Pros
Very fast paced and challenging manufacturing environment that will give you the opportunity to rapidly develop your skillset. Working with the production operators was pleasant as they are all kind and talented individuals.
Cons
Work-life balance: As an automation engineer, I was expected to work 1st shift (M-F 9am-5pm) while also be on-call for production line support. I could be called to troubleshoot or come onsite to resolve line issues anytime from 5 am to 1 am the next day. Note that I was salaried and earned no overtime for off-hours work. Also, I was expected to be on-call using my personal cell phone. No work phone or cell phone bill credit were provided. Workload & Relevance of Roles/Responsibilities to Job Title: After the 20% workforce reduction (see the public 8/12/22 Q2 Press Release), we had to absorb additional responsibilities from those who were let go or those who transitioned out of their roles. The team was already stretched thin and was expected to be responsible for more (without additional benefits or compensation). During my time at RMB, I spent less than 10% of it performing actual automation engineering work. The rest of the time was spent doing functions unrelated to my title such as manufacturing and continuous improvement engineering. Training: Formal and adequate safety training on topics like electrical work or Lock-Out-Tag-Out were not provided despite the presence of electrical and pneumatic hazards on the manufacturing floor. We asked management several times for these trainings but received nothing. Underpaid: I was paid 32% less than the U.S average salary for an automation engineer II position.