Staff Automation Architect for Manufacturing Test Systems

Stryker; Portage (MI); Hybrid; USD 89,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

Stryker is seeking a Staff Advanced Manufacturing, Automation/Software Engineer to join our Advanced Operations team, supporting the Medical Division - Acute Care Business Unit. In this role, you will lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced automation and production test systems for new product introductions.

This hybrid role is based out of Portage, MI, with the team working onsite 4-5 days per week to support collaboration and project needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field.
• 4+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls, embedded systems, or manufacturing engineering.
• Experience leading full lifecycle of automation and test systems from requirements through validation and release.
• Strong proficiency reading mechanical, electrical, and system-level drawings.
• Experience with PLCs, controls engineering, SCADA, HMI development, and automated test systems.
• Ability to work with embedded boards, interfaces, and communication protocols (Serial, CAN, HTTP, etc.).
• Experience programming in Ladder Logic, Python, C#, Linux-based environments.
• Ability to design, validate, and troubleshoot firmware flashing and automated test tooling.
• Strong problem-solving, cross-functional communication, and technical leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of industrial automation and test systems from requirements, architecture, and design through implementation, validation, and release.
• Define system-level requirements encompassing mechanical, electrical, software, controls, and safety considerations.
• Develop and integrate control software, embedded interfaces, test sequences, and operator interfaces (HMI/SCADA).
• Ensure robust performance, maintainability, reliability, and alignment with design intent and manufacturing needs.
• Troubleshoot complex processes, software, and equipment issues; optimize system performance and uptime.
• Manage automation and equipment suppliers, including capability assessments, technical reviews, process monitoring, and on-site visits.
• Create clear URS documentation and ensure supplier deliverables meet specifications, regulatory requirements, and Stryker quality standards.
• Lead make/buy analyses, sourcing recommendations, cost and risk evaluations, and supplier selection.
• Support capital equipment sourcing, FAT/SAT execution, and factory commissioning.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Sourcing, Project Management, and external partners to ensure production readiness.
• Influence technical direction across product teams, challenge assumptions, and advocate for robust, user-centered solutions.
• Communicate progress, issues, and technical strategies to stakeholders at all levels.
• Contribute to engineering best practices, and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Industrial automation

Controls engineering

Embedded systems

Python

C#

Ladder Logic

Linux-based environments

CAN, Serial, HTTP

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

PLC programming

SCADA

HMI development

Job description

Stryker is seeking a Staff Advanced Manufacturing, Automation/Software Engineer to join our Advanced Operations team, supporting the Medical Division - Acute Care Business Unit. In this role, you will lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced automation and production test systems for new product introductions.

This hybrid role is based out of Portage, MI, with the team working onsite 4-5 days per week to support collaboration and project needs.