Lead MFG Automation Engineer

Danaher Corporation•Lodi, CA

4d•$127,500 - $175,500•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead MFG Automation Engineer (Mechanical/Controls) is responsible for applying engineering principles to the planning, design, development, documentation, testing, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing equipment, instruments, systems, and related processes that support reliable production performance. This position reports to the Sr. Manager, MFG Automation Engineering and is part of the MFG Automation Engineering department located in Lodi, CA, and will be an on-site role. In this role, you will have the opportunity to define, govern, and continuously improve controls architecture, programming standards, and reliability strategies for automated manufacturing systems. You will lead systemic failure investigations and drive corrective actions for chronic, high-impact automation issues. You will also drive improvements in manufacturing KPIs (OEE, MTBF, throughput, yield, Cycle time) through mechanical and controls optimization and modernization initiatives. Partner cross-functionally with Process, Maintenance, Quality, IT/OT, and EHS to ensure safe, compliant, and robust automation solutions. Mentor and develop Senior and Mid-level Automation Engineers, elevating overall engineering capability and technical rigor. Provide expert input into capital projects, OEM selection, equipment design reviews, and automation roadmaps.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in: Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Industrial Engineering with 8+ years of related work experience OR Master’s degree in field with 6+ years of related work experience OR Doctoral degree in field with 3+ years of work experience
Industrial Automation Expertise: Deep hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLCs, servo systems, robotics, vision systems, and electrical safety standards in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
Advanced Troubleshooting & Reliability Engineering: Proven ability to lead complex root cause investigations and implement long-term solutions using FMEA, RCA, Fault Tree Analysis, and other reliability-focused methodologies.
Technical Leadership: Demonstrated success leading cross-functional automation projects, influencing engineering, maintenance, quality, and operations teams, while mentoring engineers and technicians
Controls Architecture & SCADA Systems: Experience developing and deploying engineering standards across multiple production lines, with advanced expertise in SCADA platforms (Ignition, FactoryTalk, or equivalent) for system monitoring, data acquisition, and performance optimization
Ability to work on-site in a manufacturing environment and support equipment-related activities as needed.
Ability to lift, move, or carry tools, components, or equipment consistent with site safety requirements.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience with electro-mechanical equipment in an automated manufacturing or production environment.
Experience using Six Sigma or continuous improvement tools to improve reliability, quality, or process performance.

Responsibilities

Define, govern, and continuously improve controls architecture, programming standards, and reliability strategies for automated manufacturing systems.
Lead systemic failure investigations and drive corrective actions for chronic, high-impact automation issues.
Drive improvements in manufacturing KPIs (OEE, MTBF, throughput, yield, Cycle time) through mechanical and controls optimization and modernization initiatives.
Partner cross-functionally with Process, Maintenance, Quality, IT/OT, and EHS to ensure safe, compliant, and robust automation solutions.
Mentor and develop Senior and Mid-level Automation Engineers, elevating overall engineering capability and technical rigor.
Provide expert input into capital projects, OEM selection, equipment design reviews, and automation roadmaps.