Automation Systems Engineer II

Company Overview

Mini-Circuits designs, manufactures and distributes integrated circuits, modules, and sub-systems for high‑performance radio frequency (RF) and microwave applications. With design, sales, and manufacturing locations in over 30 countries, Mini‑Circuits’ products are used in a range of wired and wireless communications applications. Our products are also used in detection, measurement, and imaging applications, including military communication, guidance, and electronic countermeasure systems, commercial, scientific, military land, sea, and aircraft;

automotive systems, medical systems, and industrial test equipment. Mini‑Circuits sells its products to over 20,000 customers globally through our direct sales force, applications engineering staff, and sales representatives, as well as through our extensive website.

Design, validate, and scale automated production test systems and robotic device handlers for RF and Microwave components. This role is responsible for enabling standardized architectures, throughput improvement, global alignment, and long‑term scalability of automated test processes.

$100,000 - $125,000 per year

• Test Handler Strategy Execution
  • Define, design, and validate standardized robotic test handlers, adaptable across multiple RF product lines.
  • Drive new handler integrations and improvements, document FPY, OEE, and operator experience metrics.
  • Collaborate with global teams (Brooklyn, Florida, India, Malaysia) to ensure alignment, backup‑site readiness, and standardized deployment.
• System Design & Development
  • Analyze test and assembly processes to identify candidates for automation based on capacity, efficiency, and process control needs.
  • Develop scalable, modular designs for automated handlers, including mechanical, electrical, vision, and control systems.
  • Specify and integrate sensors (vision, position, presence), robotic arms, conveyors, and fixturing for precision RF component handling.
  • Incorporate RF test‑specific requirements (grounding, thermal, high‑frequency probing, shielding).
• Project Leadership
  • Prepare proposals, resource/budget estimates, and project plans for new automation initiatives.
  • Lead cross‑functional reviews and maintain stakeholder communication from concept to qualification.
  • Manage vendor engagement, procurement, build, and qualification of handler systems.
• Documentation & Training
  • Create system specifications, qualification/buy‑off plans, operation and maintenance procedures.
  • Train users and support personnel on deployed automation platforms.
• Sustaining & Continuous Improvement
  • Provide sustaining engineering support for deployed handler systems.
  • Drive continuous improvement in throughput, FPY, reliability, and maintainability.
  • Track and implement engineering changes and upgrades into future designs.
• Technology Awareness
  • Stay current with emerging automation technologies (vision, robotics, motion systems, AI‑driven inspection) and evaluate for Mini‑Circuits applications.

• BS/MS degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Control Systems Engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience.
• Strong background in automation design (mechanical/electrical/software integration).
• Experience with robotic systems, automated handlers, or precision motion/vision‑based automation.
• Familiarity with high‑mix/low‑to‑medium volume manufacturing environments.
• CAD proficiency (Solid Works preferred).
• Controls programming experience (PLC, microcontrollers in C/C++, or equivalent).
• Data collection and analysis skills (Excel, JMP, Python).
• Preferred Knowledge:
  • Experience with automated inspection systems (AOI, Keyence, Cognex vision).
  • Knowledge of RF test process requirements and challenges.
  • Conveyor/robot integration, pneumatic actuators, precision fixturing.
  • Understanding of Lean Manufacturing, OEE analysis, and ROI calculations.
  • Exposure to manufacturing ERP and PLM systems (SAP, Arena PLM, etc.).
• Skills:
  • Strong communication and documentation skills.
  • Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and vendor collaborations.
  • Capable of balancing hands‑on design/build/debug with strategic project leadership.

The physical demands…