Senior Automation Project Engineer

Senior Automation Project Engineer

Trillium Professional is now seeking a Senior Automation Project Engineer who specializes in Material Handling, Robotics & AGVs for a full-time position in Allentown, PA!

This is a Hybrid – 1 Day Remote after onboarding. Annual salary is $130,000 – $150,000 / year.

The Senior Project Engineer leads the planning, coordination, and execution of complex, automated material handling and wash-down systems within highly regulated, controlled environments (such as Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical, and R&D facilities). This role serves as the primary technical interface with enterprise customers, general contractors, robotics integrators, AGV vendors, and internal engineering teams. The engineer ensures that all mechanical, electrical, controls, and workflow elements integrate seamlessly into a high-reliability, GMP-aligned facility.

The position requires strong project leadership, deep technical fluency in advanced industrial automation, and the ability to translate unique customer requirements into engineered solutions that meet strict performance, safety, and regulatory expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Customer & Stakeholder Engagement -Serve as the primary technical point of contact for enterprise clients throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead design reviews, requirements discussions, and workflow mapping sessions with facility operations teams, plant managers, and engineering stakeholders.
• Translate customer needs into detailed engineering specifications and system requirements.
• Present technical concepts, project updates, and risk assessments to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Project Engineering & Technical Leadership

• Develop and manage system layouts, equipment specifications, and integration plans for automated wash systems, robotics, and AGV fleets.
• Oversee mechanical, electrical, and controls engineering activities to ensure alignment with project scope and performance criteria.
• Conduct feasibility studies, throughput analyses, and workflow optimization for automated product handling.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant industrial and compliance standards.

Robotics & AGV Coordination

• Coordinate with third-party robotics integrators and AGV vendors to define interfaces, communication protocols, safety zones, and handoff points.
• Review and approve vendor engineering documentation, including functional design specs, network architecture, and safety assessments.
• Support the integration of robotic arms, specialized conveyors, automated dump/sorting stations, and AGV fleet management systems into the facility workflow.
• Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), troubleshooting, and final commissioning activities.

Project Management & Execution

• Develop project schedules, milestones, and resource plans; track progress and mitigate technical risks.
• Lead onsite installation coordination, ensuring alignment between construction crews, equipment vendors, and plant facility operations.
• Manage change orders, technical deviations, and scope clarifications.
• Ensure all deliverables meet stringent quality, performance, and safety requirements.

Testing, Validation & Documentation

• Lead system-level testing, including functional validation, throughput verification, and safety system testing.
• Prepare and review comprehensive engineering documentation, including drawings, specifications, O&M manuals, and validation packages.
• Support customer training initiatives regarding system operation, routine maintenance, and technical troubleshooting.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Robotics, or a related engineering discipline.
• 7+ years of professional engineering experience, including at least 3 years directly focused on automation, industrial robotics, automated material handling, or AGV systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-vendor technical projects from concept through commissioning.
• Strong understanding of industrial automated cleaning/wash systems, industrial controls, and facility integration.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit preferred).
• Excellent customer-facing communication, presentation, and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Must be comfortable with occasional international travel (<25%) as required by project lifecycles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in GMP/GLP environments, biomedical research facilities, pharmaceutical production, or automated manufacturing with a strong R&D focus.
• Familiarity with robotic arm programming concepts, AGV fleet management software, and industrial machinery safety standards.
• Working knowledge of PLCs, SCADA systems, and industrial networking protocols.
• Experience utilizing throughput modeling or discrete-event simulation tools.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license or PMP certification is a plus.

Trillium has been recruiting and placing professionals for over 30 years. From Fortune 100 companies to small businesses, our philosophy remains the same: to achieve excellence by providing quality employees and an uncompromising level of service. We believe in honesty, integrity, and a simple philosophy of providing value to our customers and our employees. We strive to be unsurpassed in the recruitment and placement of quality and skilled professionals. Trillium is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for the employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

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Trillium offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes the ability to participate in health insurance and retirement plans, paid holidays, state required leave, and other leave, if applicable. Trillium's offerings are dependent on the state in which the assignment is located, length of time worked, and may change depending on assignment. Benefit packages for direct hire placements vary based on the client company.

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