Automation Engineer - Chemical - Ayer, MA

An industry-leading manufacturer is seeking an Automation Engineer to drive operational excellence across electro-mechanical assembly, extrusion, injection molding, and advanced production processes. This highly visible role will support manufacturing growth through process optimization, capital projects, new product introduction, and continuous improvement initiatives within a regulated production environment.

Client Details

Our client is a globally recognised engineering and manufacturing organization that develops highly specialized products used in critical life science, industrial, and process applications. Their technologies help customers improve efficiency, reliability, and quality across a wide range of essential industries.

With a strong commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and continuous investment, the company continues to expand its manufacturing capabilities and global footprint. Employees benefit from a collaborative environment where engineering teams work closely with international colleagues, contribute to strategic growth initiatives, and have the opportunity to make a measurable impact on both product performance and manufacturing effectiveness. The organisation fosters a culture centred on continuous improvement, employee development, and long-term career progression.

Description

The Automation Engineer will act as a key technical leader responsible for improving manufacturing processes, enhancing production efficiency, and supporting the successful introduction of new products and technologies. Working cross-functionally with engineering, operations, quality, and global stakeholders, the successful candidate will identify opportunities for optimization, implement scalable manufacturing solutions, and help drive the site's long-term growth strategy.

• Lead continuous improvement projects focused on productivity, throughput, quality, and cost reduction using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Develop, validate, and optimise manufacturing processes across assembly, testing, extrusion, injection moulding, and electro-mechanical production environments.
• Manage capital equipment and facility expansion projects, including equipment specification, vendor selection, installation, and commissioning activities.
• Provide technical leadership for troubleshooting manufacturing issues, conducting root cause investigations, and implementing corrective actions to improve process stability.
• Collaborate with new product development teams to ensure manufacturability, successful product launches, and seamless integration into production operations.

Profile

The ideal candidate will be an experienced manufacturing engineer with a proven track record of delivering measurable improvements within complex production environments. They will combine strong technical expertise with a hands-on approach to problem-solving and possess the ability to influence stakeholders across multiple functions while driving projects from concept through implementation.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of five years' experience in manufacturing engineering, supporting assembly, automation, testing, or electro-mechanical production operations.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, SPC, FMEA, DFMA, Root Cause Analysis, process validation, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience working with CAD software, production equipment optimisation, tooling development, and manufacturing process documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects, manage multiple priorities, and deliver sustainable operational improvements within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Job Offer

This opportunity offers the chance to join a growing and financially stable organization that places engineering excellence at the center of its business strategy. The successful candidate will gain exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies, collaborate with international teams, and contribute to projects that directly influence operational performance and future site growth.

• Opportunity to lead significant capital investment and manufacturing improvement programmes.
• Exposure to global engineering teams and best-practice manufacturing methodologies.
• Strong prospects for career advancement, professional development, and technical leadership growth.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.