Advanced Drainage SystemsEEO Statement:Advanced Drainage Systems is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Automation EngineerUS-OH-Hilliard
Job ID: 2026-20439
Type: Regular Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Process Engineering
Engineering and Technology Center
OverviewAdvanced Drainage Systems is a leading manufacturer of stormwater and onsite septic wastewater solutions, committed to sustainability and innovation. With a vast manufacturing and distribution network, we deliver high-quality products across multiple industries while recycling over half a billion pounds of plastic annually. At ADS, we foster a culture where diverse perspectives drive better ideas, ensuring every employee feels valued, heard, and empowered to make an impact.
ResponsibilitiesThe Automation Engineer supports all aspects of ADS automation and control systems development, integration, and implementation. This role leverages a strong technical background to design, deploy, and optimize automated systems that deliver measurable operational results. Through disciplined project management, the Automation Engineer ensures systems meet evolving process and business requirements while leading and tracking capital projects that drive automation initiatives across the ADS network.
Primary Job Responsibilities:The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:
Manage automation projects to ensure delivery dates, scope, and financial targets are met. Develop business cases for new capital projects. Lead capital projects using sound project management processes and principles. Facilitate training for plant personnel to support new technologies. Support plant integration projects and provide postimplementation assistance. Work closely with maintenance teams to ensure smooth, continuous operations. Manage internal, external, direct, and indirect project team resources.
Communicate effectively at all organizational levels; strong presentation skills required. Manage multiple complex, multifaceted projects simultaneously. Align teams to defined project charters, goals, and metrics. Apply systematic problemsolving tools to resolve technical challenges. Manage capital equipment suppliers and maintain strong vendor relationships. Coordinate stakeholder alignment across departments. Partner with IT and plant teams to implement system upgrades aligned with future manufacturing vision
This position should possess the following skills/knowledge:Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills. Strong analytical and problemsolving abilities. Understanding of manufacturing operations and supply chain processes. Robotic automation experience (
Fanuc preferred). PLC/HMI knowledge (
AllenBradley preferred). Working knowledge of machine safety and ergonomics.Basic mechanical design capability. Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization. Capital project and supplier management experience. Experience with pneumatic systems. Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma process control.
Educational Requirements:- Bachelors' Degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Electrical Engineering or equivalent
Preferred Experience:6+ years of manufacturing and operations experienceExperience in capital project development and executionVendor and supplier management experienceExperience mentoring and developing team members or project managersProject management of large capital initiativesResearching and developing new manufacturing processes
Other Requirements: 30% Travel (Mostly Domestic / Possible International)Leadership Competencies EEO StatementADS supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience, and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. ADS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.
EEO StatementADS supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience, and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. ADS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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