Senior Mechanical and Automation Engineer
$135,000–$145,000 year
On-siteOceanside, California, United States
Job Summary
Design, develop, and commission mechanical and automated equipment to eliminate manual heavy-handling operations in membrane manufacturing, applying DFM and DFS principles within capital budget constraints. Lead cross-functional project teams through scoping, design review, procurement, and production handoff while managing schedules and budgets. Facilitate Process, Machine, and Assembly FMEA sessions to calculate Risk Priority Numbers and drive corrective actions, alongside developing and governing Control Plans aligned with PFMEA outputs. Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLC-based automation systems, HMI interfaces, and vision inspection tools to support new equipment commissioning. Conduct Job Hazard Analysis and machine safety reviews to integrate guarding and interlocks into all designs, ensuring compliance with OSHA and NFPA standards. Assess and formalize legacy process flows, SOPs, and engineering standards to establish structured documentation and change control systems. Partner with production, quality, and EHS teams to resolve reliability issues using root cause analysis methodologies.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline
- 8–12 years' experience in a manufacturing engineering or automation engineering role
- Expert-level mechanical design proficiency using 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent)
- Hands-on electrical and controls engineering competency: panel wiring, PLC programming (Allen Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, or equivalent), HMI configuration, servo and stepper drive commissioning, pneumatic system design, and sensor/vision system integration
- Advanced mastery of FMEA methodologies: ability to independently lead and facilitate Process FMEA (PFMEA), Machine FMEA, and Assembly FMEA sessions; assign Severity, Occurrence, and Detection ratings; calculate RPN scores; prioritize and drive risk mitigation actions to defined target thresholds before production release
- Expert application of Poka Yoke (mistake-proofing) design principles: fixture-based error-proofing, sensor-based detection and rejection interlocks, visual management and color-coding systems, and assembly verification mechanisms to prevent defect escape in membrane manufacturing operations
- Proficiency in Control Plan development and ongoing governance: linking PFMEA outputs to process control parameters, measurement system requirements, inspection frequency, reaction plans, and SPC monitoring triggers; ability to train operators and technicians on Control Plan requirements
- Strong working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools including VSM, DMAIC, FMEA, 5S, SMED, and Kaizen facilitation
- Six Sigma Green Belt certification
- Demonstrated ability to develop, formalize, and govern engineering documentation in legacy or underdeveloped environments: SOPs, work instructions, process flow diagrams, engineering change orders, and equipment qualification and validation records
- Ability to read and comprehend highly complex engineering specifications, regulatory standards, and technical documentation; write technical reports, engineering proposals, and capital justifications; effectively present recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders and management in one-on-one and group settings
- Strong project management skills: ability to manage multiple concurrent engineering projects, vendor relationships, and contractor activities within approved budget and schedule; proficiency in MS Project or equivalent project management tools
- Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems (JD Edwards or equivalent) for materials planning, requisition management, and project cost tracking
- OSHA 30-Hour General Industry certification
- PLC Programming certification (Allen Bradley/Rockwell or Siemens equivalent)
- Availability and willingness to travel to vendor sites, supplier facilities, or other Nitto Group locations domestically when required as part of equipment procurement, qualification, or business support activities
- Must be able to work extended hours including evenings or weekends during critical equipment commissioning phases or production support events per the demands of the business
- Must be able to lift, push, or carry items up to 35 lbs during equipment setup, component handling, and inspection activities
Desired Qualifications
- Black Belt preferred
- PLC Programming certification (Allen Bradley/Rockwell or Siemens equivalent) preferred
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