Principal Manufacturing Automation Engineer

As a Principal Manufacturing Automation Engineer at Nokia's Allentown facility, you will support efficient, high-quality, high-volume production of next-generation optical transceivers. This is a senior technical leadership role for an engineer who has designed, deployed, and scaled automation for precision electronics manufacturing. You will develop the automation architecture for advanced test and packaging processes, mentor a team of automation engineers, and be a hands-on technical authority for machine vision, robotics, and process integration as we scale capacity and continuously improve.

You will partner with the Product and Process Engineering and Manufacturing Operations teams, all passionate about innovation in optical communication. Your work environment is supportive and collaborative, encouraging cross-functional teamwork to drive excellence in execution. You will thrive in a data-driven culture, employing your experience with process automation for advanced packaging and testing, AI-driven machine vision, robotics, and analytical skills to drive continuous improvement in productivity and yield. Benefits include a structured career progression pathway, exposure to cutting-edge technology like the Infinite Capacity Engine, and opportunities to leverage AI. Enjoy a collaborative atmosphere that values your insights and fosters professional growth in a leading-edge industry.

Architect and lead development of automation systems for advanced test and packaging cells supporting precision electro-optical (photonic) device manufacturing.

Serve as the senior technical authority for automated optical test, alignment, and packaging processes, translating manufacturing quality and capacity requirements into automation system designs.

Lead integration of AI-based machine vision systems for defect detection, precision alignment, in-line inspection, and statistical process control.

Define automation architecture standards (mechanical, controls, vision, data) across the automation team and drive design reviews.

Partner with product, test, and process engineering to identify opportunities that improve yield, throughput, and cycle time.

Own root cause investigation and resolution of complex automation equipment issues impacting production output.

Mentor and provide technical guidance to mid-career automation engineers; review designs and system architectures.

Evaluate and select automation equipment, vision hardware, robotics, and integration partners/vendors.

Develop and maintain documentation, specifications, and validation protocols for automated systems in a regulated manufacturing environment.

Support capital equipment justification and capacity planning for automation investments.

Must-Have:

BS Degree in science or engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Physics, Materials Science, or related); MS Degree preferred.

10+ years of experience designing and deploying industrial automation systems in a high-precision, high-volume manufacturing environment.

Direct experience automating advanced test and/or packaging processes for electro-optical, photonic, semiconductor, or similarly high precision products.

Hands-on experience integrating machine vision systems, including AI/deep learning-based inspection (e.g. defect classification, automated optical alignment)

Strong background in robotics, motion control, and precision mechanical system design and integration.

Demonstrated ability to lead automation projects from concept through qualification, integration, and production ramp.

Experience working directly with controls/PLC systems, machine vision software (e.g. Cognex, Keyence, or similar) and industrial communication protocols.

Proven track record mentoring and informally leading other engineers.

Familiarity with SQL and statistical processing software (e.g., JMP/JSL, Minitab) and SPC considerations.

Experience driving development projects with internal and external resources and suppliers.

Experience creating detailed reports, engineering documentation, and presentations, and leading design reviews.

Nice-To-Have:

Experience in optical transceiver, laser, or photonics manufacturing specifically.

Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC), DFM/DFA, and Six Sigma or Lean manufacturing methodologies.

Experience with custom vision model development or training (e.g. convolutional neural networks for defect detection)

Utility patents or demonstrated record of innovation in automation or precision manufacturing.

Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI) alongside automation development.