Automation Engineer (Mechanical Systems & Integration)

MKS Inc.; Methuen (MA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

MKS Inc. in Methuen, MA is seeking an Automation Engineer to develop automation solutions for new and existing products across global sites. You will collaborate with manufacturing and automation teams to enhance efficiency, cost, quality, and capacity.

The role reports to the Automation Project Manager and requires hands-on experience with sensors, actuators, motors, and safety systems, plus CAD work in SolidWorks. Hybrid work arrangement offered.

Qualifications

• BS degree in an engineering discipline (e.g., Mechanical, Mechatronics, Industrial)
• 2+ years of hands-on experience in automated manufacturing
• Experience with sensors, actuators, VFDs, robots, and servo motors
• Ability to read electrical schematics and design control panels
• Knowledge of industrial safety circuits (E-stops, light curtains, safety relays)

Responsibilities

• Design, specify, and integrate automated mechanical systems (conveyors, tooling, fixtures)
• Develop machine concepts and CAD layouts using SolidWorks
• Select and integrate motors, actuators, gearboxes, bearings, sensors, pneumatics, and safety devices
• Support machine design reviews, prototyping, assembly, startup, and commissioning
• Lead integration, startup, verification, commissioning, and troubleshooting of automation solutions
• Design experiments and proof-of-concept studies to evaluate new automation technologies
• Collaborate across divisions to align on automation standards and best practices

Skills

Automation design

Cross-functional collaboration

Troubleshooting

Data interpretation

Technical communication

Education

BS in Mechanical Eng (or Mechatronics/Industrial Eng)

Tools

SolidWorks

SCADA

MES

Job description

• This is a hybrid role out of our Methuen, MA location

• This is a hybrid role out of our Methuen, MA location

A Day in Your Life at MKS:

As an Automation Engineer you will support the development of automation solutions for new and existing products across business units & global production sites in our Vacuum Systems Division.

In this role, you will collaborate with manufacturing and automation professionals in the development of automation solutions that enable the production of high tolerance instrumentation products, improving efficiency, cost, quality, and capacity in our global factories. This role will be a key member of the Operations Automation Team reporting to the Automation Project Manager.

You Will Make an Impact By:

• Designing, specifying, and integrating automated mechanical systems including motion systems, end-of-arm tooling, fixturing, conveyors, part handling solutions, and machine subsystems.
• Developing machine concepts, layouts, and detailed designs using CAD tools (SolidWorks) while collaborating closely with system design, controls, and robotics engineers.
• Selecting and integrating motors, actuators, gearboxes, linear motion components, bearings, sensors, pneumatics, and safety devices into automated equipment.
• Supporting machine design reviews, prototyping, assembly, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities.
• Leading the integration, startup, verification, commissioning, and troubleshooting of automated machine solutions
• Designing and executing experiments, prototypes, and proof-of-concept studies to evaluate new automation technologies, machine concepts, motion systems, and manufacturing processes.
• Collaborating with automation professionals in other divisions to align on best practices, automation standards, and control frameworks that accelerate implementation of automation solutions across global factories and production supercenters

Skills You Bring:

• BS degree in an engineering discipline such as Mechanical Eng, Mechatronics, or Industrial Eng
• 2+ years of hands-on experience designing and implementing automated manufacturing systems
• Hands-on experience integrating and troubleshooting a wide variety of field devices, including sensors (photoelectric, proximity, vision), pneumatic and hydraulic components, variable frequency drives (VFDs), robots, and servo motors
• Demonstrated ability to create and read electrical schematics, design control panels, and implement industrial safety circuits (e.g., E-stops, light curtains, safety relays).
• Excellent ability to articulate technical concepts, project status, and troubleshooting efforts clearly to both technical and non-technical team members, including the Automation Project Manager and production staff
• Must be able to work closely with the Senior System Design Engineer to ensure seamless integration of sensors and actuators, and with the Robot & Controls Engineer to synchronize controls with robot motion and tasks
• Familiarity with industrial networking protocols (EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, etc.) and automated data collection systems (SCADA, MES) a plus
• Demonstrated ability to design experiments, collect and analyze data, and make engineering recommendations based on quantitative results.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary Pay Range

$ 75,000.00 - 110,000.00 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law.

Bonus

This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].

Benefits

MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.