Senior, Automation Engineer

Nordson EFD LLC; East Providence (RI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Nordson EFD is seeking a Senior Engineer, Automation to lead design, implementation, and support of automated manufacturing systems in a fast-paced environment. You will own equipment performance, reliability, and continuous improvement, working across mechanical, electrical, and controls disciplines.

Responsibilities include leading automation system design, PLC programming, robotics and vision integration, troubleshooting, and capital project execution from concept through production handoff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, 7+ years in automation field.
• Experience with vision systems (Cognex, Keyence) and PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Omron).
• Robot programming with ABB or Fanuc; design for manufacturability a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation system design, ownership and continuous improvement of equipment.
• Develop and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems and HMI interfaces.
• Program and integrate robotics and machine vision into production lines.
• Manage capital equipment projects through FAT/SAT, installation and handoff.

Skills

Vision System programming

PLC programming

Diagnostics

Robot programming

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

HMI design

UL/CE compliance

Motion controllers

Six Sigma Black Belt

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Cognex/Keyence vision

Allen-Bradley/Omron PLCs

ABB/Fanuc robotics

Job description

Nordson EFD, a global leader in Engineered Fluid Dispensing, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we are looking for candidates who share that same commitment.

Summary of the role As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment, where your ideas and contributions will be valued and respected.

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Engineer, Automation is a hands-on technical leader responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting automated manufacturing systems. This role requires strong mechanical, electrical, and controls engineering aptitude, with direct ownership of equipment performance, reliability, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Automation System Design & Ownership Lead the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing equipment, fixtures, and assembly processes. Serve as the technical owner for automation systems from concept through sustained production. Ensure automation solutions are robust, scalable, safe, and aligned with manufacturing requirements. Act as the escalation point for complex technical issues impacting equipment performance and uptime.

Mechanical Engineering & Machine Design

Design and modify mechanical systems including mechanisms, tooling, fixtures, and machine assemblies using SolidWorks. Improve machine reliability, ergonomics, throughput, and serviceability through thoughtful mechanical design. Redesign or modify components and systems to address chronic reliability, quality, or safety issues. Support Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Automation (DFA) initiatives.

#LI-NS1 Electrical & Controls Engineering

Design, specify, and troubleshoot electrical control systems including control panels, wiring schematics, sensors, actuators, motion devices, and safety components. Develop, program, and debug PLC-based control systems (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Omron), including I/O, sequencing, motion control, and safety logic. Configure and support HMI systems, ensuring intuitive operator interfaces, alarms, diagnostics, and system visibility. Ensure electrical designs and implementations comply with applicable UL, CE, and internal standards.

Robotics, Vision, and Advanced Automation

Program, integrate, and troubleshoot industrial robots (e.g., ABB, Fanuc), including motion optimization and end-of-arm tooling. Implement and maintain machine vision systems (e.g., Cognex, Keyence) for inspection, alignment, and process verification. Integrate robotics, vision, motion, and PLC systems into cohesive, reliable automation solutions.

Troubleshooting, Reliability & Production Support

Diagnose and resolve complex electromechanical system issues on live production equipment. Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for chronic downtime or performance losses. Establish preventive maintenance strategies, spare parts lists, and reliability improvements to maximize uptime. Provide hands-on support during equipment startups, ramp-ups, and sustained production.

Capital Equipment & Project Execution

Lead all aspects of capital equipment projects, including requirements definition, vendor selection, design reviews, and technical approvals. Manage FAT/SAT, installation, commissioning, validation, and production handoff. Prepare detailed cost justifications, ROI analyses, and capital expenditure requests. Coordinate internal and external resources to deliver projects on time and within budget. All other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree in relevant engineering discipline preferred. 7+ years of experience in a fast-paced automation field.

• Vision System programming (e.g., Cognex, Keyence)
• Programming Logic Controllers (PLC) (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Omron)
• Diagnostics/troubleshooting control system issues
• Robot programming (e.g., ABB, Fanuc)

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Proficient in Design/Drafting Tools AutoCAD and SolidWorks
• Configuring and designing HMI systems (e.g., Allen-Bradley. PC)
• Familiar with Industry Standards UL and CE
• Familiar with various Motion Controllers/Actuators
• Proven success in progress and change
• Advanced Electromechanical Skills
• Fluent in 3D modeling of parts, mechanisms, and assemblies
• Excellent communication skills
• Advanced Knowledge of Microsoft office products including Project, and Excel Ability to multitask and work effectively in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines.
• Ability to effectively present ideas and concepts to top management and to implement ideas that improve the process.
• Six Sigma Certification, Black Belt preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Office, lab & manufacturing environment. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

TRAVEL REQUIRED Minimal

About Nordson EFD

Nordson EFD is a world-leading designer and manufacturer of fluid dispensing systems and single-use fluid packaging. By joining our team today, you will help us bring innovative ideas to life.

Nordson EFD is a global team that works to create systems and consumables that improve the fluid dispensing process. We offer a supportive culture in a growing and dynamic work environment.

Whether you're just beginning your career or you're a seasoned professional, there's a place for you to belong at Nordson EFD.

We offer hourly and salary positions in production, maintenance, customer service, quality, engineering, and more. We actively invest in our teams to help you build your skillsets and advance your career.

At Nordson, we believe that anything is possible. We empower our global team of employees to engineer, manufacture, and market innovative products and systems that are essential to everyday life.

These differentiated products and systems are used for precision dispensing and processing and serve a variety of end markets, including packaging, transportation, medical, and electronics.

Founded in 1954, we are guided by our values of integrity, respect for people, customer passion, energy, and excellence.

We care for our employees and provide them with opportunities to advance their careers and make an impact, inside and outside of work.

Nordson is headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, and has direct operations in more than 35 countries to support our products and systems with application expertise and a direct global sales and service organization.