Senior Automation Engineer

At Syngenta our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers success. To support this mission Syngentas Automation & Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer in Malta IL. This role will lead the design development prototyping and deployment of end-to-end automation systems that drive efficiency precision and scalability within Seeds R&D. This hands-on role focuses on innovating and integrating engineering solutions from concept to production.

Reporting to the Engineering Manager the ideal candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate complex requirements into robust production-ready systems. Success in this role requires a blend of deep technical expertise practical prototyping skills and a passion for innovation in agricultural automation.

Accountabilities:

• System Design & Development: Lead the architectural design and integration of automated systems from concept to production incorporating PLCs robotics and mechanical/electrical components. Use CAD tools (e.g. SolidWorks AutoCAD) to produce detailed 3D models simulations and assembly drawings.
• Vision-Guided Automation: Develop and optimize high-speed high-accuracy pick-and-place systems using machine vision and robotic arms to handle multiple payloads and operating environments.
• Prototyping & Implementation: Build and iterate physical prototypes using rapid prototyping methods (e.g. 3D printing CNC machining). Perform hands-on assembly testing and debugging of components ensuring seamless integration of sensors actuators and end-effectors. Coordinate with external vendors for parts fabrication as needed.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with breeders data scientists biologists engineers and operations teams to solve complex robotics and automation challenges.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Stay current with emerging technologies (e.g. collaborative robots automation platforms) to deliver cutting-edge solutions.
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses and tradeoff evaluations to optimize design efficiency and component selection.
• Project Delivery & Governance: Manage project timelines and deliverables using Agile methodologies and engineering best practices.
• Documentation & Reporting: Prepare comprehensive technical reports SOPs and presentations to communicate findings and support regulatory submissions or patent filings.

Qualifications :

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without requiring current or future sponsorship (which also includes OPT/CPT and H-1B visas).

Education:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Robotics Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Mechatronics or related experience.

Experience:

• 7 years in robotics and automation engineering with at least 4 years in hands-on prototyping and automation system integration.
• Proven track record of delivering end-to-end projects in industrial automation or laboratory environments.

Technical Skills:

• Design & CAD: Proficient in mechanical design using SolidWorks Fusion 360 or CATIA. Experienced with finite element analysis (FEA) tools such as ANSYS for stress and structural analysis.
• Robotics Hardware: Hands-on experience with servo motors grippers pneumatic actuators and integration of pick-and-place robots autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and collaborative robots (e.g. Universal Robots KUKA).
• Vision & Sensing: Skilled in machine vision systems such asOpenCV HALCON Keyence and Cognex VisionPro. Experienced in sensor fusion involving LiDAR IMUs and force/torque sensors.
• Prototyping & Electronics: Familiar with rapid prototyping platforms such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi as well as 3D printing. Experienced in PCB design electronic wiring breadboarding and fabrication of custom electronic systems such as soldering enclosure design and microcontroller integration.
• Programming & Control: Expertise in Python MATLAB National Instruments LabVIEW ROS (Robot Operating System) and C/C/C#. Skilled in PLC programming using Ladder Logic and Structured Text.
• AI-Augmented Development: Proficient in leveraging AI-powered tools like GitHub Copilot to accelerate development automate engineering tasks and enhance team productivity.
• Version Control & DevOps: Experienced in applying version control best practices using Git-based systems (GitHub GitLab Bitbucket) such as branching strategies commit hygiene CI/CD integration and team training for repository management and code integrity.

Additional Information :

Salary for the role is $114100 -  $163000 per year.

What We Offer:

• A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs.
• Full Benefit Package (Medical Dental & Vision) that starts your first day.
• 401k plan with company match Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution.
• Paid Vacation Paid Holidays Maternity and Paternity Leave Education Assistance Wellness Programs Corporate Discounts among other benefits.

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. Learn more about our team and our mission here:  is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment hiring training promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race color religion gender national origin age sexual orientation marital or veteran status disability or any other legally protected status.

WL: 5B

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time