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Jobs · Engineering · Connecticut

Senior, Automation Engineer

Nordson Corporation · Norwich, CT · 2 wk ago
EngineeringFull-time

Job Summary

The Senior Engineer, Automation is a hands-on technical leader responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting automated manufacturing systems. This role requires strong mechanical, electrical, and controls engineering aptitude, with direct ownership of equipment performance, reliability, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

  • Lead the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing equipment, fixtures, and assembly processes.

  • Serve as the technical owner for automation systems from concept through sustained production.

  • Ensure automation solutions are robust, scalable, safe, and aligned with manufacturing requirements.

  • Act as the escalation point for complex technical issues impacting equipment performance and uptime.

Mechanical Engineering & Machine Design

  • Design and modify mechanical systems including mechanisms, tooling, fixtures, and machine assemblies using SolidWorks.

  • Improve machine reliability, ergonomics, throughput, and serviceability through thoughtful mechanical design.

  • Redesign or modify components and systems to address chronic reliability, quality, or safety issues.

  • Support Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Automation (DFA) initiatives.

Electrical & Controls Engineering

  • Design, specify, and troubleshoot electrical control systems including control panels, wiring schematics, sensors, actuators, motion devices, and safety components.

  • Develop, program, and debug PLC-based control systems (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Omron), including I/O, sequencing, motion control, and safety logic.

  • Configure and support HMI systems, ensuring intuitive operator interfaces, alarms, diagnostics, and system visibility.

  • Ensure electrical designs and implementations comply with applicable UL, CE, and internal standards.

Robotics, Vision, and Advanced Automation

  • Integrate, and troubleshoot industrial robots (e.g., ABB, Fanuc), including motion optimization and end-of-arm tooling.

  • Implement and maintain machine vision systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence) for inspection, alignment, and process verification.

  • Integrate robotics, vision, motion, and PLC systems into cohesive, reliable automation solutions.

Troubleshooting, Reliability & Production Support

  • Diagnose and resolve complex electromechanical system issues on live production equipment.

  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for chronic downtime or performance losses.

  • Establish preventive maintenance strategies, spare parts lists, and reliability improvements to maximize uptime.

  • Provide hands-on support during equipment startups, ramp-ups, and sustained production.

Capital Equipment & Project Execution

  • Lead all aspects of capital equipment projects, including requirements definition, vendor selection, design reviews, and technical approvals.

  • Manage FAT/SAT, installation, commissioning, validation, and production handoff.

  • Prepare detailed cost justifications, ROI analyses, and capital expenditure requests.

  • Capture and manage project scope changes.

  • Coordinate internal and external resources to deliver projects on time and within budget.

Education & Experience Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering discipline preferred.

  • 7+ years of experience in a fast-paced automation field.

Skills & Abilities

  • Proficient in Design/Drafting Tools AutoCAD and SolidWorks.

  • Configuring and designing HMI systems (e.g., Allen Bradley. PC).

  • Familiar with Industry Standards UL and CEF.

  • Familiar with various Motion Controllers/Actuators.

  • Proven success in progress and change.

  • Advanced Electromechanical Skills.

  • Fluent in 3D modeling of parts, mechanisms, and assemblies.

  • Excellent communication skills.

  • Advanced Knowledge of Microsoft office products including Project, and Excel.

  • Ability to multitask and work effectively in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines.

  • Ability to effectively present ideas and concepts to top management and to implement ideas that improve the process.

  • Six Sigma Certification, Black Belt preferred.

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