Senior Automation Engineer III

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Automation Engineer IIILead the Future of Advanced Manufacturing

Are you passionate about designing cutting-edge automation systems that transform manufacturing operations? Do you thrive on bringing innovative concepts to life and seeing them implemented on the production floor? If so, this is your opportunity to join an industry-leading manufacturer known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and operational excellence. For decades, this organization has been a trusted leader in developing and manufacturing high-performance products used by foodservice operators, commercial kitchens, healthcare facilities, and hospitality organizations around the world. With a reputation built on innovation, durability, and customer-focused solutions, they operate highly automated manufacturing facilities that continue to invest in advanced technologies, robotics, and continuous improvement initiatives. As a Senior Automation Engineer III , you will play a critical leadership role in designing and implementing next-generation automation systems that improve productivity, quality, and efficiency across multiple manufacturing facilities.

Why You'll Love This Opportunity

Own large-scale automation projects from concept through production deployment

Design advanced robotic work cells, conveyors, material handling systems, and automated manufacturing equipment

Work with cutting-edge technologies including robotics, PLCs, vision systems, servo controls, and SCADA platforms

Partner with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, controls engineering, maintenance, and operations

Influence the future of high-volume manufacturing through innovation and continuous improvement

Join a stable, growth-oriented organization with a long history of industry leadership

What You'll DoAutomation System Design & Engineering

• Design and develop automated manufacturing equipment, robotic cells, conveyors, fixtures, and material handling systems.
• Create machine concepts and system architectures that solve complex manufacturing challenges.
• Develop detailed 3D models, assemblies, layouts, and engineering drawings using SolidWorks and AutoCAD .
• Integrate robotics, PLC controls, vision systems, and motion control technologies into complete manufacturing solutions.

Project Leadership

• Lead automation projects through the full lifecycle, including:
  • Concept development
  • Detailed design
  • Prototyping
  • Testing and validation
  • Installation and commissioning
  • Production support
• Manage multiple automation initiatives simultaneously while ensuring project objectives are achieved.

Manufacturing Support & Continuous Improvement

• Troubleshoot and optimize automated equipment and production systems.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to improve performance and reliability.
• Support automation initiatives across injection molding, compression molding, pultrusion, composites, and other manufacturing processes.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts focused on productivity, quality, safety, and operational efficiency.

Controls, Robotics & Motion Systems

• Program and troubleshoot PLC-based automation systems.
• Develop and support HMI and SCADA applications.
• Configure and integrate industrial robots, including six-axis robotic systems.
• Program and optimize servo motor and stepper motor applications.
• Design electrical schematics, controls documentation, and control panel layouts.

Technical Leadership

• Mentor junior engineers and technical staff.
• Support vendor selection, equipment procurement, and system integration activities.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for automation and controls engineering initiatives.

What We're Looking ForRequired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience designing and implementing automated manufacturing equipment and systems.
• Strong expertise in mechanical system design, machine architecture, and automation integration.
• Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks and AutoCAD .
• Experience integrating:
  • Robotics
  • PLCs
  • Vision systems
  • Motion control platforms
  • Automated material handling systems
• Hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting experience.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, manufacturing processes, and engineering standards.
• Proven ability to lead projects from concept through production implementation.

Preferred Experience

• Plastics manufacturing and injection molding environments.
• Industrial robotics integration and programming.
• Star Automation and/or Yushin robotic systems.
• Vision systems such as Cognex and Keyence.
• Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, or Automation Direct PLC platforms.
• Electrical control panel design, fabrication, and troubleshooting.
• Warehouse automation or large-scale manufacturing automation projects.

What Success Looks Like

In this role, you'll be the driving force behind innovative automation solutions that directly impact productivity, quality, and manufacturing performance. You'll combine hands-on engineering expertise with strategic project leadership to deliver systems that keep our operations at the forefront of modern manufacturing.

If you're ready to take ownership of complex automation projects, work with advanced technology, and make a lasting impact within a highly respected manufacturing organization, we'd love to hear from you.

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.

Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Huntington Beach, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 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.

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 View email address on ziprecruiter.com 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.