Senior Automation Engineer
$149,500–$209,000 year
On-siteTorrance, California, United States
Torrance, California, United StatesOn-siteFull Time$149,500–$209,000 yearSenior LevelDefense TechnologyStartup
Full TimeSenior LevelStartupDefense Technology
Job Summary
Develop automated assembly systems, test stations, and process control solutions to scale manufacturing throughput and reduce operational costs. Design fixtures and motion control platforms using SolidWorks, integrating PLCs, machine vision, and robotics to transition automation from prototype to high-volume production. Identify bottlenecks, perform ROI analysis, and deliver projects that improve yield, quality, and labor efficiency across cross-functional teams. Apply GD&T, SPC, and DFM/DFA principles to build robust, scalable automation for rapid product deployment.
Required Qualifications
- 7+ years of experience designing, building, and deploying manufacturing automation equipment in a high-volume production environment
- Proven experience developing automated assembly systems, test stations, fixtures, and process control solutions from concept through production deployment
- Strong mechanical design skills with proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks or equivalent) and experience creating manufacturable automation solutions
- Hands-on experience with industrial controls, including PLCs, sensors, machine vision systems, robotics, pneumatics, and motion control systems
- Experience integrating hardware and software for automated manufacturing and test applications, including data collection and process monitoring
- Demonstrated ability to identify manufacturing bottlenecks, perform ROI analysis, and deliver automation projects that improve throughput, yield, quality, and labor efficiency
- Experience supporting NPI builds and transitioning automation solutions from prototype to scalable production environments
- Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with Manufacturing, Test, Design, Quality, and Software Engineering teams in a fast-paced product development environment
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or C# for automation, controls, and manufacturing test applications
- Knowledge of manufacturing quality systems, statistical process control (SPC), and Design for Manufacturing/Automation (DFM/DFA) principles
- Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, process capability (Cp/Cpk), SPC, and manufacturing KPIs to design robust automation solutions that account for variation and enable scalable production
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with drone, aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, or other high-reliability electromechanical products
- Experience with machine vision inspection systems, robotic integration, and advanced motion control platforms
- Experience supporting high-mix, low-volume NPI builds and scaling processes to high-volume production environments
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