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.