Principal Automation Engineer

Lutron Electronics Co., Inc; Coopersburg (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 150,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. seeks a Principal Automation Engineer at its Global Headquarters in Coopersburg, PA.

You will drive the architecture, design, development, and deployment of automated systems across the production environment, mentoring engineers and collaborating with cross‑functional teams and external integrators. Responsibilities include leading custom machinery development, PLC/motion control integration, safety standards, and FAT/SAT programs, with a focus on continuous

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in automation engineering with hands‑on work in custom automation machinery.
• Experience overseeing automation projects with full lifecycle ownership.
• Strong knowledge of industrial safety standards (ISO, IEC, ANSI, NFPA).
• Proven ability to influence cross‑functional technical discussions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the specification, development, and validation of custom automated machinery and robotic cells.
• Architect control systems with PLCs, motion control, robotics, machine vision, and safety systems.
• Define automation standards and design methodologies for long‑term scalability.
• Serve as technical lead on large automation projects from concept to start‑up in the destination facility.

Skills

Automation engineering

Cross-functional leadership

Systems thinking

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering / Mechatronics / Robotics

Tools

None

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an accomplished Principal Automation Engineer to join our team out of our Global Headquarters in Coopersburg, PA. In this role, you will drive the architecture, design, development, and deployment of automated systems that improve throughput, quality, and operational efficiency across our production environment with deep expertise in custom automation equipment, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies. This position requires technical mastery, systems-level thinking, and the ability to mentor engineers while collaborating with cross-functional teams and third-party integrators.

Responsibilities

• Lead the specification, development, and validation of custom automated machinery, robotic cells, and integrated manufacturing systems.
• Work closely with our integration partners to architect control system solutions involving PLCs, motion control, robotics, machine vision, industrial networking, and safety systems.
• Define automation standards, best practices, and design methodologies for long-term scalability.
• Serve as the technical lead on large, complex automation projects from concept through start-up in the destination manufacturing facility.
• Develop functional and technical specifications, system layouts, risk assessments, and factory and site acceptance test plans.
• Oversee system integration, debugging, optimization, and factory acceptance testing (FAT/SAT).
• Partner with manufacturing, quality, operations, and product engineering teams to identify automation opportunities and production constraints.
• Support business case development, ROI analysis, and roadmap planning for automation investments.
• Communicate project status, risks, and design decisions to engineering leadership and operations stakeholders.
• Evaluate emerging automation technologies, robotics platforms, sensors, and AI‑enhanced tools for potential adoption.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase reliability, reduce cycle time, and improve manufacturability.
• Champion automation safety, risk reduction, and compliance with all industry standards.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers in robotics, controls, machine design, and project execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience in automation engineering, with significant hands‑on work in custom automation machinery.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.00 for all degrees earned.
• Extensive experience overseeing automation projects with full lifecycle ownership of all technical aspects.
• Strong understanding of industrial safety standards (ISO, IEC, ANSI, NFPA).
• Proven ability to drive cross‑functional technical discussions and influence strategic decisions.

Equal Opportunity

Lutron Electronics is an Equal Opportunity – Affirmative Action – Employer. We welcome qualified, motivated applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.