Automation Controls Engineer

Drummond Scientific Company, located just outside of Philadelphia, PA, is a family-owned company that leverages over 75 years of experience to maintain its position as an elite developer and manufacturer of consumable medical devices, which include both microvolume liquid transfer technology and rapid diagnostics. Our branded products can be found in laboratories across the globe and are continuously recognized for their durability and reliability. Despite the notoriety gained from the products bearing the Drummond name, what truly establishes the company as an industry leader is its role as a contract manufacturer. Parts made by Drummond have helped create and save lives by revolutionizing the field of in vitro fertilization and enabling the diagnostic technologies of many of the largest, and most innovative, companies in the world.

Scope of Position:

To enable high volume manufacturing of our products, Drummond creates its own production equipment in-house.  The design, development, assembly, programming, debugging, and maintenance of this equipment is the primary responsibility of the Engineering Department at Drummond.  In this role, you will report directly to the Manager of Controls Engineering.

Day to Day Responsibilities:

• Conceptualize, design, assemble, program, debug, deploy, and maintain automation control systems for in-house equipment from beginning to end of life.

• Compare & evaluate design solution options and implement the most effective choice.

• Create design documentation

• Collaborate with Drummond engineers, operators, and management to solve production/design challenges.

• Troubleshoot manufacturing problems and design permanent solutions.

• Apply computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis to the software development process.

• Recognize and integrate new automation/inspection technologies to improve machine yield and utility.

Required Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or relevant experience

Required Skills & Experience: 

• Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant industrial automation experience

• Experience implementing automation machinery including, but not limited to, PLCs, servo motors and drives, thermal controls, HMIs, vision systems, and robotics.

• Experience writing PLC code (e.g., Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block Diagram, Sequential Function Charts) for custom automated manufacturing equipment

• Electrical panel design and fabrication experience

• Experience creating/programming operator HMI screens and integrating them with PLC control.

• Desire to be “hands on” in the design, assembly, and maintenance of production equipment.

• Excellent team environment communicator and collaborator

• Exceptional problem solver with the ability and desire to think abstractly.

• Flexibility to deal with multiple project priorities and evolving deadlines.

• Self-motivated with a demonstrated ability to assimilate quickly.

• Excellent organizational skills, documentation, and attention to detail

Desired Skills & Abilities:  

• Experience in high-volume manufacturing

• Project management skills (scoping, budgeting, leadership, implementing)

• Experience designing within regulatory standards (e.g. FDA, ISO, UL)

• AutoCAD Electrical schematic creation

• Familiar with GIT or other revision control software

• Experience leading small project teams

• Experience selecting and integrating vision system cameras, lighting, and lenses.

• Familiarity with Yaskawa Motion Control platforms

Travel Requirements: 

• Travel will be <5%