Automation & Instrumentation Engineer

E Ink•Fremont, CA

12d

About The Position

E Ink is seeking an Automation & Instrumentation Engineer to join its Optical Engineering and Automation team in Fremont. The role develops, integrates, and supports automated laboratories and test systems for electro-optic characterization and chemistry workflows. The engineer builds and owns systems combining hardware, software, and user applications, translating experimental and testing needs into reliable, maintainable automation solutions. The work involves open-ended engineering problems that require experimentation and iterative development, and collaboration with scientists, engineers, technicians, and equipment vendors.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electrical, or Robotics Engineering, or a related discipline, with 3–5 years of relevant professional experience; or a master’s degree in one of these fields with 1–3 years of relevant experience.
Strong Python programming skills.
Experience with CAD tools such as SolidWorks.
Experience integrating, assembling, wiring, prototyping, and troubleshooting multidisciplinary automated systems involving software, electrical hardware, instrumentation, sensors, and mechanical components.
Ability to translate loosely defined technical problems into system requirements and practical engineering solutions.
Strong technical documentation, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with scientists, engineers, technicians, and external equipment vendors.
Ability and willingness to independently learn new instruments, technologies, test methods, and scientific concepts.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing automation software, graphical user interfaces, or engineering applications for instrument control, data acquisition, laboratory testing, manufacturing, robotics, or similar hardware-based systems; LabVIEW experience is a plus.
Experience designing mechanical fixtures, sample holders, enclosures, or prototype hardware.
Familiarity with DAQs, oscilloscopes, sensors, relays, switches, motion-control hardware, and similar instrumentation.
Experience with automated data validation, diagnostic or failure-detection tools, engineering data visualization, or measurement-method development.
Experience with software version control, collaborative software development practices, and equipment-vendor coordination throughout specification, integration, installation, and acceptance testing.

Responsibilities

Partner with scientists and engineers to automate existing and new test methods, including designing and fabricating sample holders, enclosures, electrical subsystems, and user interfaces.
Upgrade and troubleshoot automated instruments involving spectrophotometers, cameras, and related electro-optic testing systems.
Support the design, programming, integration, and troubleshooting of chemistry lab automation systems in collaboration with scientists, engineers, and equipment vendors.
Integrate measurement and control hardware, including X-Rite instruments, DAQs, switches, relays, sensors, and other electrical and mechanical components.
Develop Python/LabVIEW automation software and integrate instrument-specific APIs and SDKs to improve testing efficiency, reliability, and scalability.
Develop methods for automated data validation, failure-mode detection, troubleshooting, and system maintenance.
Support database automation, data visualization, and production automation initiatives as needed.

Benefits

Competitive total compensation package, including performance-based bonus eligibility.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on the first day.
Company 401(k) match.
Paid time off and holidays.
Sick leave policy.
Casual day-to-day work environment.
Hybrid/flexible work environment for some positions.
Wellness programs.
Employee discounts.
Ongoing development and advancement opportunities.