R&D Process Development & Automation Engineer

8974 DuPont Specialty Products USA, LLC; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

8974 DuPont Specialty Products USA, LLC is seeking a Process Development and Automation Engineer to design, implement, and advance automation and robotics solutions across laboratory, pilot, and process development environments. This role involves integrating hardware, controls, software, data systems, and instrumentation to accelerate experimentation and enable technology transfer.

The ideal candidate will possess a PhD or a BS/MS with 5+ years of relevant experience, strong CAD (SolidWorks)

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Robotics, or closely related field. Candidates with a BS or MS degree and 5+ years of relevant industry experience will also be considered.
• Proficiency in at least one 3D CAD modeling software package; SolidWorks preferred
• Proficiency in at least one programming language; C++ preferred
• 5+ years' experience designing, modifying, or supporting automated process equipment
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and within cross-functional teams
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including fluency in English
• Willingness to travel up to 10% as required
• Strong learning agility and ability to collaborate effectively across global teams, regions, and cultures

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automation and robotics solutions for laboratory, pilot, and process development environments, integrating hardware, controls, instrumentation, software, and data systems.
• Lead or support process development initiatives where automation can accelerate experimentation, improve scale-up, and enable effective technology transfer.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and operations teams to identify technical challenges and translate requirements into practical automation solutions.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external vendors to define project scope, develop Statements of Work (SOWs), procure equipment, and oversee installation, qualification, and startup activities.
• Participate in vendor visits to monitor fabrication quality and witness factory acceptance testing.
• Evaluate and apply emerging technologies in robotics, automation, sensing, digital tools, and advanced process development to drive innovation and business value.
• Ensure automation systems are designed, implemented, and operated with a strong focus on safety, reliability, maintainability, and user adoption.
• Verify that designs and specifications are accurate, complete, feasible, and compliant with applicable engineering and safety standards.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including design packages, standard operating procedures, troubleshooting guides, and lessons learned, to support sustainable operation and future scale-up efforts.

Skills

English communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Learning agility

Problem solving

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering / Robotics / Automation

BS/MS with 5+ years experience

Tools

SolidWorks

C++

CAD software

Job description

Overview

At DuPont, our purpose is to empower the world with essential innovations to thrive. We work on things that matter, including providing clean water, developing materials for everyday technology, and protecting workers. The Process Development and Automation Engineer role focuses on developing, implementing, and advancing automation, robotics, and integrated engineering solutions that enhance laboratory and process capabilities. This role spans lab automation, next-generation robotics, process development, and system integration to enable faster learning, higher productivity, and improved experimental quality. Responsibilities include improving existing manufacturing and laboratory equipment and developing new, custom-engineered systems to support research and development activities. The engineer evaluates concepts, develops proof-of-principle designs, builds prototypes, and scales solutions to commercial implementation.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automation and robotics solutions for laboratory, pilot, and process development environments, integrating hardware, controls, instrumentation, software, and data systems.
• Lead or support process development initiatives where automation can accelerate experimentation, improve scale-up, and enable effective technology transfer.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and operations teams to identify technical challenges and translate requirements into practical automation solutions.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external vendors to define project scope, develop Statements of Work (SOWs), procure equipment, and oversee installation, qualification, and startup activities.
• Participate in vendor visits to monitor fabrication quality and witness factory acceptance testing.
• Evaluate and apply emerging technologies in robotics, automation, sensing, digital tools, and advanced process development to drive innovation and business value.
• Ensure automation systems are designed, implemented, and operated with a strong focus on safety, reliability, maintainability, and user adoption.
• Verify that designs and specifications are accurate, complete, feasible, and compliant with applicable engineering and safety standards.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including design packages, standard operating procedures, troubleshooting guides, and lessons learned, to support sustainable operation and future scale-up efforts.

Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of automation, robotics, mechatronics, instrumentation, or related engineering disciplines.
• Demonstrated analytical and troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues.
• Creative and practical problem-solving skills with a track record of developing innovative engineering solutions.
• Experience designing, developing, or integrating electro-mechanical systems, robotic workcells, and automated laboratory or pilot-scale platforms.
• Ability to integrate hardware, controls, software, instrumentation, and process requirements into complete, reliable automation solutions.
• Understanding of experimental design, process development, data analysis, and data-driven decision making.
• Working knowledge of sensors, actuators, motion control systems, HMIs, and system diagnostics.
• Experience with system testing, validation, commissioning, and performance verification.
• Ability to evaluate technical risks and balance performance, cost, schedule, and reliability.
• Proficiency in creating 3D CAD models, detailed engineering drawings, and BOMs for components and assemblies.

Project Management & Communication

• Effectively manage multiple projects and programs, delivering high-quality results while meeting cost, schedule, and performance objectives.
• Thrive in fast-paced, dynamic research environments where priorities may evolve.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, technicians, operations personnel, and other stakeholders to drive project success.
• Communicate project goals, progress, risks, and outcomes clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Translate complex technical concepts into practical insights and recommendations for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrate strong planning, prioritization, organization, and execution skills to deliver projects and initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Robotics, or closely related field. Candidates with a BS or MS degree and 5+ years of relevant industry experience will also be considered.
• Proficiency in at least one 3D CAD modeling software package; SolidWorks preferred
• Proficiency in at least one programming language; C++ preferred
• 5+ years' experience designing, modifying, or supporting automated process equipment
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and within cross-functional teams
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including fluency in English
• Willingness to travel up to 10% as required
• Strong learning agility and ability to collaborate effectively across global teams, regions, and cultures

Preferred Experience

• Experience with laboratory automation, sample handling, robotics, vision systems, or integrated instrumentation
• Experience with controls, programming, data integration, or user interface development
• Experience working in research, pilot plant, product development, or innovation-driven environments
• Familiarity with vendor engagement, equipment qualification, and system commissioning
• Experience supporting scale-up, process improvement, or technology transfer activities

Additional Information

This position requires access to export-controlled technology, technical data, or defense services. Employment will be contingent upon the candidate’s ability to access export-controlled technology, technical data, or defense services as authorized pursuant to US regulation or an export authorization obtained by DuPont.

DuPont is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search or apply for a position, please visit our Accessibility Page for Contact Information.