R&D Automation Controls Design Engineer

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DuPont is seeking a R&D Automation Controls Design Engineer to help transform how research and process development are conducted. In this role, you'll design and implement next-generation automation, robotics, and engineering solutions that accelerate discovery, improve experimental quality, and enable faster scale-up of new technologies.
Working at the intersection of engineering, automation, and scientific innovation, you'll partner with researchers and technical experts to develop solutions ranging from proof-of-concept systems to commercial-scale implementations. This is a unique opportunity to build custom technologies, apply emerging automation capabilities, and directly influence how innovation happens across DuPont.
What You'll Do
Design and deploy automation and robotics solutions that improve experimental throughput, data quality, and research productivity across laboratory, pilot, and process development environments.
Partner with scientists, engineers, technicians, and external vendors to translate technical challenges into practical, scalable solutions.
Lead or support process development initiatives where automation can accelerate experimentation, improve scale-up, and enable effective technology transfer.
Develop prototypes and custom-engineered systems, advancing projects from concept through implementation and commercialization.
Define project scope, support equipment procurement, and oversee installation, qualification, commissioning, and startup activities.
Evaluate and apply emerging technologies in robotics, automation, sensing, digital tools, and data systems to create new capabilities for R&D teams.
Manage multiple projects while balancing technical requirements, timelines, budgets, and business priorities.
Ensure automation systems are safe, reliable, maintainable, and compliant with applicable engineering and safety standards.
Develop technical documentation, operating procedures, and troubleshooting resources to support sustainable operation and continuous improvement.
What Will Help You Succeed
Expertise in automation, robotics, mechatronics, instrumentation, programing and designing of control systems and GUI.
Experience designing, developing, or integrating automated equipment, robotic workcells, laboratory automation systems, or pilot-scale platforms.
Ability to integrate hardware, controls, software, instrumentation, and process requirements into complete engineering solutions.
Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a passion for innovation.
Experience with testing, validation, commissioning, and performance verification of engineering systems.
Working knowledge of sensors, actuators, motion control systems, HMIs, data acquisition, and system diagnostics.
Ability to evaluate technical risks and balance performance, cost, schedule, and reliability considerations.
Strong project management, communication, and collaboration skills with the ability to influence multidisciplinary teams.
Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling and engineering drawing development; SolidWorks experience preferred.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Automation Engineering, or a related engineering discipline with 3+ years of experience; recent PhD graduates in these fields will also be considered.
Relevant experience to include designing, programming, deploying, and troubleshooting robotic systems.
Proficiency in at least one 3D CAD modeling software package; SolidWorks preferred.
Proficiency in at least one programming language; C++ preferred.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Learning agility and the ability to collaborate effectively across global teams, functions, and cultures.
Willingness to travel up to 10%.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with laboratory automation, robotic sample handling, vision systems, or integrated scientific instrumentation.
Experience with controls programming, system integration, data connectivity, or user interface development.
Experience in research, pilot plant, product development, or other innovation-driven environments.
Familiarity with vendor management, equipment qualification, and system commissioning.
Experience supporting scale-up, process improvement, or technology transfer initiatives.
Exposure to digital technologies, advanced analytics, AI-enabled experimentation, or Industry 4.0 solutions
Additional Information
This position requires access to export-controlled technology, technical data, or defense services. Employment will be contingent upon the candidate's ability to access export-controlled technology, technical data, or defense services as authorized pursuant to U.S. regulations or through an export authorization obtained by DuPont and approved by the applicable U.S. government agency.
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DuPont offers a comprehensive pay and benefits package. To learn more visit the Compensation and Benefits page.