Job Overview

The Senior Automation Engineer is a highly skilled technical contributor responsible for designing, developing, integrating, validating, and improving automated and semi‑automated manufacturing equipment. This role focuses on hands-on engineering of controls, robotics, machine vision, mechanical tooling, and process validation within regulated manufacturing environments such as medical devices, aerospace, automotive, or other precision industries.

Job Requirements

1. Automation System Development

- Design and integrate automation solutions from semi‑automated equipment to fully automated production lines.

- Program PLCs and PC‑based control systems.

- Integrate robotics for assembly, inspection, and handling.

2. Machine Vision & Inspection

- Develop 2D/3D machine vision solutions (Cognex, Keyence, OpenCV).

- Validate inspection system performance.

- Desirable: Exposure to AI‑based inspection or LLM‑assisted tools.

3. Mechanical Design & Tooling

- Design fixtures, nests, gauges, tooling using CAD (SolidWorks, CREO, AutoCAD).

- Support rapid prototyping.

4. Process Development & Validation

- Define and optimize automated manufacturing processes.

- Develop IQ/OQ/PQ protocols in ISO 13485/GMP environments.

- Apply DOE, SPC, FMEA, and risk assessments.

5. Continuous Improvement & Troubleshooting

- Lead root cause investigations.

- Improve throughput, reduce scrap, enhance repeatability.

- Apply lean manufacturing and optimization techniques.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration

- Work with quality and manufacturing teams.

- Support equipment transfer into production.

- Collaborate with external integrators.

7. Costing & Technical Planning

- Contribute to automation cost estimates.

- Evaluate technologies and provide recommendations.

What your background should look like

Education

- Bachelor’s degree in Automation, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical, Biomedical, or Software Engineering.

Experience

- 5–10 years of hands-on automation engineering experience.

- Background in medical devices desired but not mandatory, precision manufacturing, aerospace, or automotive.

- Experience with rapid prototyping and electromechanical systems.

Technical Skills

- PLC/PC-based control programming.

- Machine vision development.

- CAD tooling and fixture design.

- DOE, SPC, FMEA, Lean, Validation.

- Cross-disciplinary engineering.

- Power BI, Tableau, Smartsheet (desirable).

Personal Competencies

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

- Excellent technical communication.

- High independence and accountability.

- Strong collaboration skills.

Competencies