Lead Automation Engineer

Quest Diagnostics; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading diagnostics company is seeking a Regional Automation Engineer responsible for leading all automation systems in Florida. You will manage and optimize advanced automated equipment, ensure compliance with safety standards, and develop industrial robots for diverse applications. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in industrial automation and strong programming skills in PLCs. This role offers opportunities for continuous improvement initiatives and requires flexibility in work schedules.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in industrial automation integration and robot programming.
• Proficient with programming PLCs like Allen-Bradley or Siemens.

Responsibilities

• Lead operation and preventive maintenance of advanced automated equipment.
• Validate new automation system implementations and ensure compliance.
• Optimize automation systems for reliability and performance.

Skills

Industrial automation integration

Robot programming

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field

Tools

PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens)

Robotics systems (FANUC, ABB, KUKA)

SCADA

CMMS

Job description

Overview

Regional Automation Engineer is responsible to lead all automation systems inside our region, drive continuous improvement initiatives to our automated systems, troubleshooting automated equipment, analyzing performance and reliability, collaborating with Enterprise Automation Team on creating or improving automated systems inside our labs.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the operation, preventive maintenance, and repair of advanced automated equipment which supports continuous lab operations, 24/7 operations.
• Validate and lead all new automation system implementation inside our region, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
• Optimize existing automation systems for better reliability and performance.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis of automation systems to minimize downtime and improve OEE.
• Develop and program industrial robots (e.g., FANUC, ABB, KUKA, UR, YASKAWA) for various automation applications such as material handling and inter-process connectivity.
• Manage and document automation software revisions, electrical schematics, system configurations, including service/repair reports, calibrations, etc.
• Be the regional automation SME, supporting and training leaders for all lab automated systems.
• Work in collaboration with the Enterprise Automation team to design, install and commission new automation systems including PLCs, HMIs, Vision Systems & Sensors, Actuators and industrial networks into cohesive control systems to enhance efficiency and reduce cost.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in industrial automation and engineering control.
• Support preventive maintenance programs and drive proactive reliability strategies.
• Experience with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechatronics, Electromechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in industrial automation integration and robot programming.
• Proficient with programming PLCs (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
• Expertise in robotics systems (FANUC, ABB, KUKA, etc.) and vision-guided systems a plus.
• Expertise in AI and vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, Matrox, Omron, etc.).
• Proficiency in SCADA, HMI development, and industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, MODBUS, Profibus, etc.); strong understanding of PID control loops, motion controls, etc.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking and control systems.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, six sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical and project management skills.
• Strong communication skills and ability to lead technical discussions across teams.
• Able to differentiate between color-coded wires and interpret visual readouts.
• Willingness to work flexible schedule/shift including weekends, nights, and/or holidays.

About The Team

Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.

While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.