Principal Automation Engineer

About the role

The Principal Automation Engineer will lead the strategy, design, and deployment of advanced automation solutions supporting high-volume, high-precision manufacturing at Molex.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead and subject matter expert for automation strategy and development across manufacturing lines and equipment.
• Architect, design, and deploy advanced automation systems, including robotics, multi-axis motion control, vision systems, high-precision assembly, and safety systems.
• Lead automation strategy for new equipment development, NPI programs, and global manufacturing deployments.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex, high-impact automation and controls issues to minimize downtime and improve reliability.
• Establish and maintain automation standards, best practices, and documentation.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to automation, design, and project engineers.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, yield improvement, cost reduction, and equipment utilization.
• Ensure compliance with machine safety standards, electrical codes, and Molex engineering standards.
• Support global deployment and replication of automation solutions across Molex manufacturing sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in automation or controls engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading complex automation projects with minimal direction.
• Troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and systems-level problem-solving skills.
• Communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed (typically up to 15-20%) and available for occasional after-hours weekday calls.

What Will Put You Ahead

• Master’s degree in Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience supporting high-volume, discrete manufacturing environments.
• Hands-on experience with high-speed automated assembly system debug/installation.
• Background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or structured continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience defining global automation standards and scaling solutions across multiple sites.
• Prior experience mentoring senior engineers or leading technical communities of practice.

Pay

$95,000 - $125,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.

Schedule

N/A

Benefits

Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region.

Hiring Philosophy

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here.

Who We Are

Molex’s Copper Solutions Business Unit (CSBU) is a global team that works together to deliver exceptional products to worldwide telecommunication and data center customers. CSBU is one of the most highly technically advanced business units within Molex. Our engineering teams are designing cutting-edge solutions for high-speed, high-density products that maximize speed, signal integrity, and efficiency.

Equal Opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here, aquí, or tu).