Okay, I've searched for Automation Engineer II positions in Las Vegas, NV, requiring 3-5 years of experience in Instrumentation & Controls and PLC skills, for full-time roles, and a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related disciplines. I have found 42 positions matching your criteria.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The Automation Engineer II role at Saint-Gobain’s CertainTeed subsidiary focuses on optimizing and innovating manufacturing automation systems to improve production efficiency, reliability, and safety. This position fundamentally aims to design, implement, and maintain process control systems such as PLCs and HMIs while ensuring compliance with electrical codes like NEC and NFPA 70E. The core responsibilities extend from technical design and troubleshooting to cross-functional collaboration with production and engineering teams, enabling seamless manufacturing process improvements and addressing critical operational issues. Success in this role is measured by the engineer’s ability to identify automation opportunities with clear cost-benefit analyses, implement effective solutions, and sustain systems to prevent obsolescence. Given the technical depth and broad scope—from electrical systems to data and voice networks—the role requires a solid foundation in instrumentation and controls engineering, industrial networking, and process automation in a manufacturing environment. Autonomy and judgment are critical as the engineer must balance project planning, emergency problem resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives, often navigating complex technical challenges and coordinating with external suppliers and consultants. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential for aligning improvements across departments and driving focus improvement teams. Within 6-12 months, success would likely be reflected in measurable improvements in process uptime, implementation of key WCM projects, and enhanced integration of automation technologies that support company sustainability and productivity goals.

Company Analysis:

CertainTeed, as part of Saint-Gobain, occupies a leading position in the North American building products market with a strong legacy of innovation, quality, and sustainability. The company’s longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and product excellence shapes a culture that values trust, empowerment, and collaboration—qualities explicitly emphasized in the job posting. This suggests a work environment that encourages employee ownership, multidisciplinary teamwork, and continuous improvement aligned with sustainability and safety goals. Given CertainTeed’s extensive manufacturing footprint and focus on sustainable building materials, the Automation Engineer II role is strategically important for maintaining operational excellence and driving innovation at production facilities. The company’s size and established market position provide both stability and the resources to invest in advanced manufacturing technologies, positioning this role as pivotal in advancing digital and automation capabilities. Organizationally, this is likely an individual contributor role but with extensive cross-functional interaction and visibility with mid-level management and possibly vendor partners, underscoring the need for strong interpersonal skills and project management ability. The role aligns closely with Saint-Gobain’s larger vision to leverage technological advancement to create safer, more efficient, and more sustainable homebuilding solutions, meaning candidates who are motivated by impact, innovation, and sustainability will find a strong cultural and strategic fit here.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you had to troubleshoot a complex automation system failure on the production floor. How did you approach diagnosing and resolving the issue?
• Behavioral: Describe an experience where you led or participated in a cross-functional team to implement a process improvement project. What role did you play, and what was the outcome?
• Behavioral: Can you give an example of when you had to persuade production or engineering stakeholders to adopt a new automation solution? How did you manage differing opinions?
• Behavioral: Share a situation where you identified a safety or compliance risk related to electrical or automation systems. How did you handle it and ensure ongoing compliance?
• Technical: How do you approach designing or upgrading a PLC/HMI system to ensure scalability and ease of maintenance in a manufacturing environment?
• Technical: What experience do you have with industrial networking protocols, and how have you ensured reliable communication between automation devices and control systems?
• Technical: Can you explain how you use cost/benefit analysis when evaluating new automation projects or process modifications?
• Technical: Describe your familiarity with National Electrical Code (NEC) and NFPA-70E standards and how you have applied this knowledge in your previous roles.
• Situational: Imagine a key piece of automation equipment has malfunctioned causing production downtime. How would you prioritize your response and communicate with stakeholders?
• Situational: If you identify a potential automation solution that requires significant capital investment but promises long-term efficiency gains, how would you develop the business case and gain approval?
• Situational: Suppose you encounter resistance from operators or maintenance teams when rolling out a new control system upgrade. How would you address their concerns and ensure smooth adoption?
• Company Fit/Motivation: What attracts you to Saint-Gobain and CertainTeed as a workplace, particularly for an automation engineering role?
• Company Fit/Motivation: How do your professional values and career goals align with our core company values of trust, empowerment, and collaboration?
• Company Fit/Motivation: Given our commitment to sustainability and safe home-building, how do you see automation engineering contributing to these goals?
• Questions for Interviewer: Can you describe the automation team’s current priorities and biggest challenges at the Las Vegas facility?
• Questions for Interviewer: How does Saint-Gobain support continuous professional development and innovation within the engineering teams?
• Questions for Interviewer: What are the key success metrics for this role in the first year, and how is performance typically measured and reviewed?