Automation Project Engineer

About the role

The Automation Project Engineer supports the design, development, and deployment of custom automation equipment for manufacturing and New Product Development (NPD). This role drives automation projects from concept through commissioning, collaborating with mechanical, controls, manufacturing, quality, and global operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support automation equipment projects from concept, design, build, and validation through installation and production release.
• Design and develop custom automation systems and stations, including pick-and-place equipment, multi-axis systems, material handling, forming, welding, soldering, and laser-based processes.
• Cook up project activities across cross-functional teams including mechanical, electrical, vision, stamping, molding, product engineering, plant production, quality, and suppliers.
• Develop and review 2D and 3D CAD designs, layouts, and technical documentation for automation equipment and tooling.
• Support testing, debugging, and validation of automation systems to ensure performance, safety, and quality requirements are met.
• Track project progress, schedules, risks, and deliverables; communicate status to stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, yield improvement, and equipment reliability.
• Ensure automation designs comply with safety standards, engineering guidelines, and Molex best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience supporting automation or manufacturing equipment projects.
• Hands-on experience with custom automation equipment, robotics, or special-purpose machinery.
• Working knowledge of 2D and 3D CAD tools for equipment design and layout.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex systems.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work in a cross-functional, project-based environment.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required (typically up to 20%) and be available for occasional after hours weekday calls.

Qualifications

• Experience managing automation projects from concept through production release.
• Exposure to PLC-controlled equipment, motion systems, servos, robotics, or vision systems.
• Experience working with external equipment vendors and system integrators.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or structured continuous improvement methods.
• Experience supporting high-volume or precision manufacturing environments.
• Experience with Siemens’ NX CAD software.

Skills

Not specified.

Benefits

Not specified.

Pay

$85,000 - $115,000 per year.

Schedule

Not specified.