Automation and Controls Engineer

Automation and Controls Engineer

Torrance, California, United States

About the Job Automation and Controls Engineer

Castelion is bringing a new approach to defense development and production: one that focuses on short, iterative design cycles, rapid testing in development, and modern commercial manufacturing strategies for production at scale. We design, build, and test next generation weapon systems to give America and its Allies a definitive edge in defense capabilities.

The Automation and Controls Engineer will design, build, and commission robust manufacturing systems for production of hypersonic-flight components.

Success requires a practical application of engineering principles to design, build, test, and commission process hardware, integrate new technologies into our production line, and integrate process equipment and technologies within our production line. We are seeking a hands-on problem solver with strong expertise in electro-mechanical system design and automation systems, as well as experience working with machinery and production environments.

The key to excelling in this position is the effective application of mechanical, electrical, and control systems expertise to enable our manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, customize, and test hardware and control systems for integration into composite manufacturing equipment balancing process requirements, cost and lead-time considerations.
• Partner with mechanical, materials, and manufacturing engineering teams to align on hardware requirements and design solutions.
• Mature manufacturing processes via the implementation of process control systems and procedures to ensure production consistency and reliability.
• Work with suppliers and vendors to define specifications and ensure on-time delivery of equipment for production needs.
• Troubleshoot hardware malfunction issues to minimize downtime and improve operations.
• Provide guidance and implement robust plans for hardware maintenance and calibration to ensure reliable operation of the manufacturing equipment.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering or industrial engineering.
• 2+ years of experience in a fast-paced aerospace, automotive, or manufacturing production environment.
• Experience identifying, trouble shooting and rectifying complex manufacturing issues involving multiple production resources in a deadline driven environment.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes (machining, welding, forming, composites).
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to engage in hands-on work to test and implement ideas.
• CAD / CAM (Siemens NX).
• Computer Programming (Python, C, NodeJS, HTML, CSS).

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Masters degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering or industrial engineering.
• 4+ years of experience in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing and production environment.
• Automation (PLC programming, Industrial Robotics).
• CNC Machining.
• IoT / Connected factory concepts.
• Networking skills.

Leadership Qualities

• Bias to Action and Creative Problem Solving . Desire and experience questioning assumptions in ways that lead to break through ideas that are ultimately implemented. Successfully bring in applicable processes/concepts/materials from other industries to achieve efficiency gains. