Automation Engineer

Job Title: Automation Engineer Job Description
We are seeking an Automation Engineer to support manufacturing automation, machine vision systems, qualification activities, and production line expansion within a regulated manufacturing environment. This role will focus on semi-automated manufacturing lines utilizing machine vision inspection systems, PLC-controlled fixtures, automated test stations, and production monitoring systems. The engineer will be responsible for maintaining, improving, validating, and scaling manufacturing equipment while supporting production yield, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives. This is a hands-on engineering position supporting equipment already deployed on the manufacturing floor while also driving enhancements, qualification efforts, and future automation initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Support and troubleshoot machine vision inspection systems.
- Configure and optimize automated inspection stations.
- Validate pass/fail inspection criteria.
- Improve vision system performance and reliability.
- Investigate inspection failures and false rejects.
- Support vision system programming and modifications.
- Support daily manufacturing line operations.
- Troubleshoot automation-related production issues.
- Drive corrective actions and process improvements.
- Support line readiness and production ramp activities.
- Analyze production data and yield trends.
- Program and troubleshoot basic PLC-controlled equipment.
- Support sensor integrations and pneumatic systems.
- Develop and modify simple automation logic.
- Support integration of inspection stations and manufacturing equipment.
- Design fixtures, nests, tooling, and inspection stations using SolidWorks.
- Improve existing automation systems and manufacturing equipment.
- Implement modifications to improve yield and throughput.
- Support new equipment designs and enhancements.
- Execute and support Test Method Validation (TMV) activities.
- Support OQ and PQ qualification efforts.
- Review qualification data and investigate failures.
- Ensure equipment performs according to design intent.
- Support data collection and traceability requirements.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
- 3-6 years of experience in automation, manufacturing engineering, or equipment engineering.
- Experience supporting machine vision systems.
- Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting.
- SolidWorks experience.
- Experience supporting production equipment and automated inspection systems.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience in a regulated manufacturing environment preferred.
- Medical device manufacturing experience.
- FDA-regulated manufacturing experience.
- Manufacturing line validation.
- OQ/PQ experience.
- Experience with continuous improvement programs.
Work Environment
The position is located in a high-volume medical device manufacturing environment. The company offers a competitive benefits package, including recent FDA approval, 401K matching at 6%, a 30% RUS, and a 20% bonus.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Irvine, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $130000.00 - $150000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Medical, Dental, Vision
PTO, Holiday, Sick Leave
401K Matching
Yearly Bonus Incentive
Stock options
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Irvine,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 2026. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.