Senior Automation Engineer

Job Description

At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. To support this mission, Syngenta’s Automation & Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer in Malta, IL. This role will lead the design, development, prototyping, and deployment of end-to-end automation systems that drive efficiency, precision, and scalability within Seeds R&D.

This hands‑on role focuses on innovating and integrating engineering solutions from concept to production.

Reporting to the Engineering Manager, the ideal candidate will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to translate complex requirements into robust, production‑ready systems. Success in this role requires a blend of deep technical expertise, practical prototyping skills, and a passion for innovation in agricultural automation.

Accountabilities:

• System Design & Development:
  Lead the architectural design and integration of automated systems from concept to production, incorporating PLCs, robotics, and mechanical/electrical components. Use CAD tools (e.g., Solid Works, AutoCAD) to produce detailed 3D models, simulations, and assembly drawings.
• Vision‑Guided Automation:
  Develop and optimize high‑speed, high‑accuracy pick‑and‑place systems using machine vision and robotic arms to handle multiple payloads and operating environments.
• Prototyping & Implementation:
  Build and iterate physical prototypes using rapid prototyping methods (e.g., 3D printing, CNC machining). Perform hands‑on assembly, testing, and debugging of components, ensuring seamless integration of sensors, actuators, and end‑effectors. Coordinate with external vendors for parts fabrication as needed.
• Cross‑Functional
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Work closely with breeders, data scientists, biologists, engineers, and operations teams to solve complex robotics and automation challenges.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement:
  Stay current with emerging technologies (e.g., collaborative robots, automation platforms) to deliver cutting‑edge solutions.
• Conduct cost‑benefit analyses and trade‑off evaluations to optimize design efficiency and component selection.
• Project Delivery & Governance:
  Manage project timelines and deliverables using Agile methodologies and engineering best practices.
• Documentation & Reporting:
  Prepare comprehensive technical reports, SOPs, and presentations to communicate findings and support regulatory submissions or patent filings.

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without requiring current or future sponsorship (which also includes OPT/CPT and H‑1B visas).

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related experience.

Experience:

• 7+ years in robotics and automation engineering, with at least 4 years in hands‑on prototyping and automation system integration.
• Proven track record of delivering end‑to‑end projects in industrial automation or laboratory environments.

Technical

Skills:

• Design & CAD:
  Proficient in mechanical design using Solid Works, Fusion 360, or CATIA. Experienced with finite element analysis (FEA) tools such as ANSYS for stress and structural analysis.
• Robotics Hardware:
  Hands‑on experience with servo motors, grippers, pneumatic actuators, and integration of pick‑and‑place robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and collaborative robots (e.g., Universal Robots, KUKA).
• Vision & Sensing:
  Skilled in machine vision systems such as OpenCV, HALCON, Keyence, and Cognex Vision Pro. Experienced in sensor fusion involving LiDAR, IMUs, and force/torque sensors.
• Prototyping & Electronics:
  Familiar with rapid prototyping platforms such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi, as well as 3D printing. Experienced in PCB design, electronic wiring, bread boarding, and fabrication of custom electronic systems, such as soldering, enclosure design, and microcontroller integration.
• Programming & Control:
  Expertise in Python, MATLAB, National Instruments LabVIEW, ROS (Robot Operating System), and C/C++/C#. Skilled in…