Automation Engineer (Mechanical Systems & Integration)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Life and disability insurance

12 paid holidays

Sick time

15 paid vacation days

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

MKS Instruments, Inc. in Methuen, MA is seeking an Automation Engineer for a hybrid role that supports automation development across global production sites.

You will collaborate with manufacturing and automation professionals to improve efficiency, cost, quality, and capacity in our vacuum systems. You will design, specify, and integrate automated systems, select motors and sensors, develop machine concepts in SolidWorks, and lead startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting of automation

Qualifications

• BS degree in engineering discipline (Mechanical/Mechatronics/Industrial).
• 2+ years hands-on experience designing and implementing automated manufacturing systems.
• Experience integrating sensors, actuators, VFDs, robots, and servo motors.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, design control panels, and implement safety circuits.

Responsibilities

• Design, specify, and integrate automated mechanical systems (motion, end-of-arm tooling, fixturing, conveyors).
• Develop machine concepts and layouts using CAD tools (SolidWorks).
• Select and integrate motors, actuators, gearboxes, sensors, pneumatics, and safety devices.
• Support and lead design reviews, prototyping, assembly, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Lead integration, startup, verification, commissioning, and troubleshooting of automated solutions.
• Design experiments and proofs-of-concept to evaluate new automation technologies.

Skills

BS degree in Mechanical Eng / Mechatro

Education

BS degree in Mechanical Eng, Mechatronics, or Industrial Eng

Tools

SolidWorks CAD

Industrial networking protocols

Job description

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].

• 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
• Tuition reimbursement
• [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.]

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies.

MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: [e-mail].

At MKS, it’s all about courage, big ideas, and a serious passion for innovation. Winning here is about exploring possibilities, taking action, and solving our customers’ toughest challenges. It’s not just a job – it’s what you make of it. While you shape your role and make it unique, we invest in you with on‑the‑job and formal training, as well as educational assistance. Curiosity is key at MKS - ask questions, own your path. Our success comes from celebrating the unique skills, diverse perspectives, and lived experience of employees from over 100 countries. The goal is to make sure that everyone feels that they belong. Diversity isn’t just a nice‑to‑have; making sure everyone feels included is a big deal for us. Our group of ~10,000 employees serves semiconductor manufacturing, electronics and packaging, and specialty industrial markets. With over 3,800 patents, our products are enabling advancements in 5G, renewable energy & storage, artificial intelligence, cloud technology, and big data. We’re the behind‑the‑scenes support for some amazing technology. MKS Inc., enables technologies that transform our world. MKS Inc, Product Overview.