Automation Engineer New Product Development
Company: AdeptAg
Location: Oberlin
Posted on: April 1, 2026
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Job Description:
Automation Engineer – New Product Development Location: Oberlin,
Ohio Full-Time Salary Range: $85,000 – $100,000 per year About
AdeptAg AdeptAg LLC is a North American leader in controlled
environment agriculture, integrating innovative growing,
automation, and irrigation solutions for customers both domestic
and international. We help today’s growers meet evolving challenges
through advanced automation systems and cost-efficient engineering
solutions. Our Engineering team plays a critical role in driving
innovation and delivering next-generation automation systems that
support greenhouse and horticulture operations across North
America. The Role The Automation Engineer – New Product Development
(NPD) is a forward-focused engineering role dedicated exclusively
to the design, development, and innovation of new automation
equipment and systems. This position drives the technical vision
for next-generation products, establishes engineering standards,
and transforms market opportunities into manufacturable, scalable
solutions. The ideal candidate combines deep automation expertise
with innovative thinking and strong cross-functional collaboration.
Key Responsibilities New Equipment Development • Lead concept
development and feasibility analysis of new automation systems •
Translate market needs and customer requirements into viable
technical solutions • Design complete automation systems including
electrical architecture, control system topology, and
software/firmware requirements • Develop PLC programs, HMI
interfaces, motion control algorithms, and vision systems • Build
and validate proof-of-concept prototypes • Design and execute
comprehensive testing protocols to validate performance • Prepare
full documentation packages including schematics, BOMs, assembly
procedures, and test specifications for production release
Standards Development • Develop and maintain engineering standards
for electrical design and programming conventions • Establish
component selection guidelines and documentation best practices •
Create design standards that ensure consistency, quality, and
manufacturability • Lead component standardization efforts to
improve serviceability and reduce cost • Ensure compliance with
applicable safety standards including UL, NFPA, and CE Product
Vision and Innovation • Contribute to development and execution of
the technology roadmap • Research and evaluate emerging
technologies and components • Collaborate with Sales, Marketing,
and Operations to align product direction with market trends •
Provide technical mentorship to engineering team members •
Represent Engineering in new product planning initiatives •
Identify innovations suitable for intellectual property protection
Education and Experience • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical
Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
• Equivalent combination of education and experience will be
considered • Minimum 3 years of automation system design and
development experience • Demonstrated experience taking products
from concept through production release • Experience with machine
vision systems preferred • Background in greenhouse, agriculture,
or controlled environment systems preferred • Valid driver’s
license required • Valid passport and ability to travel across the
Canada–U.S. border required Technical Skills and Competencies •
Expert-level PLC programming experience (strong preference for IEC
61131-3 and CODESYS V3.5) • Strong electrical engineering
fundamentals including circuit design, panel layout, and component
selection • Experience with motion control systems, VFDs, servo
drives, and robotics integration • Proficiency with CAD tools such
as SolidWorks and AutoCAD Electrical • Knowledge of industrial
communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, Modbus,
and CAN • Strong analytical and creative problem-solving abilities
• Excellent documentation and technical writing skills • Ability to
work independently and drive projects from concept through
production • Strong cross-functional collaboration and
communication skills Why Join AdeptAg • Competitive compensation
package • Generous 401(k) with company-paid contribution • Medical,
dental, and vision coverage • Company-paid life insurance •
Voluntary life, accident, and disability insurance options •
Opportunity to shape next-generation automation products •
Collaborative engineering culture • Growing North American
organization with strong innovation focus If you are a driven
automation engineer who thrives on innovation and product
development, we encourage you to apply and help shape the future of
agricultural automation. Equal Opportunity Employer AdeptAg is an
equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal
employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion,
sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other
protected status under applicable law.
Keywords: AdeptAg, Saint Clair Shores , Automation Engineer New Product Development, Engineering , Oberlin, Michigan
