Principal Manufacturing Automation Engineer (AI/Robotics)

Location: Palm Bay, Florida, United States. Onsite support is required for commissioning, troubleshooting, installation, and continuous improvement activities, with occasional travel to production environments.

Company

hirify.global develops defense technology and end-to-end solutions connecting space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains for national security missions.

What you will do

• Design, develop, integrate, commission, and support robotic cells, custom machinery, tooling, fixtures, motion systems, and industrial control platforms.
• Lead Industry 4.0 initiatives involving IoT sensors, advanced robotics, AI/ML, real-time data collection, analytics, and connected factory systems.
• Develop predictive and prescriptive analytics, digital twins, and simulation solutions to improve production flow, yields, visibility, and equipment reliability.
• Integrate automation with MES, ERP, quality systems, equipment, and material or serial-number traceability workflows.
• Support fabrication, assembly, debugging, installation, testing, design reviews, and production troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineering, manufacturing, tooling, project management, and production teams to meet safety, functional, and performance requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related field with 12+ years of relevant experience; alternatively, a graduate degree with 10+ years or 16+ years without a degree.
• 10+ years of experience designing, programming, and commissioning automation systems, robotics, and advanced manufacturing equipment.
• 8+ years of experience developing and supporting custom automated machinery and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Proficiency with TIA Portal, Studio 5000, TwinCAT, and WinCC, including end-to-end controls development and deployment.
• Experience with machine design, servo and motion architectures, pneumatic systems, automated assembly, manufacturing operations, and industrial robot integration using KUKA, FANUC, or ABB.
• Working knowledge of automation safety standards, risk assessments, ergonomics, digital twins, edge computing, predictive analytics, cloud-connected machines, and smart manufacturing workflows.

Nice to have

• Experience with Cognex, Keyence, or other industrial vision systems and robotics or automation simulation tools.
• Knowledge of EtherNet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, EtherCAT, MES, and production data acquisition systems.
• Experience with high-mix, low-volume manufacturing, robotics or industrial automation certifications, and smart factory implementations.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership for complex automation initiatives.

Culture & Benefits

• Full-time employment with a 9/80 schedule, including every other Friday off.
• Inclusive workplace focused on professional growth, work-life success, community commitment, and operational excellence.
• Equal opportunity employment with pre-employment background checks and substance abuse testing where permitted by law.
• Some positions may require a security clearance; security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens.