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. Hiring Philosophy All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here . Who We Are Molex's Copper Solutions Business Unit (CSBU) is a global team that works together to deliver exceptional products to worldwide telecommunication and data center customers. CSBU is one of the most highly technically advanced business units within Molex. Our engineering teams are designing cutting edge solutions for high-speed, high-density products that maximize speed, signal integrity, and efficiency. 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. Our Benefits Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter. 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. Equal Opportunities Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ). #LI-SB1