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Apex Tool Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status. 

Automation Engineer

Job Req ID:  1329
Location: 

Nogales, AZ, US, 85621

Work Arrangement:  Onsite

The Blueprint (Role Profile)

The Automation Engineer plays an important role in designing and implementing highly automated manufacturing equipment to improve productivity in the production, assembly, and packaging of hand and power tools on a global scale. This role provides specialized technical expertise in PLC programming, robotics integration, machine vision systems, motion controls, industrial networking, and automated manufacturing equipment.

Working within a small manufacturing operation, the Automation Engineer plays a key technical role supporting automated production systems and equipment reliability while assisting with implementation, optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives. The position requires the practical application of engineering principles and advanced technical knowledge related to industrial automation and manufacturing systems.

This role supports Apex Tool Group’s manufacturing operations in Nogales, Arizona and works closely with engineering leadership to maintain and improve automation capabilities within the facility.

The Build (Responsibilities)

  • Support and maintain automated manufacturing equipment, controls systems, and production automation processes used within manufacturing and assembly operations.
  • Program, troubleshoot, modify, and support PLCs, HMIs, robotics systems, servo systems, machine vision applications, sensors, and industrial automation equipment.
  • Assist with implementation, integration, testing, validation, and startup of automated manufacturing equipment and controls-related process improvements.
  • Develop and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, bills of material, controls documentation, and programming backups using AutoCAD Electrical or similar engineering software.
  • Analyze automation and controls-related equipment issues and support root cause troubleshooting activities to improve equipment reliability and production uptime.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams to support production requirements, equipment performance, and automation improvements.
  • Support manufacturing process optimization efforts through automation enhancements and controls system modifications.
  • Work with automation vendors, equipment suppliers, and integrators to support technical requirements and equipment functionality.
  • Assist with troubleshooting industrial communication systems, motion controls, sensors, drives, and electrical controls components used within manufacturing operations.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives related to safety, quality, manufacturing efficiency, and equipment performance.
  • Maintain compliance with engineering standards, electrical safety requirements, and established manufacturing procedures.
  • Work as part of a multidisciplinary team and provide support for additional tasks outside of primary responsibilities as needed.

The Toolbox (Qualifications)

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a closely related technical discipline, such as Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Automation Engineering
  • 5+ years of experience as an Automation Engineer developing and supporting automated equipment.
  • Experience with PLC, HMI, robotics, machine vision, and servo motion systems in industrial automation applications.
  • Experience with industrial automation protocols, including EtherNet/IP, RS-485, and IO-Link.
  • In-depth knowledge of electrical and controls engineering, including 110/220/440V single- and three-phase AC systems, as well as 12V and 24V DC power systems.
  • Experience with PLC programming platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, or similar industrial automation systems.
  • Experience supporting robotics systems, HMIs, machine vision systems, motion controls, and automated manufacturing equipment.
  • Experience developing and interpreting electrical schematics and controls documentation.
  • Strong ability to self-direct work, prioritize tasks, and drive projects to completion with limited supervision in a fast-paced environment.

At Apex Tool Group (www.apextoolgroup.com), we build innovation. Each day, our associates strive to find new and exciting ways to help our customers solve their most complex challenges. By harnessing our global resources, unprecedented insights and spirit for service, we build more than just tools for the jobsite – we help build the future.

ATG is a global manufacturer of hand and power tools, tool storage and accessories, chain, and electronic soldering solutions with more than $1.2 billion in annual revenues. Our 6,700 associates around the world have built powerhouse brands like GEARWRENCH®, SATA®, Crescent®, Cleco®, Weller® and APEX®. Our brands are trusted by the professional trades and DIY enthusiasts alike. With our roots dating back to the 1800’s, our tools have driven technological advancements that drive efficiency, speed and safety for customers in a broad range of commercial and consumer markets. 

 As part of the ATG team, you will move fast, think globally, learn from your colleagues and grow your career. You’ll enjoy competitive benefits, a healthy work/life balance and have opportunities to give back to the communities we serve.

Our six core values - Customers Come First, Integrity in All We Do, Continuous Improvement, Innovation for Growth, Passion to Succeed and Best Talent, One Team - drive our daily decisions. Connect with us on social media to learn more – Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

If your goal is to work where finding a better way never ends and your ideas become reality, join us and say #WeBuildATG!


Nearest Major Market: Nogales

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