Sr. Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Nova Biomedical • Waltham, MA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Nova Biomedical is seeking a hands-on Senior Automation Control Engineer to support production operations and automation projects across its Massachusetts manufacturing sites. The role focuses on improving quality, efficiency, capacity, and ergonomics; sustaining and troubleshooting production equipment; and integrating equipment data with supervisory and data systems in a regulated environment. The engineer will support manufacturing at Waltham, Norwood, and Billerica, with the primary work location at the Manning Road facility in Billerica and regular local travel between sites.

The position leads or assists automation projects from design through installation, qualification, and commissioning. Project areas include robotics and cobots, palletizers, automated dispensing, vision inspection, mechanical upgrades, and OEM equipment. The engineer will also support PLC/HMI systems, SCADA/AVEVA Wonderware, OSIsoft PI Historian, and future MES/EBR enablement, while developing and standardizing equipment integration practices.

The role requires engineering documentation and validation in regulated manufacturing environments, including URS and FRS documents, change controls, test protocols, and IQ/OQ/PQ packages. The engineer works cross-functionally with Manufacturing Engineering, Safety, Quality, Operations, Facilities, and R&D, engaging operators and supervisors to identify and implement improvements. The schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The targeted salary range is $149,000–$164,000 per year.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• At least 8 years of automation experience, preferably in medical device, diagnostics, biotech, or another regulated industry.
• Advanced mechanical and electrical troubleshooting capabilities.
• Strong mastery of PLC systems, including Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms.
• Strong understanding of controls engineering, industrial automation architecture, sensors, instrumentation, motion, and communication protocols.
• Experience with SCADA, PI Historian, and equipment data integration.
• Hands-on experience with robotics/cobots, automated systems, and industrial vision systems.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks and AutoCAD for equipment and system documentation.
• Experience writing and maintaining URS, FRS, validation documents, IQ/OQ/PQ documentation, test protocols, and change controls.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Minitab, and SAP.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple automation projects simultaneously from concept through deployment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Operations, Facilities, and R&D teams.
• Hands-on, proactive approach with strong floor presence.
• Ability to prioritize and manage work across multiple sites.
• Proven experience supporting automation systems, equipment integration, and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated experience delivering URS/FRS, engineering specifications, FAT/SAT, and technical documentation.
• Ability to read, create, and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, PLC/HMI logic flow, and system documentation.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming software, HMI platforms, vision systems, and robotics/cobots.
• Experience with manufacturing data and automation platforms, including SCADA/AVEVA Wonderware, OSIsoft PI Historian, and equipment connectivity/data integration.
• Experience in regulated environments, including ISO 13485, FDA QSR, GDP, and GMP.
• Must live within commuting distance of Waltham, Norwood, and Billerica; relocation assistance is not provided.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel regularly across Nova Biomedical’s Massachusetts sites based on business needs.
• Able to stand, walk, and move for extended periods; lift and carry up to 25–50 pounds as required; perform repetitive physical tasks; and bend, reach, stoop, or climb as needed.
• Comfort working in varying environmental conditions, including noise, temperature, and equipment-related conditions.
• Proficiency operating tools, machinery, or technical equipment; use of appropriate personal protective equipment is required.

Nice To Haves

• ISA Certified Automation Professional or similar credentials.
• Familiarity with CMMS systems such as Mpulse.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily technical support for manufacturing floors and equipment across Waltham, Norwood, and Billerica.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and basic control-system issues.
• Coordinate with onsite electricians and technicians to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability.
• Conduct system reviews and drive mechanical and controls improvements.
• Lead the design, installation, and qualification of automation systems, including robotics/cobots, palletizers, automated dispensing systems, vision inspection systems, mechanical upgrades, and OEM equipment.
• Create and execute User Requirements Specifications (URS) and Functional Requirements Specifications (FRS) for automation projects.
• Manage vendor selection, FAT/SAT, and commissioning while meeting project scope, schedule, and quality objectives.
• Connect equipment with supervisory and data systems, including SCADA/AVEVA Wonderware, OSIsoft PI Historian, PLC/HMI platforms, and future MES/EBR systems.
• Resolve PLC/HMI issues and develop hands-on controls programming and integration capabilities.
• Standardize integration templates, including tags, alarms, and connectivity.
• Author and maintain engineering documents, including URS, FRS, change controls, and test protocols.
• Maintain drawings and technical documentation in J-Drive, I-Drive, and MasterControl.
• Deliver validation packages, including IQ/OQ/PQ documentation, in ISO 13485 and FDA QSR environments.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Safety, Quality, Operations, Facilities, and R&D to deliver results.
• Engage operators and supervisors to identify pain points and implement process improvements.
• Identify and deliver opportunities for automation, error-proofing, and integration as part of the company’s long-term automation strategy.
• Manage multiple automation projects from concept through deployment and prioritize work across multiple sites.
• Travel regularly between Nova Biomedical’s Massachusetts sites based on business needs; up to 20% local travel is required.

Benefits

• Flexible medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Competitive 401(k) company match.
• Bonus program.
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Hybrid and flexible work arrangements.
• Professional development, engagement, and events.
• Company marketplace for lunch and snacks at the Norwood, Billerica, and Westbrook offices.
• Company-subsidized cafeteria at the Waltham office.

What This Job Offers

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