Senior Automation Engineer

Syngenta Group • Malta, IL

6d • $114,100 - $163,000 • Onsite

About The Position

At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. To support this mission, Syngenta’s Automation & Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer in Malta, IL. This role will lead the design, development, prototyping, and deployment of end-to-end automation systems that drive efficiency, precision, and scalability within Seeds R&D. This hands-on role focuses on innovating and integrating engineering solutions from concept to production.
Reporting to the Engineering Manager, the ideal candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate complex requirements into robust, production-ready systems. Success in this role requires a blend of deep technical expertise, practical prototyping skills, and a passion for innovation in agricultural automation.

Requirements

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without requiring current or future sponsorship (which also includes OPT/CPT and H-1B visas).
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related experience.
• 7+ years in robotics and automation engineering, with at least 4 years in hands-on prototyping and automation system integration.
• Proven track record of delivering end-to-end projects in industrial automation or laboratory environments.
• Proficient in mechanical design using SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or CATIA.
• Experienced with finite element analysis (FEA) tools such as ANSYS for stress and structural analysis.
• Hands-on experience with servo motors, grippers, pneumatic actuators, and integration of pick-and-place robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and collaborative robots (e.g., Universal Robots, KUKA).
• Skilled in machine vision systems such as OpenCV, HALCON, Keyence, and Cognex VisionPro.
• Experienced in sensor fusion involving LiDAR, IMUs, and force/torque sensors.
• Familiar with rapid prototyping platforms such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi, as well as 3D printing.
• Experienced in PCB design, electronic wiring, breadboarding, and fabrication of custom electronic systems, such as soldering, enclosure design, and microcontroller integration.
• Expertise in Python, MATLAB, National Instruments LabVIEW, ROS (Robot Operating System), and C/C++/C#.
• Skilled in PLC programming using Ladder Logic and Structured Text.
• Proficient in leveraging AI-powered tools like GitHub Copilot to accelerate development, automate engineering tasks, and enhance team productivity.
• Experienced in applying version control best practices using Git-based systems (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket), such as branching strategies, commit hygiene, CI/CD integration, and team training for repository management and code integrity.

Responsibilities

• System Design & Development: Lead the architectural design and integration of automated systems from concept to production, incorporating PLCs, robotics, and mechanical/electrical components. Use CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) to produce detailed 3D models, simulations, and assembly drawings.
• Vision-Guided Automation: Develop and optimize high-speed, high-accuracy pick-and-place systems using machine vision and robotic arms to handle multiple payloads and operating environments.
• Prototyping & Implementation: Build and iterate physical prototypes using rapid prototyping methods (e.g., 3D printing, CNC machining). Perform hands-on assembly, testing, and debugging of components, ensuring seamless integration of sensors, actuators, and end-effectors. Coordinate with external vendors for parts fabrication as needed.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with breeders, data scientists, biologists, engineers, and operations teams to solve complex robotics and automation challenges.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Stay current with emerging technologies (e.g., collaborative robots, automation platforms) to deliver cutting-edge solutions.
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses and tradeoff evaluations to optimize design efficiency and component selection.
• Project Delivery & Governance: Manage project timelines and deliverables using Agile methodologies and engineering best practices.
• Documentation & Reporting: Prepare comprehensive technical reports, SOPs, and presentations to communicate findings and support regulatory submissions or patent filings.

Benefits

• A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members.
• Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs.
• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day.
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution.
• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior