Manufacturing Automation Engineer / Specialist
SLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening), Sunnyvale, CA, United States
Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions
Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance, Laboratory Setting, Office, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.), Will work with hazardous/toxic materials
Job Description
Position:
Manufacturing Automation Engineer / Specialist
Location:
Sunnyvale, CA
Schedule:
M-F, Days
As a Manufacturing Automation Engineer, you will provide hands‑on technical ownership of automation and control systems supporting resin production and chromatography column manufacturing. This role is primarily floor-based (80%) and focused on assessing, optimizing, and sustaining existing automated equipment while identifying opportunities for incremental improvements and future automation projects.
You will enable safe, robust, and efficient manufacturing by improving equipment performance, analyzing production data, and implementing data‑driven process improvements. You will also support development of automation strategies, proposals, and upgrades that improve throughput, reliability, and reproducibility, ultimately reducing reliance on QC through better process control.
How will you make an impact?
You will assess current automation systems (e.g., auto-packers, conveyors), identify performance gaps, and drive improvements through hands‑on troubleshooting and data analysis. You will help transform how automation is utilized by connecting equipment performance to measurable outcomes such as yield, uptime, and process consistency.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as the technical owner for automation and control systems supporting resin synthesis and column manufacturing equipment
Troubleshoot automated equipment including PLC logic, sensors, pumps, conveyors, and process interactions
Assess current automation utilization and identify opportunities to improve performance and reliability
Support operators and technicians to improve uptime and process stability
Data Analysis & Process Optimization
Analyze production and equipment data (e.g., daily output reports) to identify trends, inefficiencies, and failure modes
Correlate equipment performance (pumps, flow rates, cycle times) with product yield and quality outcomes
Drive data‑informed decisions to improve throughput, reproducibility, and equipment reliability
Partner with IT or data teams to access, interpret, and visualize manufacturing data
Automation & Controls
Design, modify, and support PLC‑based control systems, HMIs, sensors, and interlocks
Support integration of data collection systems for monitoring, alarms, and trending
Review vendor designs and support implementation of automation upgrades
Continuous Improvement & Strategy
Identify and implement incremental automation improvements aligned with PPI principles
Develop technical proposals and justifications for new automation equipment and upgrades
Support CAPEX projects, vendor selection, and equipment commissioning
Validation, Documentation & Compliance
Support and execute validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ) for automation changes and new equipment
Maintain documentation including control narratives, SOPs, change records, and test protocols
Support change control processes to maintain validated state of equipment
Participate in safety reviews, hazard analyses, and risk assessments
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, Product Development, EH&S, and Procurement teams
Clearly communicate technical changes, risks, and results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Mentor junior engineers or technicians as needed
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls/Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Chemical/Materials Engineering considered with relevant automation experience)
2–5 years preferred depending on depth of experience in manufacturing automation, controls, or process engineering
Hands‑on experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment
Experience troubleshooting across controls, equipment, and process interfaces
Experience working cross‑functionally in a manufacturing environment
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with PLC systems (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, or similar)
Experience working with fluid handling systems (e.g., pumps, valves, flow control, pressure systems), particularly in process or chemistry‑based manufacturing environments
Familiarity with SCADA/HMI systems and data collection tools
Exposure to SQL, dashboards, or data visualization tools
Experience supporting NPDI / NPI equipment or process introductions
Experience in chemistry, materials, or process-based manufacturing
Familiarity with GMP, ISO, or regulated environments
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong hands‑on troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills
Ability to analyze and interpret production data to drive decisions
Strong documentation practices and attention to detail
Familiarity with change control and quality management systems
Ability to draft clear and concise technical proposals and reports
Strong communication and collaboration skills across functions
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
Ownership mindset with strong follow‑through
Compensation And Benefits
The salary range estimated for this position based in California is $95,500.00–$143,200.00.
