Mechanical Design Engineer (Automation) - #1163492

Your Job

The Senior Automation Engineer leads automation initiatives across machine design, process development, and manufacturing improvement to support new product introduction (NPI), operational excellence, and business growth. This role is responsible for designing, developing, qualifying, and implementing automated assembly equipment, jigs, fixtures, and manufacturing solutions that improve productivity, quality, safety, and cost efficiency.

You will manage automation projects from concept to production launch, ensuring deliverables meet budget, schedule, and quality requirements. This includes machine validation, equipment qualification, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement to achieve targets for OEE, yield, cycle time, and process capability. As a senior contributor, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and external suppliers, mentor junior engineers, and drive best practices and standardization. Regional or international travel may be required.

Our Team

You will be part of the DataCom and Specialty Solutions Division, working closely with Product Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Operations, and external suppliers to deliver automation solutions across the business.

What You Will Do

• Design and develop semi-automated and fully automated machines, fixtures, and assembly solutions to support new products and process improvements

• Prepare and maintain engineering documentation, including 3D/2D drawings, BOMs, machine sequences, and technical specifications

• Lead machine design reviews and provide technical support during fabrication, assembly, and debug activities

• Support prototype build, machine qualification, and production readiness, including training of engineering and operations teams

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturability, system integration, and alignment to production requirements

• Analyze test data, troubleshoot issues, and continuously improve machine performance, yield, and process capability

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce cost, and apply new automation technologies

• Ensure compliance with safety standards, regulations, and company policies in all engineering activities

• Provide technical support to production and resolve complex automation and mechanical issues

• Work closely with external vendors and suppliers for sourcing, design support, and performance evaluation

• Mentor junior engineers and promote knowledge sharing, best practices, and innovation within the team

• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, or Automation Engineering

• Minimum 5 years of experience in machine design or automation

• Experience in automation systems (e.g., robotics, motion control, vision systems)

• Proficiency in NX, SolidWorks, or AutoCAD

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

What Will Put You Ahead

• Experience in connector manufacturing

• Proven experience leading automation projects end-to-end

• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or engineering tools (PFMEA, SPC, Cpk)

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.

Who We Are

As a Koch company, Molex is a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect components, driving innovation in electronics and supporting industries from automotive to health care and consumer to data communications. The thousands of innovators who work for Molex have made us a global electronics leader. Our experienced people, groundbreaking products and leading-edge technologies help us deliver a wider array of solutions to more markets than ever before.

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.