Job Description

Simpson Strong-Tie is a leader in engineered structural connectors, software, and solutions for the building industry. We maintain a reputation as a trusted manufacturer, partner, and corporate citizen committed to our customers and employees.

Our founder, Barc Simpson established 9 Principles of Business we live out as company values and have made Simpson Strong-Tie an inspiring place to work since 1956. Our team of talented people are dedicated to our shared mission: to provide solutions that help people design and build safer, stronger structures.

Learn about our company culture directly from our team

YOU

As an Automation Engineer for the Riverside Branch, you will support and improve the automated systems that drive safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing performance across the facility. You will serve as a technical expert in industrial automation, partnering closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and Safety to troubleshoot issues, improve system performance, and help implement automation solutions that strengthen uptime, quality, and throughput. You are a hands-on problem solver who can move between the plant floor and technical systems with ease, bringing discipline, urgency, and continuous improvement to complex manufacturing environments.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING (% of Time)

Support Automated Manufacturing Systems (35%)

• Support daily performance of automated manufacturing equipment, including robotic welding cells, fiber laser systems, PLC-controlled equipment, and related automation assets.
• Troubleshoot controls, automation, and process issues to restore equipment to safe and effective operating condition.
• Partner with Operations and Maintenance to reduce downtime, improve response time, and stabilize equipment performance.
• Monitor automation system performance and identify recurring losses, failures, or constraints that impact production.
• Support safe and efficient operation of automation assets across the manufacturing environment.

Lead Controls and Automation Problem Solving (25%)

• Diagnose and resolve issues related to PLCs, HMIs, sensors, drives, servos, robotics, and automation interfaces.
• Support root cause analysis for equipment, controls, and process failures, then implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Develop, revise, and maintain controls logic, automation backups, and related system documentation in alignment with plant standards.
• Assist with startup, testing, validation, and stabilization of new or modified automation systems.
• Support integration between machinery, controls, and production processes to improve overall system effectiveness.

Drive Continuous Improvement and Process Optimization (15%)

• Identify and implement improvements that increase uptime, throughput, repeatability, and process reliability.
• Support cycle time reduction, scrap reduction, labor efficiency, and changeover improvement through automation and process refinement.
• Partner cross-functionally on Kaizen events, equipment upgrades, and manufacturing improvement projects.
• Recommend practical automation solutions that align with plant goals for safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Use data, observations, and process knowledge to prioritize and execute improvement opportunities.

Maintain Technical Standards and Documentation (15%)

• Create and maintain automation documentation, including controls architecture, programming backups, troubleshooting guides, equipment settings, and standard work.
• Support development of preventive and predictive maintenance practices for controls and automation systems.
• Ensure changes to automation systems are documented, controlled, and communicated appropriately.
• Assist with spare parts recommendations and identification of critical automation components.
• Support training materials and technical documentation for maintenance and operations teams

Support Safety, Training, and Project Execution (10%)

• Ensure automation systems, modifications, and controls-related activities align with company safety standards and required machine safeguarding practices.
• Support risk reduction efforts involving robotics, motion control, electrical systems, and automated equipment.
• Train and coach maintenance and operations team members on equipment functionality, basic troubleshooting, and proper system use.
• Support capital projects, equipment installations, vendor coordination, and commissioning activities as assigned.
• Perform other duties aligned with the role and needs of the business.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

If you can do everything listed above, you’ve got what it takes. Perhaps some of the following would be helpful too:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• 5–8 years of experience supporting industrial automation in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience with PLCs, HMIs, industrial robotics, sensors, drives, and automated equipment.
• Experience troubleshooting controls and automation systems in a production environment.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical documentation.
• Demonstrated success improving equipment reliability, process performance, and automation effectiveness in manufacturing environments.
• Manufacturing Systems Thinking: The ability to design, evaluate, and improve complete manufacturing systems by integrating equipment, robotics, PLC controls, material flow, and labor into a cohesive, high-performing operation from concept through execution.
• Listening: Ability to be attentive, listen to others and ask clarifying questions to prompt more detailed information.
• Speaking: Ability to use language that is appropriate to the audience, occasion and purpose

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, and hear, and sometimes walk and stand. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment where standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers/scanners, etc. are frequently used.

TRAVEL

This position requires domestic travel up to 10% of the time.

WORK STATUS & LOCATION

This full-time, exempt position is located in Riverside CA.

RELOCATION

Relocation is not available for this position.

PAY

$81,100 - $105,400 / year

REWARDS AT SIMPSON STRONG-TIE

We recognize and reward employees with a carefully designed and comprehensive rewards package, including competitive compensation, quarterly bonuses or commission and first-rate benefits. May exclude some positions, such as seasonal jobs.

• Quarterly Bonuses/Commission: You will be eligible for either a bonus or commission, paid on a quarterly basis. We believe all employees affect customers, sales and revenue — directly or indirectly – and should be rewarded by sharing the company profits.
• Benefits: We provide a wide range of benefits for eligible full-time employees including: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, employee stock purchase and bonus plans, pay for holidays, vacation, sick days, funerals and jury duty, years of service awards, employee discounts, employee referral bonuses, charitable contribution matching, education reimbursement and more. View benefit plan details here: https://benefits.strongtie.com/

In keeping with our values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our communities, we are an equal opportunity employer. This means that our employment decisions are based on your qualifications and merit, and our business needs.

Please note all job offers are contingent upon a successful background investigation and drug test. Simpson Strong-Tie's drug policy is based upon Federal Law, and therefore will screen applicants for amphetamines, including methamphetamines, cocaine, phencyclidine and opiates.

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Company: Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.