Principal Automation Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

POSITION SUMMARY:

This role is responsible for the design and programming of high-performance automation systems used in the assembly, inspection, and reagent dispensing of microplate test kits and microfluidic assay cartridges, and other emerging products. The position works closely with cross-functional teams—including R&D, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance to support new product development and enhance current manufacturing capabilities through automation. Key responsibilities include configuring, validating, and troubleshooting automation hardware and software to ensure reliable system performance and scalability.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design and development of new software to control manufacturing and research and development equipment.
• Oversee all maintenance and updates of existing software.
• Ensure close collaboration with cross-functional teams to support the automation needs of new product development. 
• Configure, validate, and troubleshoot automation software and hardware.
• Review, revise and edit requirement and technical documents including release notes and work instructions.
• Participate in design and code review and milestone reviews.
• Interact with outside vendors to source equipment and components.
• Support R&D and other departments in new product development.
• Support existing equipment and software.
• Analyze current processes and equipment and create proposals for improvement to be presented to upper management.
• Design and lead development of new solutions for improving manufacturing quality and capacity.
• Manage project schedules and timelines. 
• Mentor other staff members on automation software development processes.
• Perform any other engineering function as assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering or other related science or engineering discipline is required.
• A minimum of seven years of experience in automation equipment software design. 
• Prior experience with industrial robots, motors, controllers, and/or digital and analog sensors is required.
• A minimum of seven years of programming experience using C# .Net or any OOP (Java, C++, etc.) in agile teams is required. Alternatively minimum seven years of experience with PLCs, programming with ladder logic, or structured text is required. 
• Experience with XML, SQL, industrial networking, communication protocols, GUI design and database management is required.
• Experience with MATLAB and scripting languages is required. 
• Hardware/software integration experience is required.
• Prior experience with machine vision and image processing is preferred.
• Experience with automation platforms such as Tecan, Hamilton, etc. is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Extensive knowledge of full lifecycle of software design, development and release.
• Ability to lead, train, guide others to understand and accomplish tasks/duties/responsibilities.
• Strong programming fundamentals and analytical background 
• Demonstrated propensity to be creative, collaborative, proactive, and self-motivated in the execution and completion of assigned accountabilities.
• Attention to detail with a demonstrated commitment to excellence and performance improvement and the drive to deliver quality and value-added results and outcomes.
• Logical problem solving and demonstrated ability to organize and manage projects in an orderly and structured fashion.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate issues/problems and results that impact timelines, accuracy and reliability of project data.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, integrate and validate systems, in a GMP, ISO or other regulated production environment for pharmaceuticals, biotech or medical devices manufacturing is required.
• Ability to work independently, as an effective team member, and with all levels of the company.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires the ability to communicate and exchange information, utilize equipment necessary to perform the job, and move about the office

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is typically performed in a traditional office environment or remotely as needed.

COMPENSATION SUMMARY

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $116,600 to $177,800. This salary range represents a general guideline as MSD considers other factors when presenting an offer of employment, such as scope and responsibilities of the position, external market factors, and the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, education and experience. Employees may qualify for a discretionary or non-discretionary bonus in addition to their base salary. These annual bonuses are intended to recognize individual performance and enable employees to benefit from the Company's overall success.

BENEFITS SUMMARY

At MSD, we offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and financial security. In addition to competitive salaries, our benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with prescription benefits. We provide a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, and company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance as well as group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Our offerings also encompass paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, and paid parental leave, along with an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary perks include a fitness club membership contribution, pet insurance, identity theft protection, home and auto insurance discounts, and optional supplemental life insurance.

EEO STATEMENT

MSD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, genetic information, marital status, national origin, age, protected veteran status, pregnancy, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. For our full EEO statement, please visit here. Meso Scale Diagnostics uses E-Verify to validate the work eligibility of candidates.