Senior Automation Project Engineer

Trillium Staffing; Allentown (NJ); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Trillium Staffing is seeking a Senior Automation Project Engineer specializing in Material Handling and Robotics for a full-time position in Allentown, NJ. The role involves managing automated systems projects, client engagement, and technical leadership.

The ideal candidate has over 7 years of engineering experience and a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, with an annual salary between $130,000 and $150,000. This position supports a hybrid work model post-onboarding.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional engineering experience in automation, industrial robotics, or AGV systems.
• Experience leading multi-vendor technical projects from concept through commissioning.
• Strong understanding of industrial automated cleaning/wash systems and facility integration.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary technical point of contact for enterprise clients throughout project lifecycle.
• Manage project schedules, milestones, and resource plans.
• Lead system-level testing and validation for automated systems.

Skills

Project Management

Customer Engagement

Technical Leadership

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Revit

Job description

Trillium Professional is now seeking a Senior Automation Project Engineer who specializes in Material Handling, Robotics & AGVs for a full‑time position in Allentown, PA! This is a Hybrid – 1 Day Remote after onboarding. Annual salary is $130,000 – $150,000 / year.

Key Responsibilities

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for enterprise clients throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead design reviews, requirements discussions, and workflow mapping sessions with facility operations teams, plant managers, and engineering stakeholders.
• Translate customer needs into detailed engineering specifications and system requirements.
• Present technical concepts, project updates, and risk assessments to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Project Engineering & Technical Leadership

• Develop and manage system layouts, equipment specifications, and integration plans for automated wash systems, robotics, and AGV fleets.
• Oversee mechanical, electrical, and controls engineering activities to ensure alignment with project scope and performance criteria.
• Conduct feasibility studies, throughput analyses, and workflow optimization for automated product handling.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant industrial and compliance standards.

Robotics & AGV Coordination

• Coordinate with third‑party robotics integrators and AGV vendors to define interfaces, communication protocols, safety zones, and handoff points.
• Review and approve vendor engineering documentation, including functional design specs, network architecture, and safety assessments.
• Support the integration of robotic arms, specialized conveyors, automated dump/sorting stations, and AGV fleet management systems into the facility workflow.
• Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), troubleshooting, and final commissioning activities.

Project Management & Execution

• Develop project schedules, milestones, and resource plans; track progress and mitigate technical risks.
• Lead onsite installation coordination, ensuring alignment between construction crews, equipment vendors, and plant facility operations.
• Manage change orders, technical deviations, and scope clarifications.
• Ensure all deliverables meet stringent quality, performance, and safety requirements.

Testing, Validation & Documentation

• Lead system‑level testing, including functional validation, throughput verification, and safety system testing.
• Prepare and review comprehensive engineering documentation, including drawings, specifications, O&M manuals, and validation packages.
• Support customer training initiatives regarding system operation, routine maintenance, and technical troubleshooting.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Robotics, or a related engineering discipline.
• 7+ years of professional engineering experience, including at least 3 years directly focused on automation, industrial robotics, automated material handling, or AGV systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi‑vendor technical projects from concept through commissioning.
• Strong understanding of industrial automated cleaning/wash systems, industrial controls, and facility integration.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit preferred).
• Excellent customer‑facing communication, presentation, and cross‑functional leadership skills.
• Must be comfortable with occasional international travel (<25%) as required by project lifecycles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in GMP/GLP environments, biomedical research facilities, pharmaceutical production, or automated manufacturing with a strong R&D focus.
• Familiarity with robotic arm programming concepts, AGV fleet management software, and industrial machinery safety standards.
• Working knowledge of PLCs, SCADA systems, and industrial networking protocols.
• Experience utilizing throughput modeling or discrete‑event simulation tools.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license or PMP certification is a plus.

Trillium is an Equal Opportunity Employer.