Industrial Automation Engineer

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility near Cleveland, OH.

This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.

Industrial Automation Engineer 

The Industrial Automation Engineer will join our Plant Engineering team, supporting electrical control system projects across multiple manufacturing facilities. This role focuses on programming, troubleshooting, and improving automation systems while gaining hands-on experience with a variety of platforms. You will work closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams to help keep production equipment safe, reliable, and efficient.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design, programming, and maintenance of PLC, HMI, and VFD systems.
• Help update LabVIEW code for testing applications and automation equipment.
• Support production, maintenance, and IT teams in troubleshooting and reducing downtime.
• Assist with electrical documentation updates using AutoCAD Electrical.
• Participate in project planning by gathering data, preparing estimates, and tracking progress.
• Support equipment installations while learning NEC and NFPA code applications.
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and contractors to ensure safe, high-quality results.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field.
• 2–3 years of industrial automation or controls experience preferred (internships count).
• Familiarity with PLC programming, HMIs, and VFDs; exposure to Rockwell or Siemens a plus.
• Basic understanding of electrical codes (NEC, NFPA) and networking fundamentals.

Desired Skills & Attributes

• Eager to learn and grow in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Problem-solving mindset with attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to work off shifts or travel between Northeast Ohio facilities as needed.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Pay Range: $80,000-$120,000 – Commensurate with experience

About RFA Engineering

RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.

Competitive Benefits

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• TelaDoc: Virtual Health Care
• Vision Insurance
• Company Paid / Supplemental Life Insurance
• Company Paid Long-Term Disability
• Supplemental Short-Term Disability
• Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
• Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
• Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Bereavement Leave
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly