Automation Project Engineer

Your Job Molex is seeking an Automation Project Engineer to support the design, development, and deployment of custom automation equipment for manufacturing and New Product Development (NPD). This role is responsible for driving automation projects from concept through commissioning, working closely with mechanical, controls, manufacturing, quality, and global operations teams.

The Automation Project Engineer plays a key role in ensuring equipment is safe, reliable, scalable, and aligned with Molex manufacturing and product requirements. This role is not eligible for Visa sponsorship. What You Will Do Lead and support automation equipment projects from concept, design, build, and validation through installation and production release.

Design and develop custom automation systems and stations , including pick‑and‑place equipment, multi‑axis systems, material handling, forming, welding, soldering, and laser‑based processes. Coordinate project activities across cross‑functional teams including mechanical, electrical, vision, stamping, molding, product engineering, plant production, quality, and suppliers. Develop and review 2D and 3D CAD designs , layouts, and technical documentation for automation equipment and tooling.

Support testing, debugging, and validation of automation systems to ensure performance, safety, and quality requirements are met. Participate in equipment FAT/SAT, commissioning, and production ramp‑up , including on‑site support as needed. Track project progress, schedules, risks, and deliverables; communicate status to stakeholders. Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, yield improvement, and equipment reliability .

Ensure automation designs comply with safety standards, engineering guidelines, and Molex best practices . Who You Are (Basic Qualifications) Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related discipline. Minimum of 2 years of experience supporting automation or manufacturing equipment projects. Hands‑on experience with custom automation equipment , robotics, or special‑purpose machinery.

Working knowledge of 2D and 3D CAD tools for equipment design and layout. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex systems. Effective communication skills and ability to work in a cross‑functional, project‑based environment . Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required (typically up to ~20%) and be available for occasional after hours weekday calls.

What Will Put You Ahead Experience managing automation projects from concept through production release . Exposure to PLC‑controlled equipment, motion systems, servos, robotics, or vision systems . Experience working with external equipment vendors and system integrators . Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or structured continuous improvement methods. Experience supporting high‑volume or precision manufacturing environments . Experience with Siemen’s NX CAD software.

For this role, we anticipate paying $85,000 - $115,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form. 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.