Senior, Automation Engineer

Nordson; East Providence (RI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Nordson EFD is seeking a Senior Engineer, Automation to lead hands-on engineering for automated manufacturing systems. You will own the design, implementation, and ongoing optimization of mechanical, electrical, and controls solutions in a fast-paced environment.

The role requires expertise in PLC programming, robotics, vision systems, and 3D CAD (SolidWorks/AutoCAD). You will collaborate across teams to ensure safe, robust automation aligned with production needs and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required.
• 7+ years in a fast-paced automation field.
• Experience with PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Omron).
• Robotics programming (ABB, Fanuc).
• SolidWorks and AutoCAD knowledge.
• Experience with Cognex/Keyence vision systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Own automation systems from concept to production.
• Develop, implement, and troubleshoot electrical control systems and PLC logic.
• Program and commission robotics and vision systems; optimize motion and tooling.
• Support maintenance, reliability, and uptime improvements; provide startup support.

Skills

Automation design

PLC programming

Robotics

Vision systems

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

HMI design

Electrical schematics

Troubleshooting

Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Six Sigma Black Belt

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Omron PLC

ABB/Fanuc robotics

Cognex/Keyence vision systems

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.

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 a