Manufacturing Automation Engineer

At Trane Technologies TM and through our businesses including Trane ® and Thermo King ® , we create innovative climate solutions for buildings, homes, and transportation that challenge what's possible for a sustainable world. We're a team that dares to look at the world's challenges and see impactful possibilities. We believe in a better future when we uplift others and enable our people to thrive at work and at home. We boldly go.

What's in it for you:

Are you dreaming about a career that offers excellent pay, great benefits, job security and variety in your daily work? Look no further than a career with Trane Technologies, a worldwide leader in HVAC and Building Automation.

Trane Technologies is currently seeking a Manufacturing Automation Engineer.

This role supports manufacturing functions for Commercial HVAC products at Trane's Fort Smith, Arkansas facility. The Manufacturing Automation Engineer will assist with complex technical issues and finding rapid solutions. They will support lean activities and process improvements through the planning, facilitation, and implementation of projects in alignment with strategic goals and metrics for plant safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.

Thrive at work and at home:

• Benefits kick in on DAY ONE for you and your family, including health insurance, parental leave, fertility benefits and adoption assistance.

• Significant opportunities for you in our wellness program such as fitness reimbursement, HSA contributions and back-up care for aging parents and children.

• 6% 401K match, additional 2% core contribution = 8% overall match

• Vacation , plus site paid holidays and volunteer days.

• Educational and training opportunities through company programs along with tuition advancement , tuition reimbursement and tuition assistance programs.

• Learn more about our benefits here (~~~) !

Where is the work:

This position is on-site. Some travel <10% may be required.

Not eligible for remote work.

Plant Location: Fort Smith, AR - Trane Custom CHVAC Americas

What you will do:

This role supports manufacturing functions for Commercial HVAC products at Trane's Fort Smith, Arkansas facility. The Manufacturing Automation Engineer will assist with complex technical issues and finding rapid solutions. They will support lean activities and process improvements through the planning, facilitation, and implementation of projects in alignment with strategic goals and metrics for plant safety, quality, delivery, and productivity. This role is also responsible for the implementation and validation of new equipment and processes throughout the business to improve plant performance using advanced engineering techniques such as DFM / DFA (Design for Manufacturability and Assembly), FMEA, 3P (Production, Preparation Process), 7-Ways, and Lean Six Sigma Methodology. This role requires strong engineering experience with specific expertise in automation/controls design, implementation and trouble shooting. In collaboration with cross-functional team members from ISC Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Process Engineering, this role will focus on identifying ideas and seeing them through development, implementation and runoff. The successful candidate will be a self-starter with the ability to influence and guide others in the decision making processes throughout product/project life-cycle while possessing the following:

• Design, develop, and implement process automation (hardware & software) to improve productivity, quality, equipment performance, energy consumption, and downtime reduction.

• Develop and define automation concepts and manufacturing processes for, and as an integral part of, all new product introductions and product enhancement programs, using advanced engineering techniques such as DFM / DFA (Design for Manufacturability and Assembly), FMEA, 3P (Production, Preparation Process), 7-Ways, and Lean Six Sigma Methodology

• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously

• Ability to effectively influence, negotiate, and communicate with internal and external business partners, contractors and vendors

• Evaluate and implement innovative, cost effective, safe, manufacturing processes and techniques which will improve the effectiveness of the manufacturing operations and business systems with respect to automation

• Ability to review processes within the manufacturing plants and identify areas of automation both large scale and smaller sub scale.

• Provide technical support and direction to support personnel/skilled trades within the organization

• Investigate system and equipment problems and provides technical input in problem resolution

• Develop cost estimates, investment forecasts, business cases, appropriation requests and plans for minor projects

• Coordinate with area manufacturing engineers on process and equipment planning and improved throughput

• Develop manufacturing planning, initial tooling requirements and costs, capability requirements, control plans, and assessments, which facilitate the definition and specification of the manufacturing processes

• Provide technical expertise and leadership for the timely resolution of manufacturing process and product design problems. Serve as a resource for cause / effect analyses, investigations, statistical studies, and corrective action planning

• Develop and implement manufacturing flow lines, work station layouts and organization, and station controls, which optimize value added operations, operating costs, and product / process quality

• Integrate closely with various functional team members collaborating while enhancing design for manufacturability and ease of integration to manufacturing facility.

• Assist in the design and building of tools and equipment or recommends improvements to existing processes

• Assist maintenance personnel in operation and maintenance of specialized equipment

What you will bring:

• Candidates without a 4-year degree are encouraged to apply; we prioritize practical experience, relevant skills, and alignment with our leadership principles.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited college or university or related technical field required. MS degree preferred.

• 5+ years of experience working with automated testing systems with PLC based programming.

• Knowledge and understanding of advanced quality planning tools, including FMEAs and Control plans, to meet Quality requirements and targets

• Ability to participate in design reviews and assist during validation and qualification, to include safety and ergonomics

• Experience with lean principles and techniques to include Visual Management, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Cycle Time Reduction and Process Balancing, Yokoten, 5S, Set Up Reduction (SMED), and Kanban

Compensation: $80,000 - $110,000

This position is Full-Time Salary (Exempt)

Annual Salary dependent on experience and qualifications

Additional Requirements and Environmental Exposure:

• Proved Manufacturing background with advanced proficiency in PLC programming (Allen Bradley), Robot integration, and Vision Camera systems.

• Drive continuous improvements (lean and six sigma) processes and other highly automated processes within the manufacturing facility.

• Work closely with Design and Sustaining Engineering to develop Value Engineering opportunities to reduce overall cost and drive productivity and quality improvements.

• Able to work independently and with a cross-functional team

• Dexterity in 2D/3D Modeling software (AutoCAD, Inventor)

• Ability to create and read electrical Schematics

• Ability to understand, interpret and apply statistics to problem solving efforts

• Ability to guide and lead non-technical & technical personnel to technical solutions

• Demonstrated implementation of root cause analysis and solutions.

• New product development understanding.

• Project management exposure.

• Knowledge of quality at the source and design for manufacturing/assembly techniques.

• Knowledge of life cycle cost analysis, dimensional capability analysis, and capacity analysis.

• Knowledge of tooling design and functionality.

• Exposure to key manufacturing techniques including fabrication, precision assembly, and weld fabrication Knowledge of OSHA, environmental, electrical, and compliance standards.

• Aptitude for mechanical/electrical application as related to equipment/processes.

• Must be able to safely and legally operate a vehicle using a seat belt.

• Must be able to wear helmets, safety goggles, fall protection harness and safety boots to safely perform job duties.

• Must be able to twist the trunk of your body 90 degrees in each direction.

• Must be able to squat and touch the floor with both hands.

• Must be able to reach your hands over your head.

• Must be able to stand on concrete surfaces for extended periods, routinely up to 4 hours.

• This position is highly physical and requires regular use of hands, fingers, walking, stooping, kneeling, and climbing ladders. It requires employees to regularly lift and or move up to 10 lbs., frequently lift and/or move up to 40 lbs. and occasionally lift and/or move more than 40 lbs.

• Must be able to safely use a ladder with a 350 lb. total weight limit, while carrying equipment of 50 lbs. or less.

• Must be able to maneuver confined access areas, as small as 30" vertical x 45" horizontal.

• Must be able to comfortably and routinely access rooftops with extension and/or fixed ladders at heights of 15' to 20', and occasionally, up to 50 feet · This role may be exposed to variable weather conditions, moving mechanical parts, heights, risk of electrical shock, noisy operating equipment and other variable environmental conditions based on location.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits and programs. We are an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, age, marital status, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any legally protected status.