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

Automation Ownership & Floor Support

- 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