Process Automation Engineer

Company: Bio-Techne

By joining Bio-Techne, you’ll join a company with a powerful and positive purpose of enabling cutting-edge research in Life Sciences and Clinical Diagnostics. Bio-Techne, and all of its brands, provides tools for researchers to further treat and prevent disease worldwide.

Pay Range

$73,100.00 - $120,200.00

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Process Automation Engineer to drive the design, development, and implementation of automation solutions that improve operational efficiency, product quality, and process reliability. This role bridges process engineering expertise with automation technologies to enhance manufacturing systems and support scalable, data-driven operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement production and automations processes for new and existing products.
• Utilize precision mechanical and mechanism design skills for integrating systems featuring automation, optics/detection, fluidics, and instrument components.
• Apply system-level analysis to design cutting-edge automation systems and instruments, addressing complex challenges with technical finesse.
• Thorough testing and debugging of prototype instruments and automation equipment.
• Collaborate with process, mechanical, and controls engineers to integrate automation into production lines and critical systems.
• Program and configure PLCs, SCADA, HMIs, and/or DCS platforms (e.g., Beckhoff, LabView).
• Lead or support automation-related troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Translate process requirements into technical specifications and automation control logic.
• Support equipment commissioning, validation, and documentation in regulated environments (e.g., FDA, ISO).
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of automation trends, safety regulations, and industry best practices.
• Assist in the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training materials for operators and technicians.
• Action-Oriented: Iterate and experiment with instrument design ideas promptly, advancing concepts towards efficient realization.
• Product Lifecycle Support: Optimize designs for manufacturability, actively engage in the manufacturing transfer process, and ensure cost-effective solutions through fabrication technologies for instruments.
• Team Collaboration: Foster innovation through cross-disciplinary collaboration, engage in practical design/testing approaches, and actively participate in constructive feedback exchanges.

Qualifications And Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Mechatronics, or related field).
• 5+ years of experience in automation and/or process engineering within a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Proficient in automation platforms (e.g., LabView, Beckhoff, etc.).
• Strong understanding of process mapping, control systems, and data acquisition.
• Solidworks or other parametric 3D modeling software.
• Solidworks PDM familiarity.
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies (e.g., MES, digital twins, IIoT) is desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, organizational skills, and a proactive approach to seeking feedback for continuous improvement.

Additional Skills

• Experience in a regulated environment (pharma, medical device, biotech).
• Knowledge of process modeling, Six Sigma, or Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Exposure to scripting or industrial data tools (e.g., Python, SQL, R).
• Project management skills.
• Familiarity with Database interactions (SQL/JSON), digital communications, machine vision-driven control, SolidWorks Electrical, and experience in ISO-9001 or ISO-13485 standards.
• Experience with validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) is a plus.
• Experience with electrical automation design is a plus.

Why Join Bio-Techne

• We offer competitive insurance benefits starting on day one: medical, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, long-term disability, pet, and legal and ID shield.
• We invest in our employees’ financial futures through 401k plans, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), Health Saving Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and Dependent Care FSA.
• We empower our employees develop their careers through mentorship, promotional opportunities, training and development, tuition reimbursement, internship programs, and more.
• We offer employee resource groups, volunteer paid time off, employee events, and charity drives to build a culture of caring and belonging.
• We offer an accrued leave policy with paid holidays, paid time off, and paid parental leave.
• We foster a culture of empowerment and innovation, where employees feel valued and encouraged to bring their new ideas to the table.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Bio-Techne is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. To protect the interests of all, Bio-Techne will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than a candidate application. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Bio-Techne will be considered Bio-Techne property.