Industrial Automation Engineer

This position is based at Alstom’s Hornell, New York site — the largest Alstom manufacturing facility in the United States and a key center for stainless‑steel rail vehicle production. You will work on a state‑of‑the‑art robotic production line, using the latest FANUC robots and Siemens PLC systems to manufacture modern rail car bodies.

This role offers hands‑on involvement in cutting‑edge automation and robotic welding projects within a global, innovation‑driven industrial environment, where your work directly impacts how the next generation of trains is built.

We’ll look to you for:

The following duties are considered essential job functions and are fundamental to the position:

1. Automation & Robotics Programming

• Program, modify, test, and maintain Siemens PLC programs (logic, structure, dry runs, offline simulations).


• Program, modify, and qualify FANUC robot programs to meet production, safety, and quality requirements.


• Perform robot calibration, path optimization, and process parameter adjustments.


• Manage PLC and robot program evolution, migration, and backups throughout the equipment lifecycle.

2. Technical Specification & Design Support

• Define technical specifications and functional requirements for new automated or robotic installations.


• Perform functional analysis of automated systems and support system integrators.


• Participate in design reviews (TS, PFMEA, standards, welding process requirements).


• Validate 3D robotic cell models and simulations in coordination with tooling and jig teams.

3. Validation, Commissioning & Industrialization

• Participate in factory and site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT) for automated and robotic systems.


• Validate machine functionality, robot motions, and PLC process parameters.


• Support production ramp‑up and ensure systems meet performance, safety, and quality targets.


• Support welding process qualification where applicable.

4. Troubleshooting & Production Support

• Troubleshoot automation and robotic system issues alongside production and maintenance teams.


• Identify automation weaknesses and implement process or system improvements.


• Provide hands‑on technical support in a live production environment.

5. Training, Documentation & Knowledge Transfer

• Develop and deliver operator and maintenance training (basic robot programming, operation).


• Create and maintain automation and robotics documentation, work instructions, and standards.


• Support change management during deployment of new automation.

6. Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with EHS, quality, and ergonomics standards.


• Apply quality tools including PFMEA, QRQC, NCR / 8D.


• Promote safe and standardized automation practices across projects.

All about you

We value passion and attitude over experience. That’s why we don’t expect you to have every single skill. Instead, we’ve listed some that we think will help you succeed and grow in this role:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Automation Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent experience.


• Minimum 5 years of experience in industrial automation and/or robotic line implementation.


• Proven experience with Siemens PLC programming.


• Proven experience programming industrial robots, preferably FANUC.


• Ability to work effectively in a manufacturing / production environment.


• Strong problem‑solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.


• English proficiency (reading, writing, speaking).

Preferred / Supporting Qualifications

• Experience with spot‑welding automation and clamping systems.


• Experience using offline programming and simulation tools (Process Simulate, Roboguide, Real Time Robotics).


• Basic CAD experience (e.g., CATIA V5).


• Knowledge of vision systems (e.g., Keyence).


• Experience in railway or rolling‑stock manufacturing.


• Familiarity with Lean, Kaizen, or continuous improvement tools.

Soft Skills

• Hands‑on, proactive, and detail‑oriented mindset.


• Strong communication and teamwork skills.


• Ability to manage priorities and work under time pressure.


• Willingness to support shop‑floor activities.

Things you’ll enjoy

Join us on a life-long transformative journey – the rail industry is here to stay, so you can grow and develop new skills and experiences throughout your career. You’ll also:

• Work in a dynamic and technologically advanced environment.


• Contribute directly to the production of modern rolling‑stock vehicles.


• Have the opportunity to lead impactful automation improvements and innovation initiatives.


• Be part of a multicultural and collaborative industrial team.


• Steer your career in whatever direction you choose across functions and countries,


• Benefit from a fair and dynamic reward package that recognises your performance and potential, plus comprehensive and competitive social coverage (life, medical, 401k).

Base Salary Range: 

In accordance with New York State law, the anticipated salary range for this position is $78,000 - $108,000. The actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, education, and qualifications. This range reflects the base salary only and does not include bonuses, incentive pay, or other forms of compensation.