Automation Engineer

Job Title: Automation Engineer Job Description
We are seeking a hands-on Automation Engineer to lead end-to-end automation and manufacturing projects from initial concept through design, implementation, launch, and full-scale production. This role combines mechanical design, plastics manufacturing, process engineering, and automation project management to support both new product development and optimization of existing products and processes. The Automation Engineer will play a key role in shaping how products are designed, manufactured, and automated, with significant autonomy, direct project ownership, and the opportunity to make measurable impacts on quality, efficiency, throughput, and overall business performance.
Responsibilities
- Lead automation and manufacturing projects from concept through design, implementation, validation, launch, and production, ensuring technical and business objectives are met.
- Create, refine, and maintain detailed SolidWorks models and mechanical designs for plastic components, tooling, and automated equipment.
- Develop and iterate prototypes to validate design concepts and manufacturing approaches, incorporating design for manufacturing principles.
- Support plastics manufacturing operations, including injection molding, blow molding, and injection blow molding, by troubleshooting issues and optimizing processes.
- Evaluate existing and new manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for automation, labor reduction, quality improvement, and cost optimization.
- Define, plan, and manage automation projects, including equipment specification, integration, installation, and commissioning activities.
- Work closely with external automation vendors, machine builders, and system integrators to design and implement effective automation solutions.
- Support factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT) for new automation equipment, ensuring systems meet performance, safety, and quality requirements.
- Analyze labor, quality, cost, and production efficiency data to develop and justify automation and process improvement recommendations.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing throughput, improving product quality, and reducing manufacturing costs.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, quality, operations, suppliers, mold makers, and automation integrators to align design and process decisions.
- Own both product design and manufacturing process development, ensuring that products are optimized for manufacturability and automation.
- Develop and maintain clear technical documentation, including drawings, specifications, work instructions, and project reports.
- Communicate project status, risks, and technical issues effectively to stakeholders and leadership, and adjust plans as priorities shift.
- Manage multiple concurrent engineering and automation projects in a fast-paced environment, balancing design, floor support, and project management responsibilities.
- Provide hands-on support on the manufacturing floor, including equipment trials, process adjustments, and troubleshooting of automated systems.
- Contribute to the overall automation strategy by proposing new technologies, methods, and process improvements that support long-term business growth.
Essential Skills
- Minimum of 5+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing environments, with a focus on process and automation improvement.
- Hands-on experience in plastics manufacturing, preferably in injection molding, blow molding, or injection blow molding operations.
- Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks and strong mechanical design experience for components, tooling, and automated systems.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and refine products for manufacture, applying design for manufacturing principles.
- Proven success implementing manufacturing automation solutions, from concept through production launch.
- Experience managing automation vendors, machine builders, and system integrators, including equipment specification and implementation.
- Ability to evaluate labor, quality, cost, and production efficiency to identify and prioritize automation and process improvement opportunities.
- Track record of supporting projects through the full lifecycle, from concept development to production ramp-up and stabilization.
- Strong technical documentation skills, including creating detailed drawings, specifications, and process documentation.
- Effective communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, quality, operations, and supplier teams.
- Capability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to shifting priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Hands-on, practical approach, comfortable working both on the manufacturing floor and at a workstation.
- Engineering degree preferred, or equivalent technical background with relevant manufacturing and automation experience.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience working directly with robotics and automated equipment in a manufacturing setting.
- background in design for manufacturing and assembly, particularly for plastic components and molded parts.
- Familiarity with evaluating and improving production efficiency, reducing labor content, and optimizing cycle times.
- Experience participating in or leading FAT and SAT activities for new automation equipment.
- Ability to influence and collaborate with cross-functional teams and leadership on automation strategy and investment decisions.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a continuous improvement mindset focused on quality, throughput, and cost.
- Comfort with a high level of project ownership and autonomy in decision-making.
- Interest in working on both new product development initiatives and large-scale manufacturing improvement projects.
Work Environment
This role is based in an on-site manufacturing environment that supports plastics processing, assembly, and automation initiatives. The work involves a balanced mix of office-based engineering design and documentation, as well as frequent hands-on activities on the manufacturing floor. The Automation Engineer will operate in a first-shift schedule within a fast-paced production setting that manages multiple new product development and process improvement projects simultaneously. The environment emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, with regular interaction among engineering, manufacturing, quality, operations, suppliers, mold makers, and automation integrators. Team members enjoy a high level of project ownership, autonomy, and exposure to advanced automation technologies, contributing directly to the organizations quality, efficiency, and growth objectives.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Oceanside, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $130000.00 - $160000.00/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. Heath, dental, vision, 401K
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Oceanside, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 28, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Oceanside,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.

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,
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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
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