Bilingual Automation Support Engineer - English/ Mandarin & Training Provided!

Position Overview

The Automation Support Engineer plays a key role in the overall success of the automation engineering department for the Absolute Group. This position reports to the Automation Engineering Manager. The primary focus will be to assist in the development of custom automation projects, and primarily their support in the field. This is a travel‑intensive position, with overnight travel by air or automobile primarily on Monday – Friday to customer facilities across the U.S. and Canada.

Essential Functions

• Involved in custom automation engineering customer status meetings from the conception of the project to installation.
• Support development. Assembly, and testing Hilectro robots in South Carolina facility.
• Support custom higher level cartesian robot projects through installation, support, and service.
• Installation support and service of our key account Haitian Smart Solution projects.
• Support and startup of all automation solutions. This includes: Learning and supporting all our robot lines (Fanuc, Well-lih, Hilectro), Custom conveyor systems, Vision Systems, Laser Marking, Various auxilary automation equipment
• Provide basic mechanical design of automation components and prototype designs.
• Provide onsite customer installation, commissioning, and training of automation systems.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, controls, and robot program issues.
• Travel to customer sites for installation, commissioning, and support.
• Perform other duties or functions as specified by management.
• This position is based in our South Carolina facility.
• Training and onboarding for 4-6 months in the Worcester, MA facility.

Required Experience and Education

• Minimum of an associate’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics, controls engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Must be bilingual – English/Mandarin
• Minimum of 1 year of professional industry experience or equivalent combination of internships/co-ops with demonstrable automation or controls exposure.
• Foundational experience with PLC programming (Allen-Bradley or equivalent). Ability to modify, and troubleshoot basic ladder logic or function block programs.
• Familiarity with CAD software for reading and editing electrical schematics
• Introductory experience with HMI/SCADA development; understanding of tag-based programming and basic operator interface design.
• Exposure to industrial robotics (FANUC, ABB, or similar) and/or machine vision systems (Keyence, Cognex) with strong interest in developing programming skills.
• Awareness of industrial safety systems and PILZ safety controllers; classroom or project exposure preferred.
• Ability to balance multiple projects and work in dynamic manufacturing or automation environments.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a demonstrated eagerness to learn in a hands-on environment.
• Effective communicator, able to document work clearly and collaborate with other engineers, technicians, and customers.
• Ability and willingness to travel to customer sites for installation, commissioning, and support (50-75% travel).

Competencies

• ‍‍Resilience in the face of challenging circumstances.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities.
• Customer service as a primary focus.
• Proactive team player with demonstrated initiative.
• Takes ownership of individual and team success.
• Flexibility, optimism, and openness to change.
• Self-motivated/self-directed.
• Strong planning skills with ability to handle multiple projects through to completion.

EOE

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• CAD software: 1 year (Preferred)
• PLC programming: 1 year (Preferred)
• automation or controls exposure: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• Mandarin (Required)

License/Certification:

• driver's license (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 75% (Required)

Work Location: On the road