Automation & Continuous Improvement Engineer

AeroFarms • Danville, VA • 4d ago

Automation & Continuous Improvement Engineer Location: Danville, VA ABOUT AEROFARMS AeroFarms is transforming agriculture with people and the planet in mind. As a Certified B Corporation and a pioneer in indoor vertical farming, we have built a proprietary agriculture platform to grow products delivering superior flavor, better quality, and improved nutrition and food safety in our industry. Now in over 1,000+ storefronts across the nation, we are scaling our award-winning brand and technology.

Join AeroFarms at our advanced indoor farming and automated packaging facility in Danville, VA as an Automation & Continuous Improvement Engineer. This role will drive automation performance, packaging efficiency, and mechanical innovation across the facility while working closely with operations and engineering teams to continuously improve production systems. Position Overview The Automation & Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for improving the performance, reliability, and scalability of automated systems across AeroFarms' production and packaging operations.

This role combines automation engineering, mechanical design, and manufacturing process optimization to drive measurable improvements in throughput, quality, and operational efficiency.

The ideal candidate thrives in a hands-on manufacturing environment, enjoys solving complex production challenges, and is motivated by building and improving real-world systems. Key Responsibilities - Manufacturing Automation & Process Optimization - Identify and implement improvements to automated production and packaging systems to increase throughput and reduce downtime.

Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies.

Implement automation improvements that improve equipment uptime, product flow, and labor efficiency.

Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and root cause analysis. Packaging Systems Engineering - Improve the performance of automated packaging lines including weighing systems, conveyors, labeling equipment, and product handling systems.

Optimize line balance and material flow to reduce operational bottlenecks.

Reduce product giveaway and improve packaging accuracy through process improvements and automation modifications.

Support the design and integration of new packaging technologies and equipment. Mechanical Design & Equipment Innovation - Design mechanical improvements and custom components to enhance equipment performance.

Develop fixtures, brackets, guards, and tooling to support automation improvements.

Work with fabrication teams or vendors to implement equipment modifications.

Proto@type and test equipment upgrades to improve reliability and efficiency. Automation & Controls Engineering - Support and modify PLC-controlled automation systems across the facility.

Troubleshoot and optimize robotics, motion systems, and automated work cells.

Modify PLC logic to support new processes, equipment upgrades, and production improvements.

Support commissioning and integration of new automated equipment. Equipment Reliability & Performance - Investigate recurring equipment issues and lead root cause analysis.

Implement engineering improvements that reduce equipment failures and improve system robustness.

Develop engineering solutions that improve maintainability and reliability of automated systems. Cross-Functional Engineering Collaboration - Partner with operations, maintenance, agronomy, and engineering teams to solve production challenges.

Work with external integrators, vendors, and equipment manufacturers to develop system improvements.

Support capital improvement projects and equipment upgrades. Safety, Compliance & Documentation - Ensure all equipment modifications meet machine safety, electrical safety, and food manufacturing standards.

Maintain documentation and change management records for automation and equipment improvements. Technical Scope - PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, Siemens, Schneider, Wago)

Automated packaging systems

Conveyance and product handling equipment

Servo and stepper motion control systems

Robotic work cells

Industrial sensors and instrumentation

Weigh scales and labeling systems

Pumps, valves, motors, and environmental control equipment Qualifications Required:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or Mechatronics

3+ years of experience in highly automated manufacturing or packaging environments

Associate's degree in Automation, Mechatronics, or related field and 7-10 years of industrial automation experience

Preferred:

Experience in high-speed packaging or automated manufacturing

Experience with mechanical design or equipment fabrication

Experience working in food manufacturing or regulated industries

Experience with robotics or motion control systems Skills & Competencies - Strong mechanical and automation troubleshooting ability

Ability to design and implement practical engineering solutions

Hands-on approach to solving manufacturing challenges

Experience analyzing production systems and identifying improvements

Strong cross-functional collaboration skills

Ability to translate operational problems into engineering solutions

Curiosity and drive to continuously improve systems

Similar Jobs

Field Civil Engineer (DIRECT HIRE)

System One • Semora, NC • 1w ago

IT & Engineering

Job Title: Field Civil Engineer Location: Semora, NC Type: Direct Compensation: Depending on experience Per diem: $105/day Contractor Work Model: Onsite Hours: 5 - 8 hours day System One is e are seeking a high-caliber F...

1w ago

Go to Apply

RN Medical-Surgical

Amergis • Danville, VA • 20h ago

Hospital & Medical

Amergis Healthcare Staffing is seeking a Medical/Surgical Registered Nurse to assume responsibility and accountability for the application of the nursing process and the delivery of patient care. The nurse demonstrates a...

20h ago

Go to Apply

Retail Stocking Associate

Harbor Freight Tools • Danville, VA • 4d ago

Retail & Hospitality

176140BRPosting Title:Retail Stocking AssociateJob Description: A Retail Stocking Associate (part-time) is a valued member of a high performing team who is empowered & equipped to do their job. You will know why your...

4d ago

Go to Apply

Truck Driver CDL A Solo

Ryder System • Danville, VA • 4d ago

Trucking & Construction

Position Description Ryder is hiring a Class A CDL Truck Driver in Rocky Mount, VA - offering weekly pay, excellent benefits, and a driving career you can feel good about. See and Hear from a Ryder Employee who Drives fo...

4d ago

Go to Apply

Surveillance Investigator

Allied Universal • Danville, VA • 5d ago

Company Overview: Advance Your Career in Insurance Claims with Allied Universal® Compliance and Investigation Services. Allied Universal® Compliance and Investigation Services is the premier destination for a career in i...

5d ago

Go to Apply

Armed Security Officer - All Shifts

Allied Universal • Blanch, NC • 6d ago

Management & Administrative

Company Overview: Allied Universal®, North America's leading security and facility services company, offers rewarding careers that provide you a sense of purpose. While working in a dynamic, welcoming, and collaborative...

6d ago

Go to Apply

Customer Accounts Advisor

Aaron's Inc • Eden, NC • 6d ago

Management & Administrative

Customer Accounts Advisor The salary range for this role is $12.75 to $13.50 per hour/annually*. This position is also eligible for incentive pay based on performance. Aaron's Customer Account Advisors serve as coaches t...

6d ago

Go to Apply

Retail Sales Associate

Harbor Freight Tools • Eden, NC • 1w ago

Retail & Hospitality

175813BRPosting Title:Retail Sales AssociateJob Description: A Retail Sales Associate (part-time) is a valued member of a high performing team who is empowered & equipped to do their job. You will know why your work...

1w ago

Go to Apply

Retail Customer Service Cashier

Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores • Reidsville, NC • 1w ago

Retail & Hospitality

Benefits: Fuel Your Growth with Love's - company funded tuition assistance program Paid Time Off Flexible Scheduling 401(k) - 100% Match up to 5% Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance after 30 days Competitive Pay Career Devel...

1w ago

Go to Apply

Registered Nurse

VALOR HEALTH • Danville, VA • 1w ago

Hospital & Medical

Registered Nurse Danville, VA ( http://maps.google.com/maps?q=325+Piedmont+Drive+Suite+2005+Danville+VA+USA+24540 ) - Registered Nurse Apply Job Type Part-time Description Valor Healthcare is looking for a passionate Reg...

1w ago

Go to Apply

Subscribe to get new jobs sent directly to you
(no charge, cancel anytime)

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.