Senior Automation Controls Engineer
Danaher Corporation
Summary
The Senior Automation Controls Engineer is an experienced individual contributor responsible for the design, development, implementation, and support of PLC-based automation and machine vision systems used in high-volume manufacturing. This role independently delivers complex automation solutions, supports production systems, and collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable, compliant equipment performance.
Job description
In this role, you will have the opportunity to:
- Design, program, test, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems, HMIs and user interface software for automated manufacturing equipment
- Implement and integrate vision inspection systems (e.g., Cognex In-Sight, VisionPro, deep learning where applicable)
- Support system commissioning, equipment upgrades, validation (IQ, OQ, PQ) activities and production troubleshooting
- Execute work in accordance with established controls, vision, and validation standards
- Participate in design reviews, electrical design and code reviews, and cross-functional problem solving
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in field with 5+ years of related work experience OR Master's degree in field with 3+ years of related work experience OR Doctoral degree in field with related work experience
- Hands-on experience with PLC and HMI programming/troubleshooting (Rockwell RS Logix-5000, FactoryTalk)
- Experience with Cognex Designer (In-Sight, VisionPro deep learning)
- Experience with industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, IO-Link, OPC UA)
- Extensive work with high-speed manufacturing equipment, Fanuc robots, VFDs, servo systems, motion control, and safety/standard I/O
- Proven ability to develop, maintain, and implement controls standards using IEC 61131-3-aligned PLC software
- Strong background in software validation, equipment qualification, and detailed technical documentation
- Experience specifying and integrating control panels, including PLCs, I/O, power supplies, safety components, drives, and networks
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.