Automation Engineer

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

North Carolina State University is seeking an Automation Engineer to build and integrate automation systems that enhance laboratory operations at the SPEED Programmable Cloud Laboratory. You will design automated workflows, develop control software, improve reliability, and ensure safe operation across automation, robotics, and scientific research teams.

The role requires a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering and at least three years of relevant experience, with Python programming for

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering or related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant automation experience.
• Programming experience in Python for hardware control and interfacing software with physical equipment.

Responsibilities

• Design and design automated workflows for laboratory operations.
• Develop and maintain Python software for device control, workflow execution, monitoring and diagnostics.
• Implement communication protocols (APIs, TCP/IP, OPC UA, REST, serial, digital I/O) for equipment integration.
• Monitor and troubleshoot robotics, motion control, sensors, and networks to improve reliability.
• Develop preventive maintenance and recovery procedures and maintain thorough system documentation.
• Incorporate safety interlocks, alarms and emergency stops; conduct hazard reviews for safe operation.
• Train users and help establish engineering standards for scaled automation across SPEED and partner facilities.

Skills

Python programming

Automation design

System safety

Laboratory automation

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

Tools

Python

Job description

NC State University is hiring an Automation Engineer to build and integrate automation systems that enhance laboratory operations at the SPEED Programmable Cloud Laboratory. The role involves designing automated workflows, developing control software, improving system reliability, ensuring safety, and collaborating across automation, robotics, and scientific research to enable advanced experimental platforms.

Highlights

• Design and integrate automated workflows for synthesis, materials processing, testing, and characterization in laboratory settings.
• Develop and maintain Python software for device control, workflow execution, monitoring, and diagnostics.
• Implement communication protocols including APIs, TCP/IP, OPC UA, REST, serial, and digital I/O for equipment integration.
• Monitor and troubleshoot robotics, motion control, fluidic, sensor, and network systems to improve performance and reliability.
• Develop preventive maintenance and recovery procedures, and maintain detailed documentation of systems.
• Design automation with safety interlocks, alarms, and emergency stops, and conduct hazard reviews for safe operation.
• Train users and help establish engineering standards to support scaled automation across SPEED and partner facilities.
• Requires a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or related field and at least three years of relevant experience.
• Programming experience in Python or similar languages for hardware control is required, along with experience interfacing software with physical equipment.
• Anticipated salary is $100,000 - $110,000, commensurate with experience and education.