Automation Engineer

Flex•Buffalo Grove, IL

About The Position

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world. A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary. Job Summary – Automation Engineer (Buffalo Grove, IL) We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to lead the design and implementation of advanced material handling and precision automated assembly lines for medical device manufacturing. This role will be based in Buffalo Grove, IL, and will play a critical part in driving innovation, reliability, and efficiency across our production operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics.
8–10 years of experience in medical device engineering, specifically in automated assembly environments.
Strong understanding of machine safety regulations, validation protocols, and change control processes.
Proficiency in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent CAD software.
Hands-on experience with technologies including pneumatics, conveyors, sensors, robots, AMRs, vision inspection systems, HMI, PLC, and SCADA systems.
Proven track record in integrating custom automation and turnkey solutions.
Excellent communication skills—verbal, written, and presentation.
Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and equipment.
Ability to travel internationally as needed.

Responsibilities

Support end-to-end automation projects—from concept and feasibility through fabrication, testing, and production deployment.
Design, engineer, and enhance moderately complex automation equipment, tooling, and applications to support scalable manufacturing processes.
Develop and maintain technical documentation including manuals, drawings, models, training materials, preventive maintenance plans, and troubleshooting guides.
Ensure machine uptime through proactive preventive and breakdown maintenance strategies.
Conduct root cause analysis and implement permanent corrective actions using structured problem-solving tools (e.g., Why-Why analysis).
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, operations, and vendors to ensure seamless integration and maintenance of automation systems.
Support validation activities for medical device assembly systems, including protocol development and execution.
Manage equipment vendors from design through Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
Provide technical feedback to improve process and equipment design.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance automation effectiveness and product quality.
Serve as a subject matter expert during machine commissioning, ramp-up, and troubleshooting phases.
Ensure compliance with machine safety standards and regulatory requirements.