Senior, Automation Engineer

Senior Engineer, Automation

Nordson EFD, a global leader in Engineered Fluid Dispensing, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we are looking for candidates who share that same commitment.

The Senior Engineer, Automation is a hands-on technical leader responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting automated manufacturing systems. This role requires strong mechanical, electrical, and controls engineering aptitude, with direct ownership of equipment performance, reliability, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Lead the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing equipment, fixtures, and assembly processes.
• Serve as the technical owner for automation systems from concept through sustained production.
• Ensure automation solutions are robust, scalable, safe, and aligned with manufacturing requirements.
• Act as the escalation point for complex technical issues impacting equipment performance and uptime.

• Design and modify mechanical systems including mechanisms, tooling, fixtures, and machine assemblies using Solid Works.
• Improve machine reliability, ergonomics, throughput, and serviceability through thoughtful mechanical design.
• Redesign or modify components and systems to address chronic reliability, quality, or safety issues.
• Support Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Automation (DFA) initiatives.

• Design, specify, and troubleshoot electrical control systems including control panels, wiring schematics, sensors, actuators, motion devices, and safety components.
• Develop, program, and debug PLC-based control systems (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Omron), including I/O, sequencing, motion control, and safety logic.
• Configure and support HMI systems, ensuring intuitive operator interfaces, alarms, diagnostics, and system visibility.
• Ensure electrical designs and implementations comply with applicable UL, CE, and internal standards.

• Program, integrate, and troubleshoot industrial robots (e.g., ABB, Fanuc), including motion optimization and end-of-arm tooling.
• Implement and maintain machine vision systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence) for inspection, alignment, and process verification.
• Integrate robotics, vision, motion, and PLC systems into cohesive, reliable automation solutions.

• Diagnose and resolve complex electromechanical system issues on live production equipment.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for chronic downtime or performance losses.
• Establish preventive maintenance strategies, spare parts lists, and reliability improvements to maximize uptime.
• Provide hands-on support during equipment startups, ramp-ups, and sustained production.

• Lead all aspects of capital equipment projects, including requirements definition, vendor selection, design reviews, and technical approvals.
• Manage FAT/SAT, installation, commissioning, validation, and production handoff.
• Prepare detailed cost justifications, ROI analyses, and capital expenditure requests.
• Coordinate internal and external resources to deliver projects on time and within budget.

• Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering discipline preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in a fast-paced automation field.
• Vision System programming (e.g., Cognex, Keyence)
• Programming Logic Controllers (PLC) (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Omron)
• Diagnostics/troubleshooting control system issues
• Robot programming (e.g., ABB, Fanuc)

• Proficient in Design/Drafting Tools AutoCAD and Solid Works
• Configuring and designing HMI systems (e.g., Allen Bradley. PC)
• Familiar with Industry Standards UL and CE
• Familiar with various Motion Controllers/Actuators
• Proven success in progress and change
• Advanced Electromechanical Skills
• Fluent in 3D modeling of parts, mechanisms, and assemblies
• Excellent communication skills
• Advanced Knowledge of Microsoft office products including Project, and Excel
• Ability to multitask and work effectively in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines.
• Ability to effectively present ideas and concepts to top management and to implement ideas that improve the process.
• Six Sigma Certification, Black Belt preferred

Office, lab & manufacturing environment. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel Required:

Minimal

Interested? If you are interested in being a part of a team and creating an inclusive and diverse workplace,…