Controls & Automation Engineer
Danaher Corporation
Summary
The Automation Engineer is responsible for leading the design, build, and integration of custom automated machinery and systems used in manufacturing. This role combines mechanical, electrical, and controls engineering expertise to deliver robust, compliant, and efficient automation solutions that meet stringent regulatory and quality standards.
Job description
In this role, you will have the opportunity to:
- Design and develop custom automated equipment for medical device assembly, inspection, packaging, and testing.
- Lead machine-building projects from concept through commissioning, including mechanical design, controls integration, and documentation.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure correct equipment handoff to production teams as well as troubleshoot and optimize machine performance, ensuring reliability, safety, and ease of use.
- Specify and source components including actuators, sensors, vision systems, robotics, and control panels. Program and integrate control systems (PLCs, HMIs, motion controllers) for new and existing equipment.
- Document machine designs and changes include mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, BOMs, and software versions.
The essential requirements of the job include:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Automation Engineering.
- 6+ years of experience in machine design/build and automation within a regulated manufacturing environment (preferably medical devices or pharmaceuticals).
- Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and PLC programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
- Demonstrated experience with robotics, vision systems, pneumatics, and motion control.
- Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills.
It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:
- Hands-on experience with machine shop tools and prototyping
- Experience with cleanroom-compatible machine design.
- Understanding of FDA regulations, ISO 13485, and equipment validation practices.
- Familiarity with MES and SCADA integration.
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Automation Engineering.
- 6+ years of experience in machine design/build and automation within a regulated manufacturing environment (preferably medical devices or pharmaceuticals).
- Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and PLC programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
- Demonstrated experience with robotics, vision systems, pneumatics, and motion control.
- Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills.
- Hands-on experience with machine shop tools and prototyping
- Experience with cleanroom-compatible machine design.
- Understanding of FDA regulations, ISO 13485, and equipment validation practices.
- Familiarity with MES and SCADA integration.
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
Benefits
- Health care program
- Paid time off
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k)
Company overview
Danaher Corporation is a leading global science and technology innovator headquartered in Washington, D.C., specializing in biotechnology, life sciences, and diagnostics. Founded in 1984 by brothers Steven and Mitchell Rales, the company has evolved from its origins as a manufacturing conglomerate into a premier healthcare technology organization with approximately 63,000 employees worldwide. Danaher operates through three core divisions: biotechnology (28% of revenues), which develops products for therapeutic development; life sciences (31% of revenues), focused on disease identification, new therapies, and drug testing/manufacturing; and diagnostics (41% of revenues), providing instruments, consumables, and software for disease diagnosis. The company's portfolio includes renowned brands such as Beckman Coulter, Cytiva, Pall Corporation, Cepheid, Leica Microsystems, and Abcam, serving pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, healthcare providers, and research institutions globally. Danaher is distinguished by its Danaher Business System (DBS), a continuous improvement methodology that drives innovation and operational excellence. With 2024 revenues of $23.9 billion, the company ranks 180th on the Fortune 500 and plays a critical role in advancing scientific research, improving diagnostic capabilities, and accelerating the development of life-saving therapies.