ZSG is hiring: Production Automation Development Lead in Norfolk

Production Automation Development Lead (Robotics / Welding Automation) Confidential Client - Large, Financially Strong U.S. Industrial Manufacturer We're partnered with a highly stable, market-leading industrial manufacturer to hire a hands-on Production Automation Development Lead. This is a high-impact, individual-contributor role focused on developing and deploying next-generation robotic welding and process automation systems across multiple manufacturing sites. This role is ideal for an engineer who has built real systems on the shop floor-someone who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys R&D and prototyping, and wants to help define what manufacturing looks like over the next 5+ years. What You'll Do

• Develop and implement automated manufacturing systems using modern controls and robotics
• Spend significant time in a shop environment developing new process control and robotic systems
• Lead development and technical evaluation of automated welding systems (MIG / robotic focus), with exposure to broader automation (material handling, assembly, etc.)
• Serve as a technical bridge between internal teams and external automation / integration partners
• Support commissioning and rollout of systems across multiple plants once developed
• Operate independently while collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team
• Travel as needed across U.S. (and occasional Canada) sites

• Typical cadence: ~once per month
• Heavier travel during major system implementations

Safety is foundational. This organization expects leaders to actively initiate, uphold, and model strong safety practices at all times. What They're Looking For Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years developing and/or implementing advanced automation in a manufacturing environment
• Associate's and/or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Welding Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field

Strong Preferences

• 3+ years implementing robotic systems
• 3+ years developing automated welding applications
• Experience commissioning automation systems in live manufacturing environments
• R&D / prototyping mindset with strong problem-solving skills
• Comfortable working without rigid specs and defining solutions from the ground up

Technology Preferences

• PLCs: Allen-Bradley preferred
• Robots: ABB and Fanuc preferred
• Bonus: exposure to machine vision and adaptive welding

Compensation

• Base salary: $140,000 - $165,000
• Plus: performance-based incentive compensation tied to results

Preferred Locations (City + State) This role supports multiple manufacturing sites. Preferred locations (in order) based on collaboration, existing automation resources, and team proximity are:

• Norfolk, Nebraska
• Fort Payne, Alabama
• Chemung, New York
• Florence, South Carolina

Additional U.S. locations may be considered for the right candidate, but priority will be given to those open to one of the locations above to ensure strong integration with the team and access to automation resources. Why Engineers Build Long Careers Here

• Stability: Virtually no layoffs; facilities only close when replaced by newer, expanded operations
• Retention: Over 90% 5-year employee retention - people stay and build careers
• Growth & advancement: Large organization with real upward mobility; continued expansion means opportunities are not capped
• Consistent profitability: Long history of steady performance through market cycles
• Pay for performance: Strong bonus and profit-sharing culture tied to results
• Benefits: Excellent medical coverage and tuition reimbursement for employees, spouses, and children
• Pride: Employees are genuinely proud of where they work-reflected in tenure and culture #IND1