Principal Automation Engineer

Based at Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. Global Headquarters in Coopersburg, PA, the Principal Automation Engineer leads the architecture, design, and deployment of automated systems across the production environment. This role centers on applying deep expertise in custom automation equipment, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies to improve throughput, quality, and manufacturability. The position requires strong technical mastery and systems thinking to guide complex automation programs from concept through startup at the destination manufacturing facility.

Responsibilities

• Lead the specification, development, and validation of custom automated machinery, robotic cells, and integrated manufacturing systems.
• Collaborate with integration partners to design control solutions involving PLCs, motion control, robotics, machine vision, industrial networking, and safety systems.
• Define automation standards, best practices, and design methodologies to support long term scalability.
• Act as the technical lead on large, complex automation projects from concept through startup at the destination manufacturing facility.
• Develop functional and technical specifications, system layouts, risk assessments, and factory/site acceptance test plans.
• Oversee system integration, debugging, optimization, and factory acceptance testing (FAT/SAT).
• Partner with manufacturing, quality, operations, and product engineering teams to identify automation opportunities and production constraints.
• Support business case development, ROI analysis, and roadmap planning for automation investments.
• Communicate project status, risks, and design decisions to engineering leadership and operations stakeholders.
• Evaluate emerging automation technologies, robotics platforms, sensors, and AI-enhanced tools for potential adoption.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase reliability, reduce cycle time, and improve manufacturability.
• Champion automation safety, risk reduction, and compliance with industry standards.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers in robotics, controls, machine design, and project execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience in automation engineering with significant hands-on work on custom automation machinery.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.00 for all degrees earned.
• Extensive experience overseeing automation projects with full lifecycle ownership of all technical aspects.
• Strong understanding of industrial safety standards (ISO, IEC, ANSI, NFPA).
• Proven ability to drive cross-functional technical discussions and influence strategic decisions.

Technologies

• PLCs
• Motion control
• Robotics
• Machine vision
• Industrial networking
• Safety systems
• AI-enhanced tools
• Sensors
• Automation technologies

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits