Senior Automation Engineer — Intelligent Manufacturing

NOVA Biomedical GmbH; Waltham (MA); Hybrid; USD 98,000 - 164,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid and flexible work arrangements

401k company match

Bonus Program

Generous PTO and paid holidays

Job summary

Nova Biomedical is building its next generation of automation capabilities across Massachusetts sites and seeks a hands‑on Sr. Automation Control Engineer. You will support production operations, lead automation projects from concept through deployment, and drive improvements in quality, efficiency, and ergonomics.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in automation, strong PLC, SCADA, and data integration skills, and a passion for growing into digital manufacturing within a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field, or equivalent hands‑on experience.
• 8+ years in automation, preferably in regulated medical device or diagnostics environments.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and control systems.
• Strong PLC mastery (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens) and controls integration experience.
• Experience with SCADA/PI Historian data integration and ERP interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily technical support for manufacturing floor equipment across multiple MA sites.
• Lead design, installation, and qualification of new automation systems including robotics and vision systems.
• Create URS/FRS, validation documents, and test protocols in ISO 13485/FDA environments.
• Coordinate with electricians, vendors, and cross‑functional teams to meet schedule and quality goals.
• Own data connectivity between equipment and supervisory systems (SCADA/AVEVA Wonderware, PI Historian, PLC/HMI).

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA integration

Robotics/cobots

Electrical troubleshooting

Mechanical troubleshooting

Controls engineering

Industrial automation

HMI/PLC logic

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Mechatronics

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

SCADA/ Wonderware

OSIsoft PI Historian

SAP

Job description

Nova Biomedical is an Equal Opportunity Employer in compliance with Affirmative Action in hiring and promoting women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Nova Biomedical: One Global Brand. One Vision. Together under one name.

Advanced Instruments and Nova Biomedical are now united under one brand, Nova Biomedical, marking a major milestone in our journey to deliver greater value to our customers. By combining our strengths, we're accelerating innovation, supporting critical workflows, and delivering world-class service across the biopharmaceutical and clinical markets.

Job Summary:

Nova Biomedical is building its next generation of automation capabilities across multiple manufacturing sites and is seeking a hands-on Sr. Automation Control Engineer with strong manufacturing support experience, proven mechanical and electrical troubleshooting ability, and a developing skill set in automation integration. This role will support production operations and lead or assist automation equipment projects across Nova Biomedical’s Massachusetts sites, with focus areas including improving quality, efficiency, capacity, and ergonomics; sustaining and troubleshooting production equipment; and supporting equipment data integration including SCADA/AVEVA Wonderware, OSIsoft PI Historian, and future MES/EBR enablement in a regulated environment. The ideal candidate brings experience supporting automation equipment and a strong desire to grow further into controls, integration, and digital manufacturing.

Responsibilities:

• Provide daily technical support for manufacturing floor and equipment across Waltham, Norwood, and Billerica.
• Diagnose and resolve issues across mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and basic control systems.
• Coordinate with onsite electricians and technicians to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability.
• Conduct system reviews and drive mechanical and controls improvements.
• Lead the design, installation, and qualification of new automation systems, including robotics/cobots, palletizers, automated dispensing systems, vision inspection systems, mechanical upgrades, and OEM equipment.
• Create and execute User Requirements Specifications and Functional Requirements Specifications for automation projects.
• Manage vendor selection, FAT/SAT, and commissioning activities while ensuring scope, schedule, and quality objectives are met.
• Own and execute connections between equipment and supervisory/data systems, including SCADA/AVEVA Wonderware, OSIsoft PI Historian, PLC/HMI platforms, and future MES/EBR systems.
• Resolve PLC/HMI issues and support continued learning and growth in hands-on controls programming and integration.
• Standardize integration templates, including tags, alarms, and connectivity, as Nova Biomedical matures its digital architecture.
• Author and maintain engineering documents, including URS, FRS, change controls, and test protocols.
• Maintain drawings and technical documentation in Nova Biomedical systems, including J-Drive, I-Drive, and MasterControl.
• Deliver validation packages, including IQ/OQ/PQ documentation, in ISO 13485 and FDA QSR environments.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Safety, Quality, Operations, Facilities, and R&D to deliver results.
• Engage operators and supervisors to identify pain points and implement process improvements.
• Advance Nova Biomedical’s long-term automation strategy by identifying and delivering opportunities for automation, error-proofing, and integration.

Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in automation preferably within medical device, diagnostics, biotech, or other regulated industries.
• Advanced mechanical and electrical troubleshooting capabilities.
• Strong mastery of PLC systems, including Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms.
• Strong understanding of controls engineering, industrial automation architecture, sensors, instrumentation, motion, and communication protocols.
• Experience with SCADA, PI Historian, and equipment data integration.
• Hands-on experience with robotics/cobots, automated systems, and industrial vision systems.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks and AutoCAD for equipment and system documentation.
• Experience writing and maintaining URS, FRS, validation documents, IQ/OQ/PQ documentation, test protocols, and change controls.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Minitab, and SAP.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple automation projects simultaneously from concept through deployment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Operations, Facilities, and R&D teams.
• Hands-on, proactive approach with strong floor presence.
• Ability to prioritize and manage work across multiple sites.
• Proven experience supporting automation systems, equipment integration, and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated experience delivering URS/FRS, engineering specifications, FAT/SAT, and technical documentation.
• Ability to read, create, and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, PLC/HMI logic flow, and system documentation.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming software, HMI platforms, vision systems, and robotics/cobots.
• Experience with manufacturing data and automation platforms, including SCADA/AVEVA Wonderware, OSIsoft PI Historian, and equipment connectivity/data integration.
• Experience working in regulated environments, including ISO 13485, FDA QSR, GDP, and GMP.
• Familiarity with CMMS systems, such as Mpulse.
• ISA Certified Automation Professional or similar credentials preferred.
• Must live within commuting distance of Waltham, Norwood, and Billerica; no relocation assistance is provided.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel regularly across Nova Biomedical’s Massachusetts sites based on business need

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Able to stand, walk, and move for extended periods.
• Capacity to lift and carry up to [25–50] pounds as required.
• Comfort with performing repetitive physical tasks.
• Able to bend, reach, stoop, or climb as needed.
• Willingness to work in varying environmental conditions (e.g., noise, temperature, equipment).
• Proficiency in operating tools, machinery, or technical equipment.
• Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) required.

Why Work for Nova Biomedical

• Competitive 401k company match
• Bonus Program, Generous PTO and paid holidays
• Hybrid and flexible work arrangements
• Professional development, engagement and events
• Company marketplace for lunch and snacks in our Norwood, MA, Billerica, MA and Westbrook, ME offices
• Company subsidized cafeteria in our Waltham, MA office

Work Location: Primarily on-site at our Manning Road facility in Billerica, MA, with additional on-site responsibilities at other Billerica locations and our Waltham and Norwood, MA facilities. Up to 20% local travel between sites is required..

Schedule/Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm

Targeted Salary Range: $149k - $164k per year

Nova Biomedical believes in transparency and integrity throughout all we do, including compensation. The provided salary range for this role represents the expected base salary or hourly rate for this opening. Actual compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and may vary based on individual factors such as location, skills, and education.

About the Company

At Nova Biomedical, we’re not just building instruments, we’re powering breakthroughs that improve lives. Our smart, science-driven solutions are trusted in over 100 countries to speed drug development and enhance patient care.

Our integration brings together more than 70 years of scientific excellence with Nova’s cutting-edge innovation, forming a powerhouse of precision, purpose, and possibility. With FDA-registered, ISO-certified manufacturing, more than 125 FDA approvals, and industry-trusted diagnostics, we’re setting new standards in quality and reliability. Nova Biomedical is proud to be a global leader in osmolality testing and biotechnology and in vitro diagnostic (IVD) instrumentation, dedicated to advancing patient care and scientific discovery with a legacy that continues to shape the future of life sciences.

With headquarters in Norwood and Waltham, Massachusetts, and a global team of nearly 2,000 employees, we’re building a collaborative, empowered culture grounded in shared values: Customer Centricity, Ingenuity, Ownership & Accountability, Collaboration, and Integrity.

Working at Nova Biomedical means joining a mission-driven organization where your contributions matter. Whether you're in engineering, science, manufacturing, or support, you’ll be part of a team that values innovation, invests in your growth, and is committed to making a real-world impact on global health.

Nova Biomedical takes pride in being an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse and inclusive workforce. As a part of our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, Nova Biomedical will continue to take steps to assure that recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion, compensation, and all other personnel decisions are made and administered without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information or any other protected class.