Senior Validation Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Stratasys is a world leader in 3D printing!

Stratasys is leading the global shift to additive manufacturing with innovative 3D printing solutions for industries such as aerospace, automotive, consumer products and healthcare. Through smart and connected 3D printers, polymer materials, a software ecosystem, and parts on demand, Stratasys solutions deliver competitive advantages at every stage in the product value chain. The world's leading organizations turn to Stratasys to transform product design, bring agility to manufacturing and supply chains, and improve patient care.

The Sr. Automation Engineer leads the development of advanced Automation solutions for assembling, testing, calibrating, mistake-proofing, and analyzing new and existing products. These applications are typically deployed in internal R&D and Manufacturing environments, and occasionally at external suppliers. This role provides senior-level technical leadership, mentors peers and technicians, drives standardization of reusable automation and test platforms, and partners closely with Manufacturing Engineering, R&D, Quality, and Operations to improve product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and production readiness.

What you will be doing:

• Lead the design, development, validation, and deployment of manufacturing automation solutions, production systems, equipment integrations, and test applications that improve safety, quality, productivity, and equipment reliability
• Provide senior-level technical leadership in resolving automation system performance, equipment reliability, test system effectiveness, and product or process defect issues
• Develop, interpret, and present statistical data analysis reports to support root cause analysis, corrective action, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Regularly utilize SolidWorks and related design tools to create and improve 3D printed components, mechanical fixtures, and automation systems that support manufacturing operations

• Apply advanced working knowledge of C++, MS SQL database administration, and automation software architecture to create scalable, maintainable solutions
• Design, implement, and support manufacturing systems including MES integrations, production data collection, traceability solutions, reporting tools, and equipment connectivity
• Create, review, and improve test execution, data acquisition, and analysis application software
• Develop validation strategies, test methods, and acceptance criteria for manufacturing equipment, automation systems, production processes, and new product introductions, ensuring alignment with R&D, Manufacturing, and Quality stakeholders
• Collaborate with R&D engineers in the development of product specifications and proactively provide test and automation solutions throughout the product development lifecycle
• Provide technical leadership for automation strategy, standardization, and project execution across multiple manufacturing areas
• Evaluate cost, schedule, safety, quality, and technical risks that may impact critical project milestones and manufacturing objectives

• Design, develop, and support industrial control systems utilizing PLCs, HMIs, SCADA platforms, industrial networks, and Rockwell Automation technologies, including Studio 5000/Logix Designer and FactoryTalk View Studio

• Actively participate in department strategic planning and recommend standard practices, new technologies, and automation roadmaps that support business objectives
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineers, R&D Engineers, Quality, technicians, and Operations leaders to define requirements, troubleshoot issues, and implement sustainable automation solutions
• Serve as a subject matter resource for team members and peers to anticipate and resolve day-to-day technical issues, competing priorities, and production support needs

• Apply advanced troubleshooting skills to resolve urgent production line-down situations and support escalation of complex technical issues

Must have for this role:

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, industrial, or computer engineering or technology

• Minimum of 5 years of applicable automation, test engineering, manufacturing engineering, controls, or related technical experience
• Demonstrated experience leading technical projects, resolving complex production or test issues, and influencing cross-functional stakeholders
• Software application experience in C++
• Software application experience in MS Windows and Office
• Software application experience in MS SQL Server databases
• Software application experience in SolidWorks
• Software application experience in web- or cloud-based applications

Nice to have:

• Experience designing and implementing manufacturing automation solutions, equipment integrations, and process control systems
• Experience mentoring engineers, technicians, or cross-functional project contributors
• Mechanical fixture design
• Barcode and RFID experience
• Machine vision and automated inspection systems
• Pneumatics, sensors, actuators, and industrial instrumentation
• Force, pressure, thermal and other process measurements systems
• Experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, SCADA platforms, and industrial networks
• Statistical Process Control and data-driven continuous improvement methodologies

• Experience with Rockwell Automation platforms including Studio 5000/Logix Designer and FactoryTalk Studio
• Experience with MES, equipment integration, production reporting, or manufacturing software systems

• Data acquisition and automated reporting systems

Travel required: 10%, domestic

What you will be part of:

• Company Overview - https://www.stratasys.com/en/about-us/history/
• Our Culture and Values - https://www.stratasys.com/en/about-us/culture/
• Our Sustainability "3D Printing a Better Tomorrow" - https://www.stratasys.com/en/about-us/sustainability/
• Our Locations - https://www.stratasys.com/en/contact-us/office-locations/
• Check out our Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wmDfmt2bNI

Additional Information:

At Stratasys we have designed a comprehensive Total Rewards program that goes beyond the basics and supports our People First strategy. When you join Stratasys, you'll gain access to benefits and perks that will support you and your family both inside and outside of work. 

For this position, the typical annual starting base salary is from $94,348 to $116,272, which does not include variable incentive pay. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. Your individual base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, geographical location, and/or experiences.

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Accounts, Mental Health Resources etc.), recognition programs, employee stock purchase plan, and 401(k) with company match. 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Stratasys will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Stratasys is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected Veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against for their race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, military status, or national origin or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or applicable local law. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.