Automation Engineer

Automation EngineerThe Automation Engineer will help build the systems that make SPEED's laboratories smarter, more data-rich, and capable of running complex experiments remotely. You'll connect robots, scientific instruments, sensors, reactors, and safety systems to SPEED's orchestration software—turning sophisticated laboratory procedures into reliable, reusable automated workflows. This is a hands-on engineering role with direct impact on the reliability, throughput, safety, and reproducibility of a national user facility.What You'll DoBuild and Integrate Laboratory AutomationDesign and implement automated workflows for synthesis, materials processing, sample preparation, testing, and characterization.Integrate robots, liquid handlers, pumps, valves, reactors, instruments, sensors, and other laboratory equipment.Translate scientific protocols into robust, executable workflows with defined operating limits and error handling.Develop reusable device drivers and equipment interfaces for SPEED's automation platform.Commission and validate new robotic systems, workcells, and scientific instruments.Develop Control Software and InterfacesDevelop and maintain Python software for device control, workflow execution, monitoring, and diagnostics.Connect laboratory equipment to SPEED's scheduling, orchestration, data, and user-access systems.Implement reliable communications using APIs, Python libraries, TCP/IP, OPC UA, REST, serial, digital I/O, and other protocols.Establish consistent device states, commands, metadata, and error handling across varied equipment.Use version control, testing, and code review to deliver dependable automation software.Develop simulation or digital-twin capabilities to test workflows before running them on physical equipment.Improve Reliability and PerformanceMonitor automated systems and troubleshoot robotics, motion control, fluid handling, sensors, instruments, software, and network issues.Develop preventive maintenance, calibration, readiness checks, and recovery procedures.Analyze failures and implement improvements that increase uptime, repeatability, and ease of recovery.Work with manufacturers and vendors to resolve technical issues and support critical systems.Maintain clear documentation of configurations, dependencies, maintenance, and known failure modes.Build Safe, Usable SystemsDesign automation with appropriate interlocks, alarms, safe states, emergency stops, and shutdown logic.Conduct hazard and failure-mode reviews for robotic, fluidic, thermal, pressure, gas-handling, and unattended operations.Create system documentation, operating procedures, troubleshooting guides, and maintenance instructions.Train researchers, operators, students, and technical staff to use automated platforms safely and effectively.Help establish engineering standards and platform designs that enable automation to scale across SPEED and partner facilities.You'll work at the intersection of automation, robotics, software, and scientific research, solving challenging engineering problems that enable experiments to run faster, more reliably, and at greater scale. Your work will help transform advanced laboratory capabilities into dependable platforms that scientists can use to accelerate discovery.Other ResponsibilitiesOther tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.QualificationsMinimum Education and ExperienceBachelor's or Master's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, mechatronics, robotics, controls engineering, computer engineering, or a related field.Three or more years of relevant experience developing, integrating, or maintaining automated equipment, robotics, process-control systems, or scientific instrumentation.Other Required QualificationsDemonstrated programming experience in Python or a comparable language used for hardware control and automation.Experience interfacing software with physical equipment through APIs, communication protocols, programmable controllers, data-acquisition systems, or instrument drivers.Experience troubleshooting integrated electromechanical, fluidic, robotic, or process-control systems.Ability to read and develop technical documentation such as process diagrams, wiring diagrams, control narratives, interface specifications, and operating procedures.Understanding of safe equipment operation, interlocks, alarms, emergency stops, and failure recovery.Strong analytical, documentation, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.Ability to work primarily on site in laboratory environments and occasionally respond outside normal business hours to critical equipment issues.Preferred QualificationsMaster's degree in engineering, robotics, automation, controls, or a related discipline.Experience automating chemical synthesis, materials processing, high-throughput experimentation, or analytical characterization.Experience with robotic arms, laboratory liquid handlers, automated reactors, pumps, valves, autosamplers, plate readers, chromatography, spectroscopy, or diffraction instruments.Experience with industrial or laboratory communication standards such as OPC UA, Modbus, REST APIs, serial protocols, message queues, or programmable logic controllers.Experience developing equipment abstraction layers, orchestration software, state machines, or event-driven automation systems.Familiarity with Git, automated testing, containerized applications, Linux systems, databases, and networked laboratory equipment.Experience with machine vision, digital twins, simulation, path planning, or robotic workcell design.Familiarity with chemical compatibility, pressure systems, compressed gases, hazardous materials, and laboratory safety requirements.Required License(s) or Certification(s)N/AValid NC Driver's License required - NoCommercial Driver's License required - NoRecruitment Dates and Special InstructionsJob Open Date - 08/24/2026Anticipated Close Date - Open Until FilledSpecial Instructions to Applicants - Please include as attachments a resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references.Position DetailsPosition Number - 00112287Position Type - EPS/SAAOFull Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) - 1.0Appointment - 12 Month RecurringMandatory Designation - Adverse Weather - Non Mandatory - Adverse WeatherMandatory Designation - Emergency Events - Non Mandatory - Emergency EventDepartment ID - 230101 - Interdisciplinary Programs - SVPEEO - NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact View phone number on click.appcast.io to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.