needed to adhere to Tate’s world class standards and in keeping with our Planet Passionate sustainability strategy, our focus is on having minimal climate impact.

 

We are excited to potentially welcome you as part of our team as we continue to grow on a worldwide scale.

 

 

About the Role

 

The Controls / Automation Engineer will play a key role in designing, implementing, and supporting industrial automation systems across Tate’s manufacturing operations. This position requires strong hands-on technical expertise combined with the ability to diagnose problems, justify automation investments, and lead projects that improve safety, production efficiency, quality, and data visibility.

The successful candidate will work closely with engineering, maintenance, operations, and IT teams to deliver reliable, scalable automation solutions aligned with Tate’s manufacturing standards and Industry 4.0 roadmap.

 

 

What You’ll Do

 

  • Design, program, test, and commission industrial control systems using Siemens, Allen-Bradley (Rockwell), and Beckhoff PLC platforms
  • Develop and maintain HMI applications (e.g., WinCC, FactoryTalk View, TwinCAT HMI) to support safe and efficient operator interaction
  • Configure, tune, and support VFDs and servo drive systems for motion, process control, and material handling applications
  • Troubleshoot complex electrical, controls, motion, and network issues in live manufacturing environments to minimize downtime
  • Lead and support automation projects from concept through implementation, including scope definition, justification, scheduling, vendor coordination, and commissioning
  • Develop business cases for automation investments based on safety risk reduction, productivity gains, quality improvement, and cost justification
  • Implement Factory / Industry 4.0 solutions for machine connectivity, data collection, OEE, downtime tracking, and root-cause analysis
  • Integrate manufacturing equipment with MES, SCADA, historians, and data platforms as required
  • Establish and maintain automation standards, documentation, backups, and version control
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives using data-driven insights and structured problem-solving methods
  • Ensure all automation systems comply with applicable safety standards, electrical codes, and internal policies
  • Provide technical mentorship and support to maintenance and engineering team members
  • Work Environment: This is a full-time position with a combination of office work and frequent interaction with manufacturing operations. Travel (50% - 60%) will be required to various divisional sites, supplier locations, or customer facilities.

 

 

Additional Expectation

 

  • Remain compliant with the Code of Conduct and Policies which includes the Kingspan Group Compliance Policy.
  • Ensure that all duties related to product compliance are adhered to in accordance with the Product Compliance Policy, Laws, Regulations, and market demands.
  • Responsible for all tasks to achieve compliance goals and demands of the Compliance Management System.
  • Must raise concerns related to the Compliance Management System to their supervisor, manager, or any member of the Leadership Team, or through the confidential whistle blower service.

 

 

What You'll Bring

 

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related technical field (or equivalent experience)
  • 5+ years of experience in industrial automation within a manufacturing or fabrication environment
  • Demonstrated experience programming:
    • Siemens PLCs (TIA Portal)
    • Allen-Bradley PLCs (Studio 5000 / Logix)
    • Beckhoff PLCs (TwinCAT)
  • Hands-on experience developing HMIs and configuring VFDs and servo motion systems
  • Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical, controls, motion, and industrial networks
  • Experience leading or managing automation projects with measurable business impact
  • Familiarity with Industry 4.0 / Factory 4.0 concepts, including data collection, machine connectivity, and analytics
  • Ability to communicate effectively with operations, maintenance, vendors, and leadership
  • Willingness to travel extensively (50–60%) to support multiple manufacturing sites

 

Preferred Qualifications

 

  • Experience with industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, EtherCAT)
  • Knowledge of safety PLCs, safety relays, and machine risk assessments
  • Exposure to MES, SCADA, historians, or cloud-based manufacturing data platforms
  • Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations

 

 

What You'll Get

 

  • Pay range: $115,000 USD to $135,000 USD. This role is eligible for a discretionary bonus.
  • Career Scope and Advancement: As we grow, new positions and career opportunities arise, offering accelerated paths for the right candidates, locally and globally.
  • World of Wellness Philosophy: We empower you to take charge of your health and well-being. You’ll have access to a wide range of medical, dental, and vision benefits, along with personalized guidance from a “Health Advocate.” We also offer other supplemental options, including 401k, legal, disability, and theft insurance, to ensure your financial wellness.
  • Corporate Social Responsibility: Through Planet Passionate we are determined to reduce our manufacturing carbon (CO2e) emissions to as close to zero as technically possible, together with halving carbon intensity in our primary supply chain. We are very involved in our community, and you will have ample opportunities to support us in creating a better world.
  • Skills Development: Given the dynamic pace of our business and a strong collaborative environment, your new role will be diverse and multifaceted – allowing you to be more versatile and develop a broader skill set.
  • Mentorship and development: At Tate, we don’t believe in hierarchy, we work together as one team for one common goal. You will have access and exposure to our senior leaders and experts for learning in your role, and additionally mentorship for the future.
  • Culture: We have a great team culture, highly collaborative, supportive, and social. Together we innovate, collaborate, take ownership, and strive for excellence.

 

 

Stay connected with us on LinkedIn for insights into life at Tate. Join us in our mission to make a difference through exceptional solutions.

 

Tate Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Employment may be contingent upon completion of post-offer requirements in accordance with applicable law.

 

 

 

Automation Engineer

Office

Columbia, Maryland, United States

Full Time

115k - 135k USD/year

January 16, 2026

Tate.com

Tate_Inc