Automation Project Engineer

Igloo Products Corp. is an iconic, fast-growing American brand known for its exceptional and durable coolers designed to meet everyday needs. For more than 75 years, Igloo has been a leader in the housewares industry and has evolved into a high-growth lifestyle brand, inspiring outdoor experiences centered around fun, family, and friends.

Founded in 1947 as a metalworking shop that brought fresh cold water to Texas workers in the field, and later inventing the Playmate, Igloo has grown into America’s most recognizable brand of ice chests. The Igloo story spans more than 75 years of delivering coolness to the world. Today, Igloo has over 90% brand awareness, is #1 in market share in the U.S., and is a pioneer in sustainability within its category through the launch of biodegradable coolers and products made with post-consumer recycled resin and other sustainable materials. Igloo also has a growing direct-to-consumer (DTC) business, allowing us to build direct relationships with our consumers. In 2021, Igloo was acquired by Dometic Brands, creating the opportunity to globally grow both brands together.

Built on a legacy of quality and innovation, we are seeking an Automation Project Engineer to join our team and support our continued growth.

This role will be involved in identifying, developing, and implementing automation concepts to full implementation, automated machinery and process to improve the manufacture of coolers and meet strategic goals.  Finding suitable industry partners capable of delivering robust automation solutions in a fast paced, consumer goods factory. 

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as the Automation Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all Operations team initiatives and existing equipment/processes
• Create the conceptual design for automated systems and act as the technical lead for automation migrations.
• Produce and/or approve functional and detailed design specifications and provide technical leadership, support and expertise for the project team.
• Conduct industrial searches for partners capable of delivering automated solutions.
• Troubleshoot automation equipment to determine root cause and correct.
• Participate and lead internal tests, such as Factory Acceptance Test, Site Acceptance Test and Commissioning, including documentation of their respective protocols.
• Compile and author the Operator Installation Manual and Troubleshooting Guide; and provide supporting technical equipment files.
• Provide operator and maintenance technician training across all (4) shifts for any equipment or process automation.
• Recommends, designs, & implements upgrades to existing equipment.
• Identify tool designs, and processes to improve consistency, accuracy, and cycle times.
• Identify and implement shop floor savings.
• Work as part of a larger multi-disciplined project team.
• Other duties as assigned.

What do we offer?

1. Medical
2. Dental
3. Vision
4. Life Insurance
5. Short term & Long-term disability
6. Accidental death insurance
7. Supplemental life insurance
8. Company paid holidays
9. Flexible Spending Accounts

Minimum Requirements and Qualifications

A suitable background would be a solid experience within the following qualifications and experiences:

• Associate’s degree in mechanical engineering technology, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related field or 4 years equivalent work experience.
• 3 years experience in a consumer goods plastics molding assembly production environment.
• Basic knowledge of PLC, HMI, Communication protocols, Ethernet IP, Virtualization, ProE, AutoCAD, and automation integration.
• English language skills: Able to read, write, speak and comprehend English.
• Math skills: Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide.
• Physical Demands: Manufacturing environment. Able to perform any job on shop floor.
• Work environment: Production floor is hot and humid in summer months, cold in winter months.
• Ability to work on collaborative multi-disciplined projects autonomously.
• Proactive and confident decision making to execute the assigned scope of work within the constraints of schedule, budget and specification.
• Strong experience in Industrial Electrical Design, Information Technology and Automation domains.
• Knowledge of the tools for formulating and implementing automated process improvements and best practices in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to energize people.
• Having a global and passionate mindset is important as you will be working in a multi-cultural environment.
• Must be willing to travel for FAT up to 10% of your time domestically.
• Work effectively as a team member, work with little or no supervision, and communicate effectively (written and spoken) across the organization.
• Be willing to work additional hours as necessary to complete assigned tasks. Consistently complete quality work in a timely manner.
• Be a change agent willing to teach and share his/her knowledge and lessons learned.
• Preferred Qualifications include:
  • Knowledge and Experience with Allen Bradley PLC
  • Ability to communicate in Spanish
  • Working knowledge of software such as Visio, Creo or Solidworks, MS Office (Word, Excel, & Powerpoint)

To be successful in this role, we believe that you possess the following skills, competencies & characteristics:

• Strong Analytical and Troubleshooting skills
• Basic Ergonomics and Anthropometrics Principles
• People skills: team player, good negotiator, good under pressure
• High leadership skills
• Negotiating skills

Physical Demands & Conditions
(Applicable to Igloo Operators, Technicians, Leaders, and Other Roles in Manufacturing)

Standing & Walking
Roles may involve extended periods (up to 12 hours) of standing and walking, including moving at a brisk pace and occasional stair climbing.

Postural Requirements
Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and working in low or awkward positions during production or maintenance tasks.

Lifting & Material Handling

• Operator-level roles may involve lifting up to 25 lb repeatedly throughout the shift.
• Technician-level roles may involve lifting up to 50 lb multiple times per day, including overhead lifts.
• Where possible, mechanical aids (e.g., hoists, forklifts) are used.

Fine Motor Skills & Tool Use
Use of both hands is required to operate tools, perform adjustments, and handle assembly materials with precision.

Visual Requirements
Sufficient visual acuity (e.g., 20/40 with or without correction) is necessary for tasks involving inspection and safe equipment operation.

Environmental Conditions

• Work is performed in a production setting where seasonal temperatures may range from 100–120°F (with humidity) in summer to cooler conditions in winter.
• High noise levels are common; hearing protection is provided and required.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as ear protection, safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, gloves, and protective clothing may be required depending on the task.

Additional Job Considerations
These roles can be physically demanding, involving repetitive motions and long hours. Technicians may be required to handle heavy molds and materials; use of material handling equipment is provided and encouraged.

And of course – our Core Values

To thrive and succeed in this role, you understand the importance of our core values – Together We build our future, We play to win, We embrace change and We walk the talk; these values reflect the heart and soul of Dometic and they define what it takes to work here and how we do things.

Are you our next star? Then we would love to see your application.

Dometic is passionate about building together an inclusive and equitable working environment, that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that diversity enables us to thrive across our differences. Be yourself and join us!

Igloo offers equal opportunities for everyone. Equal opportunities mean that all employees shall be treated according to their abilities and qualifications in every employment decision, including but not limited to hiring, advancement, compensation benefits, training, lay-offs and termination. Any form of discrimination or harassment against employees due to personal factors, such as gender, ethnicity, skin color, age, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, disability and pregnancy or employees with family responsibilities is prohibited.

All applicants must be at least 18 years old and legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis.

Igloo supports and respects the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights. We do not tolerate child labor or any form of modern slavery, including forced, bonded or compulsory labor, physical or psychological punishment or human trafficking.