Principal Automation Engineer

Molex is seeking an experienced Principal Automation Engineer to lead the strategy, design, and deployment of advanced automation solutions supporting high‑volume, high‑precision manufacturing. This role is a senior technical authority responsible for driving automation architecture, mentoring engineers, and delivering scalable, reliable systems that improve safety, quality, and productivity across Molex operations.

As a Principal Engineer, you will partner closely with Manufacturing, Product Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and global automation teams to define standards, solve complex technical challenges, and support new product introductions.

This role is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.

• Serve as the technical lead and subject matter expert for automation strategy and development across manufacturing lines and equipment.
• Architect, design, and deploy advanced automation systems
  , including robotics, multi‑axis motion control, vision systems, high precision assembly, and safety systems.
• Lead automation strategy for new equipment development, NPI programs, and global manufacturing deployments
  .
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex, high‑impact automation and controls issues to minimize downtime and improve reliability.
• Establish and maintain automation standards
  , best practices, and documentation.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to automation, design and project engineers.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, yield improvement, cost reduction, and equipment utilization.
• Ensure compliance with machine safety standards, electrical codes, and Molex engineering standards
  .
• Support global deployment and replication of automation solutions across Molex manufacturing sites.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in automation or controls engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading complex automation projects with minimal direction.
• Communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed (typically up to ~15–20%) and available for occasional after hours weekday calls.

• Master’s degree in Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience supporting high‑volume, discrete manufacturing environments.
• Hands‑on experience with high speed automated assembly system debug/installation
• Background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or structured continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience defining global automation standards and scaling solutions across multiple sites.
• Prior experience mentoring senior engineers or leading technical communities of practice.

For this role, we anticipate paying $95,000 - $125,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location.

If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.

Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance.

Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.

Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E‑Verify. Please  for additional information. (For Illinois E‑Verify information , aquí, or tu).