Automation Engineer Lead
Company: CMD CORPORATION
Location: Appleton
Posted on: February 16, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description Job Description Position: Automation System
Engineering Lead Reports to: Director of Automation and Technology
Solutions Supervisory Responsibilities: None CMD’s Purpose: Making
It Better Together … We believe in building lifelong partnerships,
providing high performing equipment and value-added solutions. We
empower and trust our employees to take initiative and make
decisions that drive our business forward. We strive to make a
positive impact on the world around us. Position Summary: The
Automation Engineer plays a key role in ensuring the successful
execution of customer automation projects, overseeing everything
from engineering related items from development to field
installation/commissioning. This position involves collaborating
with a team to create innovative, customer-centric solutions for
end-of-line automation. Essential Functions: System Direction &
Concept Development Lead creation of automation concepts for new
equipment and production solutions. Translate requirements into
practical machine concepts, layouts, and prototypes. Evaluate
design tradeoffs (cost, reliability, throughput, maintainability,
risk) and recommend clear paths forward. Support integration of
motion, robotics, handling systems, and safety elements into
cohesive designs. Layouts, Flow & Scoping Map process flows and
production steps to identify opportunities for automation. Develop
2D and 3D layouts to quickly visualize ideas and support early
scoping. Lead feasibility studies and proof-of-concept efforts to
validate approaches before full design. Establish repeatable
approaches, templates, and standards that accelerate future
projects. Collaboration & Integration Work closely with electrical
and controls engineers to ensure complete system design (without
owning PLC/HMI development). Partner with operations, maintenance,
and manufacturing engineering to ensure equipment is practical,
serviceable, and safe. Support build, installation, commissioning,
and troubleshooting throughout the project lifecycle. Mentorship &
Technical Growth Coach engineers and designers on sound engineering
practices, prototype testing, and iterative development. Promote
structured problem-solving and documentation. Help build an
environment focused on learning, quality, and speed of execution.
Continuous Improvement Identify simplification and standardization
opportunities across projects. Capture lessons learned and drive
reliability improvements. Maintain accurate documentation, design
records, and system standards. Other Duties : Please note this job
description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive
list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of
the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities
may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable
accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities
to perform these essential functions. Competencies: Experience
developing automation equipment or integrated production systems.
Ability to design and review mechanical assemblies, motion systems,
and handling solutions. Comfortable working with robotics,
pneumatics, guarding, and safety requirements. Ability to interpret
production requirements into layouts, flows, and concepts.
Understanding of controls/automation interactions sufficient to
collaborate effectively. Strong communication skills, able to
clearly present ideas to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Organized, able to manage multiple initiatives and prioritize
effectively. Preferred Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree
in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics,
Manufacturing, or related discipline) or equivalent practical
experience. 7 years’ experience working with automation equipment
or production systems. Background developing custom equipment,
special machines, or complex system integrations. Experience
guiding designs from concept through build and installation. Prior
mentoring, technical leadership, or project lead experience.
Additional Details and Requirements: Work Environment: CMD is
located in Appleton, WI. Our three facilities operate by secure
entry, are well lit, air temperature controlled for comfort, and
clean with low noise. Safety is our top priority. Our culture is
centered around mutual respect, clarity of communication, and
employee wellbeing. Physical Demands: Ability to stand or sit for
extended periods while working at a desk or computer. Capacity to
use standard office equipment such as computer, telephone, and
videoconferencing. Specific vision abilities required by this job
include close vision requirements due to computer work. Ability to
navigate manufacturing floor environment, which may include walking
on uneven surfaces, climbing stairs, and standing for extended
periods. Ability to tolerate exposure to moderate levels of noise,
vibration, and varying temperatures in a manufacturing environment.
Capacity to wear personal protective equipment such as safety
glasses, ear protection, and hard hat as needed. Ability to follow
health and safety guidelines and protocols including emergency
procedures. Regular, predictable attendance is required. Status:
Full-time, exempt. Travel: Up to 25% Work Authorization/Security
Clearance/Confidentiality: Must be authorized to work in the United
States and adhere to CMD’s confidentiality agreement(s). EEO
Statement: CMD Corporation provides equal employment opportunities
to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits
discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race,
color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status,
genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy,
parental status, gender identity or expression, political
affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by federal,
state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and
conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement,
promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of
absence, compensation, and training.
Keywords: CMD CORPORATION, West Allis , Automation Engineer Lead, Engineering , Appleton, Wisconsin
