Junior Automation Engineer
Job Title: Automation Engineer Location: Prior Lake, MN Industry: Manufacturing / Automation / Fiber Optics
Detailed Job Description:
We are hiring Automation Engineers to join a growing automation team responsible for designing and building custom manufacturing equipment in a high-volume fiber optics production environment. This is a hands-on role where you will contribute to the full lifecycle of automation equipment - from concept development through build, testing, and deployment on the production floor.
You will work alongside senior engineers to design, prototype, and commission custom machines and tooling that improve product quality, increase throughput, and reduce manufacturing costs. This position is based onsite in the southwest metro area of Minneapolis and supports global manufacturing operations.
This is an excellent opportunity for engineers early in their career who want to develop deep expertise in automation equipment design within a collaborative, innovation-driven team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the design and development of custom automation equipment and tooling for fiber optics manufacturing
- Assist in feasibility studies, cost analyses, and risk assessments for new automation projects
- Create 3D models, assemblies, and detailed engineering drawings using SolidWorks or similar CAD tools
- Participate in brainstorming, component research, iterative prototyping, and bench testing
- Contribute to the development and testing of semi-automated equipment for production use
- Help prepare engineering documentation packages including drawings, BOMs, assembly instructions, and maintenance guidelines
- Assist in selecting commercial components such as actuators, pneumatics, sensors, and automation hardware
- Perform hands-on activities including assembly, setup, calibration, process development, and equipment qualification
- Participate in design reviews and collaborate with cross-functional teams including controls, electrical, software, and manufacturing
- Analyze process and performance data using Excel or Minitab to support equipment development
- Support equipment installation and commissioning at manufacturing sites
- Travel to production locations as needed (up to 15%)
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
- 0-4 years of experience in automation engineering, mechanical engineering, or equipment design (internship experience counts)
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software, preferably SolidWorks or PTC Creo
- Understanding of mechanical design fundamentals including tolerancing, material selection, and manufacturability
- Hands-on aptitude and willingness to work directly with equipment on the floor
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to travel up to 15%
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience designing injection-molded or machined parts
- Familiarity with PLCs, HMIs, or industrial control systems
- Exposure to GD&T and tolerance analysis
- Experience with SolidWorks PDM or other CAD data management tools
- Previous internship or co-op experience in a manufacturing or automation environment
- Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
- Experience with Minitab, Ansys, or Power BI
Key Skills:
Automation Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Custom Equipment Design, SolidWorks, CAD, Manufacturing Engineering, Automation Equipment, Prototyping, Fiber Optics, Industrial Automation, Equipment Qualification, Prior Lake MN
GCS is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
Junior Automation Engineer
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