Sr Principal Engineer, Automation Projects

Baxter International Inc.; Round Lake (IL); On-site; USD 128,000 - 176,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

ESPP

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Paid time off 20–35 days

Paid parental leave

Commuting benefits

Education assistance programs

Employee discount program

Job summary

Baxter International Inc. in Round Lake, IL, is seeking a seasoned Engineer to lead Process Automation projects in our internal manufacturing equipment group.

You will drive automation initiatives from concept through commissioning, with a hands-on role on the plant floor and a focus on safety, quality, and cost. This role requires a BS in Engineering, 8+ years of experience, CAD with SolidWorks, and familiarity with aseptic/cGMP environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering required; Mechanical Engineering preferred.
• 8+ years of engineering experience.
• Experience with SolidWorks CAD.
• Experience in aseptic or cGMP manufacturing environments preferred.
• Experience designing automated manufacturing equipment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation and capital equipment projects from concept through commissioning, defining scope, requirements, schedules, deliverables, and project goals.
• Develop URS, technical proposals, machine concepts, and cost estimates for automated machinery.
• Manage project execution to meet safety, quality, budget, and timeline objectives.
• Direct cross-functional teams including engineers, designers, technicians, and external suppliers across design, procurement, fabrication, installation, and acceptance.
• Provide technical guidance during equipment assembly, integration, debugging, testing, validation, and startup on the manufacturing floor.
• Oversee supplier and vendor performance to ensure equipment meets requirements.
• Investigate issues, identify root causes, and implement improvements.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation and training materials.
• Collaborate across global manufacturing and engineering organizations for project execution.

Skills

Project management

Engineering leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Technical communication

Education

BS in Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

This is where your work makes a difference.

At Baxter, we believe every person—regardless of who they are or where they are from—deserves a chance to live a healthy life. It was our founding belief in 1931 and continues to be our guiding principle.

We are redefining healthcare delivery to make a greater impact today, tomorrow, and beyond.

Our Baxter colleagues are united by our Mission to Save and Sustain Lives. Together, our community is driven by a culture of courage, trust, and collaboration. Every individual is empowered to take ownership and make a meaningful impact. We strive for efficient and effective operations, and we hold each other accountable for delivering exceptional results.

Here, you will find more than just a job—you will find purpose and pride.

Your role at Baxter

In this role, you will provide engineering leadership and project management for manufacturing equipment that is designed and built internally by Baxter Engineering’s Process Automation team. You will lead automation projects from early concept through final design and implementation, using standard engineering principles to solve complex problems with input from the team.

You will plan and lead project work, select appropriate engineering approaches, and ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget. In addition to technical leadership, you will support documentation, provide guidance to technicians, and help train others on automation technologies.

Your Team

The Engineering Process Automation team is a collaborative group that enjoys solving challenging problems that support patient needs. We work in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment and often need to adjust priorities to avoid production disruptions. The team values trust, teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement. Leadership supports learning and professional development.

What you'll be doing

• Lead automation and capital equipment projects from concept through commissioning, defining scope, requirements, schedules, deliverables, and project goals.
• Develop User Requirement Specifications (URS), technical proposals, machine concepts, and detailed cost estimates for custom automated machinery and manufacturing systems.
• Manage project execution to ensure safety, quality, budget, and timeline objectives are achieved while tracking expenditures and controlling approved capital funding.
• Direct cross-functional teams including engineers, designers, technicians, manufacturing personnel, and external suppliers throughout design, procurement, fabrication, installation, and acceptance activities.
• Provide technical guidance during equipment assembly, integration, debugging, troubleshooting, testing, validation, and startup, maintaining a strong hands‑on presence on the manufacturing floor.
• Oversee supplier and vendor performance to ensure equipment meets technical, quality, and delivery requirements.
• Investigate manufacturing and field performance issues, identify root causes, and implement sustainable equipment and process improvements.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including specifications, validation packages, operating procedures, and training materials.
• Foster collaboration across global manufacturing and engineering organizations to support project execution and technology deployment.

What you'll bring

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering is required; Mechanical Engineering is preferred.
• 8 or more years of engineering experience.
• Experience using mechanical CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Experience working in an aseptic processing or cGMP manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience developing automated manufacturing equipment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to lead and work within small, cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to develop solutions that balance technical performance, cost, and business needs.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 20% of the time.

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. At Baxter, we are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices. The estimated base salary for this position is $128,000 - $176,000 annually. The estimated range is meant to reflect an anticipated salary range for the position. We may pay more or less than of the anticipated range based upon market data and other factors, all of which are subject to change. Individual pay is based on location, skills and expertise, experience, and other relevant factors. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

US Benefits at Baxter (except for Puerto Rico)

This is where your well-being matters. Baxter offers comprehensive compensation and benefits packages for eligible roles. Our health and well-being benefits include medical and dental coverage that start on day one, as well as insurance coverage for basic life, accident, short-term and long-term disability, and business travel accident insurance. Financial and retirement benefits include the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), with the ability to purchase company stock at a discount, and the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (RSP), with options for employee contributions and company matching. We also offer Flexible Spending Accounts, educational assistance programs, and time-off benefits such as paid holidays, paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service, family and medical leaves of absence, and paid parental leave. Additional benefits include commuting benefits, the Employee Discount Program, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and childcare benefits. Join us and enjoy the competitive compensation and benefits we offer to our employees.

For additional information regarding Baxter US Benefits, visit our Benefits site: Benefits | Baxter.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Baxter is an equal opportunity employer. Baxter evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

Reasonable Accommodations

Baxter is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities globally. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please click on the link here and let us know the nature of your request along with your contact information.