Nordson

Senior, Automation Engineer

Nordson$95K — $115K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline preferred.
  • 7+ years of experience in a fast-paced automation field.
  • Experience with vision system programming (e.g., Cognex, Keyence).
  • Proficiency in Programming Logic Controllers (PLC) (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Omron).
  • Strong troubleshooting skills for control system issues.
  • Robotics programming experience (e.g., ABB, Fanuc).

Responsibilities

  • Lead design and implementation of automated manufacturing equipment and processes.
  • Act as technical owner for automation systems from concept to production.
  • Ensure automation solutions are safe, reliable, and scalable.
  • Serve as escalation point for technical issues impacting equipment performance.
  • Design and improve mechanical systems using SolidWorks.
  • Program and troubleshoot electrical control systems, including PLCs and HMIs.
  • Diagnose and resolve complex electromechanical issues in production.

Benefits

  • Opportunity for hands-on leadership in a cutting-edge automation environment.
  • Work in a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
  • Engagement with advanced technologies like robotics and machine vision.
  • Minimal travel requirements for work-life balance.
  • Support for professional growth and project execution.
Full Job Description
JOB SUMMARY

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.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Automation System Design & Ownership
  • 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.


Mechanical Engineering & Machine Design
  • Design and modify mechanical systems including mechanisms, tooling, fixtures, and machine assemblies using SolidWorks.
  • 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.


#LI-NS1

Electrical & Controls Engineering
  • 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.


Robotics, Vision, and Advanced Automation
  • 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.


Troubleshooting, Reliability & Production Support
  • 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.


Capital Equipment & Project Execution
  • 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.

All other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
  • 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)


SKILLS & ABILITIES
  • Proficient in Design/Drafting Tools AutoCAD and SolidWorks
  • 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


WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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, please apply online with your CV.

About Nordson

Nordson Corporation is a global manufacturer of systems that apply adhesives, sealants, and coatings to a variety of consumer and industrial products. The company's products are used in a range of industries, including packaging, nonwovens, electronics, medical, and automotive. Nordson's systems are designed to improve product quality, reduce costs, and increase efficiency for its customers. The company was founded in 1935 and is headquartered in Westlake, Ohio.
Learn more about Nordson
Size
7,200 employees
Market Cap
$13.4 billion
Industry
Net Income
$275.1 million
Founded
1935
5 Year Trend
+4.6%
Revenue
$2.1 billion
NASDAQ

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