Automation Engineer

NCBioImpact; Mebane (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Waters Corporation in North Carolina is seeking a highly skilled Manufacturing Engineer to support automated filling lines and packaging processes in a regulated environment.

You will troubleshoot automation hardware/software, lead qualification activities, and drive continuous improvements using data analytics to improve OEE and yield. Collaboration with maintenance and engineering teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering field with hands-on manufacturing experience.
• Experience with automated high-speed filling, capping, or packaging lines preferred.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills; familiarity with RCA and DMAIC.
• Knowledge of FDA, GMP and ISO 13485 requirements is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day engineering support to maintenance/production for automated lines.
• Troubleshoot automation hardware/software and minimize downtime.
• Lead setup, installation, qualification, and validation activities for new platforms.
• Drive investigations and corrective actions for deviations and failures.
• Monitor OEE, yield, downtime, and scrap; use data to drive decisions.
• Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams on equipment improvements.
• Use CAD to design/mechanics changes and document improvements.
• Support IQ/OQ/PQ validation and maintain compliant SOPs.

Skills

Automation engineering

Manufacturing engineering

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

OEE analysis

Project management

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics or automation engineering

Tools

RSLogix/Studio 5000

SolidWorks

SAP

Keyence vision

Cognex vision

Allen Bradley PLC

Job description

As a result of the combination of the BD Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions business with Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT), by applying to this role, you will be applying for a position with Waters. Waters is a global leader in life sciences, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics, and service. With a focus on regulated, high-volume testing environments, Waters’ innovative portfolio harnesses deep scientific expertise across biology, chemistry, and physics. Waters collaborates with analytical laboratories around the world to advance the release of effective, high-quality medicines, assure the safety of food and water, and drive better patient outcomes by detecting diseases earlier, managing routine infections, and combatting growing antibiotic resistance. Through a shared culture of relentless innovation, Waters’ passionate team of approximately 16,000 colleagues partner with customers to turn scientific challenges into breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide.

We are the people who give possibilities purpose

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health™ is our Purpose, and it’s no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us—from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year—to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day engineering support to maintenance/production for automated filling lines, including troubleshooting of process variability, equipment downtime, and line inefficiencies
• Troubleshoot automation and vision system hardware, software, mechanical and process-related issues to rapidly restore equipment and system functionality and minimize operational downtime.
• Execute equipment setup, installation, qualification, and validation activities in support of new automation platforms, process improvements, and system upgrades.
• Lead investigations, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and resolution of automation-related deviations, equipment failures, and performance issues.
• Monitor and improve performance metrics (OEE, yield, downtime, scrap) using data-driven analysis and decisions.
• Collaborate with other engineers and Maintenance teams to perform root cause and develop solutions on all aspect of production equipment
• Utilize CAD software to design, modify, and document mechanical components, tooling, line layouts, and equipment improvements
• Participate in validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ) and maintain compliant documentation (SOPs, work instructions)
• Ensure adherence to FDA QMSR, ISO 13485, and GMP requirements

Additional Responsibilities

• Support audits and change control processes
• Partner with Reliability/Maintenance teams to improve PM strategies, spare parts management, and equipment uptime
• Support capital projects, working with OEMs for troubleshooting, upgrades, and installations

Education and Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics or automation engineering
• Minimum 5 years of manufacturing engineering experience
• Programming of Allen Bradley PLC systems using RS Logix / Studio 5000
• Working knowledge of SolidWorks
• Experience with automated high-speed filling, capping, or packaging lines
• Working knowledge of FDA, GMP, and ISO 13485 requirements
• Experience with process validation and structured problem solving (RCA, DMAIC)
• Data analysis and graphical presentation to drive decisions and prioritization using Excel or other software such as Minitab.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of manufacturing engineering experience (medical device, pharma, or diagnostics industry are preferred)
• Knowledge/practical experience with PLC/HMI (Allen Bradley) systems and industrial automation (Keyence and / or Cognex vision)
• Knowledge/practical experience developing/implementing robotic packaging cells
• Experience using SAP
• Developing Change Controls, Validation protocols and Scope of Work protocols.

Why Join Us?

To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of healthcare. At BD, you’ll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow and thrive.

We believe that when people connect in person, we learn faster, collaborate more deeply, and build a stronger culture. Join us and enjoy a culture where face-to-face collaboration supports your learning, your progress, and your success.

To learn more about BD visit https://bd.com/careers.

Becton, Dickinson, and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Primary Work Location

USA NC - Mebane

Work Shift

NA (United States of America)