Senior Staff Automation Engineer
ZOLL Medical · Pawtucket, RI
- Level
- Senior
- Team
- Controls
- Base pay
- $135k–$145k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 10+ years
- Industry
- Medical devices
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A senior controls role at ZOLL Medical (medical devices) in Pawtucket, RI. Design, develop and implement systems, processes, controls, coding, testing and documentation for all aspects of automation.
- They ask for
- 10+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Root cause, Minitab, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), PLC, Robotics, Automation
- Base pay
- $135k–$145k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in the US: typical posted base $97k–$143k. This one lists $135k–$145k.
Median of the low and high ends of 252 live postings that list pay, out of 735 controls engineer openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Rhode Island plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 734 other live controls postings in the US.
- Base pay
- About 17% above similar roles
- Experience asked
- More than usual (10+ vs 5+)
Typical $97k–$141k, from 247 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Automation 74%
- ✓ PLC 68%
- ✓ Robotics 42%
- ✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 27%
- ✓ Root cause 27%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Minitab, SolidWorks, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at ZOLL Medical
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: ZOLL Medical in Pawtucket
2 other open roles at this site.
- Equipment Maintenance Mechanic · Reliability · Technician
- Site Quality Assurance Engineer · Quality
Full description from ZOLL MedicalAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Job Summary
Design, develop and implement systems, processes, controls, coding, testing and documentation for all aspects of automation. Interface, collaborate, and manage projects with 3rd party automation companies and procurement processes for capital equipment.
Essential Functions
- ◆Design and develop automated systems and processes.
- ◆Interface, collaborate, and manage projects with 3rd party automation companies and procurement processes for capital equipment.
- ◆Collaborate with other engineers and stakeholders to understand
requirements
and deliver solutions that provide value to the customer.
- ✓Conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance with safety standards.
- ✓Identify, select, and manage vendor and integrator relationships in support of project objectives.
- ✓Simulate and test automation processes to ensure functionality.
- ✓Integrate IT and OT systems to ensure seamless communication between different technology layers.
- ✓Program and code automation software solutions.
- ✓Develop comprehensive documentation packages for all aspects of the automation process, including development and implementation.
- ✓Conduct factor acceptance testing and/or site acceptance testing as appropriate to ensure system
requirements
are met.
- ✓Create and maintain project timelines and budgets.
- ✓Identify and resolve system malfunctions and inefficiencies.
- ✓Provide technical support and training to end-users.
- ✓Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for system failures.
- ✓Develop and implement process control strategies.
- ✓Continuously monitor and upgrade existing automation systems for improved performance.
- ✓Evaluate new technologies and tools to enhance automation capabilities.
Required/Preferred Education and Experience
- ✓Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Mechanical/Electrical, Computer Science or related discipline is required
- ✓Master's Degree preferred
- ✓10+ years of Automation Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment is required
- ✓Experience interfacing, collaborating, and managing projects with 3rd party automation companies and procurement processes for capital equipment is required
- ✓Experience and understanding of machine validation IQ/QQ/PQ is required
- ✓Demonstrated experience with PLC, HMI, MES is required
- ✓Experience with industrial and collaborative robotics is required
- ✓Experience in defining
(design, functional, user) for automation systems is required
- ✓Experience in project management and coordination is required
- ✓Experience with computer vision and AI applications in automation is required
- ✓Experience working within strict quality systems and regulated manufacturing environment is required
- ✓Experience with converting and/or printing equipment is preferred
- ✓Experience in medical device manufacturing/industry is preferred
- ✓Experience with converting equipment is a plus
Requirements
- ✓20% Travel to facilities to interface, collaborate, manage projects, attend meetings and/or training.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- ✓Standing - Constantly
- ✓Walking - Constantly
- ✓Sitting - Occasionally
- ✓Lifting - Constantly
- ✓Carrying - Constantly
- ✓Pushing - Constantly
- ✓Pulling - Constantly
- ✓Talking - Occasionally
- ✓Hearing - Frequently
- ✓Repetitive Motions - Constantly
- ✓Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Constantly
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Acute Care Technology At ZOLL, we're passionate about improving patient outcomes and helping save lives. We provide innovative technologies that make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Our medical devices, software and related services are used worldwide to diagnose and treat patients suffering from serious cardiopulmonary and respiratory conditions.
The Acute Care Technology division of ZOLL Medical Corporation develops and delivers innovative lifesaving products and software solutions to EMS, hospital, public safety, and military customers globally. Products include AEDs, trauma kits, ventilators, temperature management solutions, and more. Our dedicated employees take pride in their commitment to improving patient outcomes while delivering world-class customer service.
At ZOLL, you won't just have a job. You'll have a career—and a purpose.
Join our team. It's a great time to be a part of ZOLL!
Job Type
On Site
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- •Strong programming and scripting skills (e.g., Python, Java, C++, Lab View, Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
- •Demonstrated ability to consistently deliver high profile projects on time with quality results.
- •Understanding of cybersecurity principles related to industrial automations.
- •Excellent communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills.
- •Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- •Ability to troubleshoot and repair automated equipment.
- •Familiarity with industry standards and safety protocols.
- •Computer skills using Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, Teams, Word, PowerPoint, Project), Jira, Minitab, SolidWorks or Creo.
- •Ability to influence product design, to optimize Design for Automated Assembly (DfAA).
Preferred Languages
- +English - Advanced
Travel
Working Conditions
- •Extreme cold - Occasionally
- •Extreme heat - Occasionally
- •Humidity - Occasionally
- •Wet - Occasionally
- •Noise - Frequently
ZOLL is a fast-growing company that operates in more than 140 countries around the world. Our employees are inspired by a commitment to make a difference in patients' lives, and our culture values innovation, self-motivation and an entrepreneurial spirit. Join us in our efforts to improve outcomes for underserved patients suffering from critical cardiopulmonary conditions and help save more lives.
The annual salary for this position is
$135,000.00 to $145,000.00
This position is eligible for an annual bonus in accordance with the company's bonus pl