Automation Engineer III

About Us:

How many companies can say they’ve been in business for over 177 years?!

Here at ZEISS, we certainly can! As the pioneers of science, ZEISS handles the everchanging environments in a fast-paced world, meeting it with cutting edge of technologies and continuous advancements. ZEISS believes that innovation and technology are the key to a sustainable future and solutions for global change. We have a diverse range of portfolios throughout the ZEISS family in segments like, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, Consumer Markets and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. We are a global company with over 42,000 employees and have over 4,000 in the US and Canada alone! Make a difference, come join the team!

What’s the Role?

The Automation Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and delivering custom automation solutions that meet customer and operational needs. This role owns automation projects from concept through implementation, working closely with internal engineering teams, global ZEISS product development partners, and customers. The Automation Engineer balances technical depth with strong execution, ensuring systems are safe, compliant, and optimized for performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

Sound Interesting?

Here’s what you’ll do:

Controls, Robotics & Motion Systems

• Develop communications architecture between robots, PLCs, PCs, and automation devices.

• Develop and test PLC control programs for plant and system integration.

• Work with HMI software and hardware platforms.

• Program and integrate multi-axis robots (e.g., Fanuc, KUKA), including vertical and horizontal slide axes.

• Design and support pneumatic, hydraulic, electric actuator, stepper motor, and advanced motion control systems.

Vision, Metrology & Safety Systems

• Integrate and support machine vision and metrology systems, including ZEISS ATOS, ZEISS CMMs, and SICK safety laser systems.

• Own system safety by conducting risk assessments and design FMEAs.

• Identify hazards and implement risk mitigation strategies in compliance with applicable standards and regulations.

• Ensure all designs meet UL/CSA standards, regulatory requirements, and customer Scope of Work (SOW).

Manufacturing & Documentation

• Create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) for custom automation projects.

• Produce detailed manufacturing drawings using GD&T, proper materials, and manufacturing methods.

• Develop and update electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts.

• Create pipe and wire drawings, specifying appropriate types, sizes, routing, and lengths.

• Manage Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and maintain accurate CAD models, drawings, and part records.

• Maintain and expand the part catalog, adding new components, drawings, and specifications.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with ZEISS global product development teams, including Germany-based partners, to request and evaluate new products and features.

• Lead research, concept development, prototyping, and testing of new or pre-market automation customizations.

• Support quoting activities, early concept development, and cost and schedule estimates.

• Drive continuous improvement by enhancing standards, templates, and processes based on lessons learned.

• Facilitate project retrospectives and implement process improvements.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Communicate technical concepts clearly to internal teams and customers.

• Build strong, long-term customer relationships through reliable execution and high-quality solutions.

• Deliver automation systems that exceed expectations and create a positive, repeatable customer experience.

Do you qualify?

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or equivalent relevant experience.

• 5+ years of Automation Engineering experience in automotive manufacturing, including system development and implementation.

• 5+ years of PLC controls experience, including programming and troubleshooting.

• 5+ years of industrial robotics programming experience.

• 5+ years of CAD design experience, including GD&T.

• Proficiency with SolidWorks for 3D CAD design.

• Experience using EPLAN software for electrical schematics.

• Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as Modbus, DeviceNet, TCP/IP, and OPC-UA.

Technical & Professional Skills

• Strong troubleshooting, diagnostic, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation.

• Strong computer skills, including Windows OS, databases, and networks.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, Teams, and SharePoint.

• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, team-based environment.

Work Authorization, Travel & Flexibility

• U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder.

• Valid passport and willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

• Willingness to travel 25–50% as required.

• Flexibility to support work off-site and outside normal business hours when needed.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Distributed Control Systems (DCS).

• Experience with advanced motion control systems and automation integration.

• Experience integrating machine vision and metrology systems.

• Familiarity with UL/CSA standards and regulated manufacturing environments.

• German language proficiency.

• Experience collaborating with global engineering teams, including Europe-based partners.

We have amazing benefits to support you as an employee at ZEISS!

• Medical

• Vision

• Dental

• 401k Matching

• Employee Assistance Programs

• Vacation and sick pay 

• The list goes on! 

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Zeiss provides Equal Employment Opportunity without unlawful regard to an Applicants race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, citizen status, sexual orientation, pregnancy (includes childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), genetic predisposition, carrier status, gender expression or identity, including transgender identity, or any other class or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law of the employee (or the people with whom the employee associates, including relatives and friends).