The Senior Automation Controls Engineer is an experienced individual contributor responsible for the design, development, implementation, and support of PLC-based automation and machine vision systems used in high-volume manufacturing. This role independently delivers complex automation solutions, supports production systems, and collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable, compliant equipment performance. This position reports to the Manager - Automation and Controls and is part of the Systems Engineering group located in Newark and will be an on-site role. In this role, you will have the opportunity to: - Design, program, test, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems, HMIs and user interface software for automated manufacturing equipment - Implement and integrate vision inspection systems (e.g., Cognex In-Sight, VisionPro, deeplearning where applicable) - Support system commissioning, equipment upgrades, validation (IQ, OQ, PQ) activities and production troubleshooting - Execute work in accordance with established controls, vision, and validation standards - Participate in design reviews, electrical design and code reviews, and cross-functional problem solving The essential requirements of the job include: - Bachelor's degree in field with 5+ years of related work experience OR Master's degree in field with 3+ years of related work experience OR Doctoral degree in field with related work experience. - Controls & Automation Expertise: Hands-on experience with PLC and HMI programming/troubleshooting (Rockwell RS Logix-5000, FactoryTalk), Cognex Designer (In-Sight, VisionPro deep learning), and industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, IO-Link, OPC UA). - Manufacturing Systems & Standards: Extensive work with high-speed manufacturing equipment, Fanuc robots, VFDs, servo systems, motion control, and safety/standard I/O; proven ability to develop, maintain, and implement controls standards using IEC 61131-3-aligned PLC software. - Integration, Validation & Documentation: Strong background in software validation, equipment qualification, and detailed technical documentation; experience specifying and integrating control panels, including PLCs, I/O, power supplies, safety components, drives, and networks. Cepheid, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it's a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at Danaher Benefits Info. The annual salary range for this role is $140,000 to $155,000. This is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future. This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay. We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees. Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole discretion, consistent with the law.