Senior Automation Engineer; Robots & Controls

A Day in Your Life at MKS

We are looking for an exceptional Senior Automation Engineer (Control Software & Robotics) to join our team and support the development of automation solutions for new and existing products across business units & global production sites in our Vacuum Systems Division.

• Programming the robot motion paths, defining keep out zones, and developing the logic for its interaction with other systems, parts, and equipment
• Developing the control strategy and operation sequencing for complex mechanical assembly and material handling tasks
• Troubleshooting and optimizing robot performance for safety, speed, accuracy, and reliability in the specific automation application
• Supporting software integration with the HMI (Human-Machine Interface) and larger tool control system architecture
• Selecting and integrating appropriate task‑specific end‑effectors as needed into the overall system design
• Collaborating with design teams during the product development process to optimize designs for assembly automation, including the development of best practice guidelines and divisional design standards
• Supporting integration, startup, verification, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automated solutions
• Integrating, programming, and optimizing automated material handling systems, including automated guided vehicles, to deliver material and coordinate effectively with manual and robotic workcells

• BS degree in mechatronics, robotics, or mechanical engineering (Master's degree with a focus on robotics is highly preferred)
• 6+ years of hands‑on experience programming and integrating industrial robots in a manufacturing environment / experience programming multi‑axis robots for precision assembly tasks is essential
• Proficiency in programming robots from leading manufacturers including online programming with teach pendants and offline programming using native language (Python or C# for custom scripts)
• Strong theoretical and practical understanding of kinematics, motion planning, and control systems
• Hands‑on experience integrating and troubleshooting a wide variety of field devices, including sensors (photoelectric, proximity, vision), pneumatic and hydraulic components, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and servo motors.
• Experience with robot simulation software to develop, analyze, and verify robot paths and logic before implementation and testing
• Familiarity with industrial networking protocols (Ether Net/IP, PROFINET, etc.) and automated data collection systems (SCADA, MES)

Salary Pay Range: $88,425.00 - $ (based on qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law.)

Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].

Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].