Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Automation

Position Summary

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for planning, designing, and maintaining manufacturing processes across Filling, Kitting, Packaging, and Shipping. Ensures systems run to specifications and comply with regulations while supporting cross-functional teams to optimize materials, labor, equipment, and systems.

• Lead the design, architecture, and deployment of advanced automation systems, including robotics, vision systems, PLCs, and collaborative robots (COBOTs), across manufacturing operations.
• Define and execute automation strategy and roadmap, aligning with business objectives for cost, quality, throughput, and scalability.
• Drive end-to-end process optimization initiatives, leveraging Lean Six Sigma, data analytics, and digital manufacturing tools to deliver sustained KPI improvements (OTD, cycle time, yield, and labor efficiency).
• Own capital automation projects from concept through commissioning, including business case development, equipment specification, vendor selection, FAT/SAT, and full lifecycle validation (IQ/OQ/PQ).
• Act as technical authority for automation systems, providing advanced troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and long-term corrective actions for complex manufacturing and equipment issues.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives with Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and R&D to industrialize new products and scale manufacturing processes.
• Establish and standardize engineering best practices, including automation standards, validation protocols, and documentation systems.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers and technicians, building organizational capability in automation, controls, and process engineering.
• Drive supplier strategy and partnerships, including qualification, performance management, and co-development of automation solutions.
• Champion digital transformation initiatives, including integration of MES, data systems, and smart factory technologies.

• Requires a master’s degree with 2‑5 years of relevant experience or a bachelor's degree with 5‑8 years of relevant experience; or an associate degree with 10 or more years of relevant experience.
• 5+ years of automation or process engineering experience.
• Mechanical and electrical aptitude required.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preferred.

• Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma and CI methodologies.
• Skilled in detailed, accurate, and organized work.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office, Smartsheet, and statistical software (Minitab/JMP).
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate across departments.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment and systems.

• Onsite role supporting multiple production departments; may require extended hours as needed.

• Ability to stand.
• Move through production areas.
• Operate equipment as necessary.

We offer competitive insurance benefits starting on day one: medical, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, long-term disability, pet, and legal and d.

We invest in our employees’ financial futures through 401k plans, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), Health Saving Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and Dependent Care FSA.

We empower our employees develop their careers through mentorship, promotional opportunities, training and development, tuition reimbursement, internship programs, and more.

We offer employee resource groups, volunteer paid time off, employee events, and charity drives to build a culture of caring and belonging.

We offer an accrued leave policy with paid holidays, paid time off, and paid parental leave.

We foster a culture of empowerment and innovation, where employees feel valued and encouraged to bring their new ideas to the table.

Bio-Techne is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.