Automation Specialist

Take the next step in your career with an exciting and growing company As the only fully integrated maker of premium quality wire, rope, and assemblies, Loos & Co holds a leading position in the global aerospace sector. A division of the Central Wire (CWI) Group of Companies encompassing 12 locations in three countries, 750+ employees, and over six decades of excellence, Loos & Co solutions are found in mission critical flight control applications. Our precision-manufactured components are also used for defense, med tech, and heavy industry purposes around the world, in large part because of the people behind our products. If you have a passion for customer success and want to grow with a dynamic company that offers opportunities to reach your full potential, we want to hear from you. We're seeking a Automation Specialist to join our fast-paced Engineering department in Pomfret Center, CT! Automation Specialist Job Description Job Title Automation Specialist Classification Exempt - Administrative Location Pomfret Center, CT Essential Function. The Automation Specialist supports the advancement and sustainment of Central Wire's plant floor automation strategy by independently analyzing, optimizing, and improving automated manufacturing processes. This role applies technical judgment and discretion to evaluate production challenges, recommend automation solutions, and implement approved improvements that affect safety, quality, throughput, and equipment reliability. The position operates with meaningful autonomy within defined engineering standards and serves as a developmental professional role with progression to Automation Engineer as system ownership, project leadership, and strategic scope expand. Essential Duties: Automation Analysis & Improvement • Independently analyze automated manufacturing processes to identify systemic inefficiencies, reliability risks, and automation opportunities within assigned production areas. • Exercise judgment in selecting and recommending controls strategies, sensors, interlocks, and automation enhancements aligned with operational goals and safety requirements. • Develop and implement incremental automation improvements following review and approval by Automation Engineering leadership. Controls & Systems Responsibility • Own defined automation subsystems or production cells, including PLC/HMI configuration standards, alarm strategies, and operating parameters. • Perform non routine PLC and HMI modifications, including logic optimization, alarm rationalization, and interface improvements, within approved change control frameworks. • Evaluate automation performance data to determine corrective actions and preventive strategies. Decision Making & Discretion • Apply independent judgment in diagnosing complex automation issues and determining appropriate corrective paths within established authority limits. • Decide when issues can be resolved locally versus when escalation to Automation Engineers is required based on risk, scope, and operational impact. • Prioritize automation improvement efforts based on production impact, quality risk, and safety considerations. Quality, Compliance & Documentation • Ensure automation systems support in process quality controls, traceability, and documented process capability requirements. • Create and maintain technical documentation, including control narratives, SOPs, configuration records, and validation evidence, in compliance with Central Wire's quality systems. • Participate in change control reviews to assess automation impacts on quality, safety, and regulatory requirements. Cross Functional Collaboration • Serve as an automation subject matter resource to Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and EHS within assigned areas. • Support operator and technician training on automation functionality, limits, and first-line diagnostics. • Contribute technical input to capital planning and equipment upgrade discussions without final budget authority. Qualifications (Education + Experience) • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience. • 2-5 years of progressive experience supporting or implementing industrial automation in a manufacturing environment. • Demonstrated ability to apply independent technical judgment in controls, automation troubleshooting, and system optimization. • Working knowledge of PLC/HMI systems, industrial controls architectures, sensors, and safety interlocks. Role details (Central Wire-specific) • Location: Pomfret Center, CT (on site with regular shop floor engagement). • Scope & Autonomy: Operates independently within assigned systems and standards; broader architectural decisions remain with Automation Engineers. • Career Path: Promotional progression to Automation Engineer as project ownership, system design responsibility, and strategic impact increase. • Company Context: Central Wire operates specialty alloy and precision wire manufacturing facilities with ISO 9001 and AS9100 certified environments. • Travel: Occasional travel to vendors or other Central Wire locations may be required. Benefits: • 401(k) with matching • Dental insurance • Employee assistance program • Flexible spending account • Health insurance • Health savings account • Life insurance • Paid time off • Referral program • Tuition reimbursement • Vision insurance Pre-Employment Drug Testing: All applicants who are offered a job with the company will be tested for drugs as part of the post job offer employment screening process. Our company is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. Loos and Co is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. Loos and Co is a Drug-free workplace and pre-employment drug tests and background checks are required.

Created: 2026-03-10