Automation Controls Engineer III

Our Core Values

ELEVATE EVERYTHING - We each bring a specific set of skills to the table, offering up our expertise and resources to enhance the work of others. We challenge each other to be the best in order to achieve enduring value in the eyes of our customers.

BETTER IS BETTER - There is no finish line; we strive for continuous improvement in everything we do. We obsess over every detail to find ways to improve both our products and our process.

UNAPOLOGETICALLY ACCOUNTABLE - We're open and honest in how we speak and listen. We celebrate each other's successes and collectively rally to solve every challenge. We own it!

COURAGEOUS INNOVATION - There are elegant ideas awaiting discovery in everything we do. We push everyone around us to pursue those ideas openly so we can continue to dominate the category.

COMMUNITY DRIVEN - As a family business, we understand the importance of enriching the communities we call home. As a company, and as individuals, we work to make our expertise available to do the most good for those around us.

Why Benchmade?

• Take ownership of automation projects with direct impact on safety, production capacity, quality, and efficiency.
• Work at the forefront of manufacturing innovation, with opportunities to expand into AI-enabled predictive technologies.
• Collaborate with a high-performing team of engineers pushing the boundaries of automation.
• Contribute to a culture of innovation, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.

This role is built for high performers who want to take ownership of automation projects and deliver systems that transform how we manufacture. If you are ready to engineer the future of Benchmade, we want to hear from you.

Job Summary

At Benchmade Knife Company, the Automation Controls Engineer III plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our manufacturing systems. This is about leading the expansion of automation across the factory, designing systems that transform how we manufacture, measure success, and deliver quality at scale.

We're looking for a high-performing engineer who thrives at the intersection of automation, data, and manufacturing innovation. In this role, you'll:

• Lead automation projects that improve safety, throughput, and product quality.
• Design and deploy MES dashboards and factory data systems that deliver actionable insights.
• Program and integrate PLCs, robots, and motion systems into connected manufacturing solutions.
• Help define and execute a 1 to 5-year automation roadmap that drives enterprise-wide manufacturing transformation.
• Collaborate with robotics, computer vision, motion control, and MES technologies to create fully integrated systems.
• Partner with leadership to provide the data and tools they need for real-time decision making.

While direct experience in AI/ML for predictive maintenance and data analytics is not required, a curiosity and appetite to learn in this area will set you apart. This role offers the opportunity to grow into AI-driven applications, helping Benchmade expand its use of smart, predictive technologies in manufacturing.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead the design, programming, and integration of automation systems across robotics, motion, CNC, vision, MES, and third-party equipment
• Collaborate on equipment conceptual development and specifications to ensure scalable architecture and standardization
• Build and optimize factory-wide automation solutions that connect processes, equipment, and data into cohesive systems
• Develop intuitive HMI and SCADA applications (Ignition Perspective & Vision) that provide actionable insights to operators, engineers, and maintenance teams
• Create MES dashboards, reports, and data pipelines in Ignition that enable real-time production decision-making
• Apply statistical methods (capability studies, Cpk, Gage R&R, KPIs) to validate processes and drive continuous improvement
• Champion OEE analysis and lead data-driven initiatives to improve availability, cycle time, and yield
• Architect and implement industrial IoT solutions linking automation systems with enterprise-level MES and ERP platforms
• Manage vendors, installations, and buy-off testing to ensure equipment is delivered, validated, and production-ready
• Mentor maintenance, engineering, and production teams in sustaining and optimizing automation systems
• Continuously evaluate and refine automation solutions to increase throughput, enhance quality, reduce costs, and improve safety

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Automation, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering (or related field) with 6+ years of automation experience (or equivalent).
• Strong track record of delivering automation solutions that improve quality, throughput, and cost.
• Experience working as a systems integrator is strongly preferred.
• Strong expertise with Rockwell or Siemens platforms, FANUC robotics, motion control, and CNC integration.
• Proficiency with Ignition (Perspective, Vision, SCADA, database integration).
• Solid knowledge of SQL, Python, JavaScript, and industrial data integration.
• Proficiency with .NET frameworks (VB.NET and C#.NET) and their application in machine control and automation systems
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting and optimizing electromechanical systems.
• Familiar with NFPA79, NEC, UL508A, ANSI/RIA, OSHA standards.
• Nice to have: experience applying AI/ML for predictive maintenance or process analytics.
• Must have: a builder's mindset and a passion for driving automation across the factory floor.

Working Conditions

• Working Environment: Time split 50/50 between shop and office
• Safety Requirements:
  
  
  
  • Adherence to all safety policies required at all times.
  • PPE required on shop floor (ear protection where specified, safety glasses, closed-toed shoes, etc.)
  
  
  
  
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., may be sitting or standing for long periods of time.
• Travel Requirements: As needed, less than 10% of the time