Senior Automation Engineer III

Description Our client, a leading U.S. manufacturer with highly automated production operations, is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to join its Automation Engineering team. This individual will serve as the mechanical systems design expert responsible for designing and developing automated manufacturing solutions from concept through implementation. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience designing automation equipment, fixtures, conveyors, robotic cells, and manufacturing systems in a high-volume industrial environment. This role is heavily focused on concept development, detailed mechanical design, and manufacturing support, while collaborating closely with controls engineers, robotics specialists, maintenance, and operations teams. This engineer will support multiple manufacturing facilities and play a key role in improving automation capabilities, increasing production efficiency, and delivering new automation projects from initial concept through production deployment. Key Responsibilities: -Design and develop automated manufacturing systems, equipment, fixtures, conveyors, and robotic work cells. -Create system concepts and equipment architectures to solve manufacturing and operational challenges. -Generate detailed mechanical designs, assemblies, layouts, and manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks and AutoCAD. -Design automation solutions that integrate with robotics, PLC controls, vision systems, and material handling equipment. -Support projects through the full lifecycle, including concept development, design, prototyping, testing, implementation, and manufacturing support. -Collaborate with controls engineers and robotics specialists to ensure successful equipment integration and commissioning. -Provide manufacturing support for production departments, maintenance teams, and process improvement initiatives. -Participate in prototype development, R&D activities, and equipment validation efforts. -Troubleshoot mechanical and system-level issues related to automated equipment and production systems. -Support automation efforts across injection molding, compression molding, composites, and other manufacturing operations. -Coordinate with vendors, integrators, and internal stakeholders on equipment design and implementation. -Travel between manufacturing facilities as needed to provide field support and project execution. Required Qualifications: -Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related technical discipline. Equivalent experience will be considered. -8+ years of experience designing automated manufacturing equipment and production systems. -Strong experience with concept development and machine/system architecture for industrial automation projects. -Extensive mechanical design experience involving: Automated equipment: Fixtures Conveyors Material handling systems Robotic integration Manufacturing tooling -Proficiency with: SolidWorks AutoCAD -Experience supporting automation projects from concept through production implementation. -Experience providing manufacturing support within production environments. -Ability to design complete systems and equipment that integrate with robotics and controls platforms. -Knowledge of GD&T, engineering drawings, and manufacturing design principles. -Experience working directly with maintenance, operations, manufacturing engineering, and production teams. -Strong project ownership skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives. Preferred Qualifications: -Experience in plastics manufacturing, injection molding, compression molding, pultrusion, or composites manufacturing environments. -Experience designing robotic automation cells and automated assembly systems. -Working knowledge of industrial robotics and robotic integration. -Experience with industrial vision systems such as: Cognex Keyence Barcode reading and inspection systems -Familiarity with PLC platforms including: Rockwell / Allen-Bradley Mitsubishi Siemens Automation Direct -Ability to troubleshoot or modify PLC programs. -Experience with HMI and SCADA systems. - Background supporting warehouse automation, logistics automation, or large-scale manufacturing operations. -Experience working with system integrators and turnkey automation projects. -Knowledge of electrical controls, motion control, servo systems, and automation architecture. -Experience leading automation projects and mentoring junior engineers. Additional Skills & Qualifications -Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Automation Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Equivalent automation experience and technical training will also be considered. -Minimum 10 years of manufacturing engineering and automation experience, preferably within an injection molding environment. -Strong understanding of statistics, advanced mathematics, geometry, and data-driven decision-making. -Experience creating 2D and 3D equipment designs using AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks. -Knowledge of GD&T (ANSI Y14.5). -Working understanding of industrial regulations and standards, including OSHA, NFPA, NEC, ADA, IBC, ISO, and related requirements. -Ability to program, troubleshoot, and support PLC-based automation systems. -Experience programming and troubleshooting HMI interfaces. -Hands-on experience setting up, programming, and troubleshooting Star Automation and/or Yushin robotic systems. -Experience programming, integrating, and troubleshooting six-axis industrial robots. -Ability to design and develop electrical schematics and controls documentation. -Experience designing, fabricating, wiring, and troubleshooting electrical control panels. -Hands-on experience implementing, configuring, and programming servo motor and stepper motor systems. -Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project. -Experience creating and maintaining spreadsheets, project schedules, presentations, and technical documentation. -Digital photography and image file management experience. -Strong working knowledge of: Pneumatic control systems Electro-pneumatic troubleshooting Electrical control circuit design Electrical panel assembly and wiring PLC programming and troubleshooting
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Huntington Beach, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $140000.00/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. Health / Vision/ Dental and 401K
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Huntington Beach, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 27, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Huntington Beach,CA. 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.

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