Senior Equipment Engineer
The Senior Equipment Engineer will be responsible for the ownership, qualification, process ownership, and continuous improvement of advanced automated manufacturing equipment. This includes systems that integrate robotics, machine vision, servo motion control, pneumatics, and PLC-based automation. The role requires a hands-on engineer with strong technical expertise to ensure high equipment uptime, process stability, and regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities:
* Serve as the primary owner for automated manufacturing equipment, covering mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and control subsystems.
* Develop and execute equipment qualification protocols (IQ, OQ, PQ) to support regulated manufacturing operations.
* Troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues involving PLCs, servo drives, robotics, HMIs, machine vision systems, and pneumatic circuits.
* Drive preventive and predictive maintenance programs to maximize uptime and equipment reliability.
* Support new product introductions by adapting equipment tooling, automation sequences, and test protocols.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve throughput, yield, and OEE through equipment enhancements.
* Partner with equipment vendors on upgrades, retrofits, spare parts management, and FAT/SAT processes.
* Provide training and mentorship to technicians and junior engineers on equipment operation and troubleshooting.
* Ensure compliance with EHS standards and lockout/tagout requirements during interventions.
Required Qualifications:
* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
* 7+ years of experience in equipment or automation engineering in a regulated manufacturing environment (medical device, pharma, or similar).
* Demonstrated expertise in:
* PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent).
* Robotics integration for assembly and material handling.
* Machine vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, or similar).
* Servo and motion control systems.
* Pneumatic control and automation.
* Strong background in equipment validation and regulatory compliance.
* Excellent problem-solving, project management, and cross-functional communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience with high-speed automated assembly and inspection equipment.
* Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification.
* Knowledge of GMP requirements and cleanroom automation.
* Proven ability to manage vendors and negotiate technical requirements.