Controls​/Automation Engineer MPDE

Location: Iowa

At TE, you will unleash your potential working with people from diverse backgrounds and industries to create a safer, sustainable and more connected world.

Job Overview

Join TE Connectivity's innovative Digital Data Networks organization as an Automation & Controls Engineer and help develop the next generation of advanced optical connectivity systems powering AI, cloud computing, and hyperscale data center infrastructure.

Please note:

operations are currently based at a temporary site in Webster, NY. The team will transition to a permanent Rochester location (near RIT) upon completion.

We Are Hiring Multiple Automation And Controls Engineers

• Staff 8-10 years of experience
• Senior: 5- years of experience
• Engineer II: 2-5 Years of experience

In this role, you will design, develop, and deploy automated manufacturing systems, control architectures, robotics, machine vision solutions, and advanced test platforms that enable the production of industry-leading optical connectivity products. You will work at the intersection of controls engineering, manufacturing automation, and product development to drive innovation, quality, and operational excellence.

Why This Role Matters

As AI applications drive unprecedented demand for bandwidth, reliability, and production scale, advanced manufacturing technologies have become critical to delivering next-generation optical interconnect solutions.

As an Automation & Controls Engineer, you will be instrumental in creating intelligent manufacturing systems that improve throughput, precision, quality, and scalability. Your work will directly influence TE's ability to deliver breakthrough technologies supporting the world's most demanding data center and networking environments.

Job Requirements Automation & Controls Development

• Automated Equipment Design
• Design and develop control systems for automated assembly equipment, robotics, precision manufacturing cells, vision-guided systems, and custom production machinery.

PLC & Motion Control Programming

• Develop and maintain PLC, servo motion control, robotics, and HMI software to enable safe, repeatable, and efficient manufacturing processes.

Machine Vision Integration

• Implement and optimize machine vision systems for inspection, alignment, measurement, defect detection, and process monitoring applications.

System Integration

Integrate electrical hardware, sensors, actuators, robotics, industrial networks, safety systems, and software controls into robust manufacturing solutions.

Manufacturing Process Development

• Prototype Equipment Development
• Lead automation and controls development from concept through commissioning for new manufacturing processes and product introductions.

Process Optimization

• Identify opportunities to improve cycle time, yield, uptime, and equipment effectiveness through controls enhancements and automation innovation.

Verification & Validation

• Develop test plans, validation protocols, and commissioning procedures to ensure equipment performance, safety reliability, and compliance.

Root Cause Analysis

Troubleshoot complex equipment and process issues using structured problem-solving methodologies and data-driven decision-making techniques.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Engineering Partnerships
• Collaborate with mechanical, optical, manufacturing, quality, product development, and process engineering teams to develop integrated solutions.

Continuous Improvement

• Support Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Operational Excellence initiatives through automation, controls optimization, and process improvements.
• Technical Documentation
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, controls narratives, software documentation, equipment manuals, validation reports, SOPs, and engineering change records.

What Your Background Should Look Like

• BS or higher in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related technical field.

Experience

• experience designing, programming, commissioning, or supporting industrial automation and controls systems.
• Controls & Automation Expertise
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming, motion control systems, robotics, machine vision, industrial networking, and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Engineering Tools
• Experience with automation and electrical design software, including controls development environments, electrical CAD platforms, mechanical CAD software, and industrial communication tools.

Core Technical CompetenciesPLC Programming & Controls

• Strong experience with industrial control systems, ladder logic, structured text, function block programming, and machine sequencing.

Motion Control & Robotics

• Knowledge of servomotors, multi-axis motion systems, robotic automation, positioning systems, and coordinated machine control.

Industrial Networking

• Experience with Ethernet/IP, Profinet, EtherCAT, Modbus, OPC-UA, and other industrial communication protocols.

Machine Vision

• Understanding of vision-based inspection systems, smart cameras, image processing, and…