Staff Automation Controls Engineer

Electro Org; Newark (CA); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

On-site locations California

Job summary

Cepheid, a Danaher operating company, is seeking a Staff Automation Controls Engineer to advance life-saving diagnostic systems through advanced automation engineering. You will mentor colleagues and develop innovative automation solutions, leading projects from concept to deployment.

Responsibilities include designing custom automation, SCADA/PLC/HMI programming, and ensuring regulatory compliance. On-site work in California locations with travel up to 15% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field required.
• Advanced degrees preferred with relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead full project lifecycle from architecture to implementation.
• Mentor junior Controls Engineers.
• Design automation equipment and develop SCADA, PLC, and HMI programs.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Troubleshoot SCADA and communication protocols.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Doctorate

Tools

RSLogix

FactoryTalk

Job description

On-site at specified California locations

Mechanical engineering / Automation

160.0K - 180.0K USD None

Start: Immediately

None Full time Job

Required degree: Bachelor

Company size: 1000+

About job

Cepheid, a Danaher operating company, seeks a Staff Automation Controls Engineer to contribute to life‑saving diagnostic systems through advanced automation engineering. This role offers an opportunity to make tangible impact in healthcare while mentoring engineering colleagues and developing innovative automation solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead full project development lifecycle including architecture, design, and implementation
• Mentor and advise less experienced Controls Engineers
• Design custom automation equipment and develop SCADA, PLC, and HMI programs
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations
• Troubleshoot SCADA system performance and communication protocols

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with 8+ years, Master's with 6+ years, or Doctorate with 3+ years of related experience
• In-depth PLC program design experience with Rockwell software (RS Logix, FactoryTalk)
• Expertise in Ignition SCADA platform (Perspective and Vision modules)
• Database management experience (PostgreSQL, MySQL) with Python scripting
• Knowledge of communication protocols (DeviceNet, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA, etc.)
• MES system integration with SCADA
• Experience in FDA regulated environments
• Project management capabilities
• Complex on-prem and cloud architecture implementation
• Vision inspection systems (Cognex) expertise

Conditions

• Competitive salary with bonus/incentive eligibility
• Up to 15% travel requirement (including potential international travel)
• On-site work in California locations
• Equal opportunity employment with disability accommodations

About us

Cepheid, part of the Danaher family of companies, is dedicated to improving healthcare through fast, accurate molecular diagnostic systems, operating within a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Biotechnology and Diagnostic Systems

What we do

We develop and implement advanced automation controls and SCADA systems for life‑saving diagnostic equipment, ensuring reliability, compliance, and efficiency in healthcare technology manufacturing.