Staff Automation and Controls Engineer

Bring more to life.

Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a real difference within life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology?

At Cepheid, one of Danaher’s 15+ operating companies, our work saves lives—and we’re all united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact.

You’ll thrive in a culture of belonging where you and your unique viewpoint matter. And by harnessing Danaher’s system of continuous improvement, you help turn ideas into impact – innovating at the speed of life.

At Cepheid, we are passionate about improving health care through fast, accurate, molecular diagnostic systems and tests. As a member of our team, you’ll get to make an immediate, measurable impact on a global scale, within an environment that fosters career growth and development. Our mission drives us to develop groundbreaking solutions for the world’s most complex health challenges. Together, we bring MORE change to the world. Learn about the Danaher Business System which makes everything possible.

Learn about the Danaher Business System which makes everything possible.

The Staff Automation Controls Engineer is a technical contributor responsible for the architecture, design, development, validation, and support of complex automation and control systems used in high‑volume manufacturing environments. This role provides technical leadership across projects, mentors less‑experienced engineers, and partners cross‑functionally to deliver robust, compliant, and scalable automation solutions

This position reports to the Manager of Automation and Controls and is part of the Systems Engineering Group located in Lodi, CA and will be an on-site role. 

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Serve as a technical resource and mentor for Automation/Controls Engineers; provide guidance on best practices and systems troubleshooting.
• Be part of the full Project development lifecycle (including architecture, design, implementation, review, validation, support).
• Lead the architecture, design, and development of PLC‑based control systems for custom automated manufacturing equipment and integration of equipment with Enterprise software (MES, SCADA, etc.)
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations related to Controls systems design and operation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex, system‑level issues spanning controls hardware, software, and OT infrastructure

The essential requirements of the job include

• Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of related work experience OR Master’s degree in field with 6+ years of related work experience OR Doctoral degree in field with 3+ years of work experience.
• PLC and HMI programming and troubleshooting (Rockwell RS Logix-5000, FactoryTalk), Vision Systems (Cognex Designer software including In-Sight, VisionPro deep learning), communication protocols (DeviceNet, Ethernet/IP, IO-Link, OPC UA etc), Safety devices like GuardLogix, Safety curtains and scanners, safety IO blocks etc.
• Hands-on experience with high-speed manufacturing equipment, Fanuc Robots, VFDs and servo controllers, servo controls, and various standard and safety IO modules, capable of creating, maintaining and implementing standards for the controls teams.
• Ability to develop PLC software aligned with IEC 61131‑3 to promote maintainability, portability, and consistent review practices.
• Strong background in software validation processes, equipment qualification, and generating detailed documentation for Controls Systems (PLC, HMIs, Vision systems Motion Controllers etc.) and testing results.

Travel, Motor Vehicle Record & Physical/Environment Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to ~20%, including overnight stays as needed, to other company sites, or manufacturing facilities of equipment builders. International travel may be required depending on project scope.
• Ability to work in clean room environments.

It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:

• Experience with SCADA/HMI tools such as Ignition (Perspective/Vision), databases, and scripting where applicable, camera selection, optics, lighting, triggers, electrical enclosures, and environmental considerations.
• Working in an FDA regulated environment.
• Proven track record of creating or driving engineering standards for controls/vision systems across multiple tools or product lines.

Cepheid, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at Danaher Benefits Info.

The annual salary range for this role is 160,000 - $190,000. This is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future.

This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.

We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Join our winning team today. Together, we’ll accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow’s science and technology. We partner with customers across the globe to help them solve their most complex challenges, architecting solutions that bring the power of science to life.

For more information, visit www.danaher.com.

Danaher Corporation and all Danaher Companies are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics protected by law.

The U.S. EEO posters are available here.

We comply with federal and state disability laws and make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact:1-202-419-7762 or [email protected].