This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes
A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long‑term disability in accordance with company policy
Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount
For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions
Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance, Laboratory Setting, Office, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.), Will work with hazardous/toxic materials
Job Description
Position:
Manufacturing Automation Engineer / Specialist
Location:
Sunnyvale, CA
Schedule:
M-F, Days
As a Manufacturing Automation Engineer, you will provide hands‑on technical ownership of automation and control systems supporting resin production and chromatography column manufacturing. This role is primarily floor-based (80%) and focused on assessing, optimizing, and sustaining existing automated equipment while identifying opportunities for incremental improvements and future automation projects.
You will enable safe, robust, and efficient manufacturing by improving equipment performance, analyzing production data, and implementing data‑driven process improvements. You will also support development of automation strategies, proposals, and upgrades that improve throughput, reliability, and reproducibility, ultimately reducing reliance on QC through better process control.
How will you make an impact?
You will assess current automation systems (e.g., auto-packers, conveyors), identify performance gaps, and drive improvements through hands‑on troubleshooting and data analysis. You will help transform how automation is utilized by connecting equipment performance to measurable outcomes such as yield, uptime, and process consistency.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as the technical owner for automation and control systems supporting resin synthesis and column manufacturing equipment
Troubleshoot automated equipment including PLC logic, sensors, pumps, conveyors, and process interactions
Assess current automation utilization and identify opportunities to improve performance and reliability
Support operators and technicians to improve uptime and process stability
Data Analysis & Process Optimization
Analyze production and equipment data (e.g., daily output reports) to identify trends, inefficiencies, and failure modes
Correlate equipment performance (pumps, flow rates, cycle times) with product yield and quality outcomes
Drive data‑informed decisions to improve throughput, reproducibility, and equipment reliability
Partner with IT or data teams to access, interpret, and visualize manufacturing data
Automation & Controls
Design, modify, and support PLC‑based control systems, HMIs, sensors, and interlocks
Support integration of data collection systems for monitoring, alarms, and trending
Review vendor designs and support implementation of automation upgrades
Continuous Improvement & Strategy
Identify and implement incremental automation improvements aligned with PPI principles
Develop technical proposals and justifications for new automation equipment and upgrades
Support CAPEX projects, vendor selection, and equipment commissioning
Validation, Documentation & Compliance
Support and execute validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ) for automation changes and new equipment
Maintain documentation including control narratives, SOPs, change records, and test protocols
Support change control processes to maintain validated state of equipment
Participate in safety reviews, hazard analyses, and risk assessments
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, Product Development, EH&S, and Procurement teams
Clearly communicate technical changes, risks, and results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Mentor junior engineers or technicians as needed
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls/Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Chemical/Materials Engineering considered with relevant automation experience)
2–5 years preferred depending on depth of experience in manufacturing automation, controls, or process engineering
Hands‑on experience supporting automated manufacturing equipment
Experience troubleshooting across controls, equipment, and process interfaces
Experience working cross‑functionally in a manufacturing environment
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with PLC systems (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, or similar)
Experience working with fluid handling systems (e.g., pumps, valves, flow control, pressure systems), particularly in process or chemistry‑based manufacturing environments
Familiarity with SCADA/HMI systems and data collection tools
Exposure to SQL, dashboards, or data visualization tools
Experience supporting NPDI / NPI equipment or process introductions
Experience in chemistry, materials, or process-based manufacturing
Familiarity with GMP, ISO, or regulated environments
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong hands‑on troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills
Ability to analyze and interpret production data to drive decisions
Strong documentation practices and attention to detail
Familiarity with change control and quality management systems
Ability to draft clear and concise technical proposals and reports
Strong communication and collaboration skills across functions
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
Ownership mindset with strong follow‑through
Compensation And Benefits
The salary range estimated for this position based in California is $95,500.00–$143,200.00.
This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes
A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs
Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement
At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long‑term disability in accordance with company policy
Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan
Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount
For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards
#J-18808-Ljbffr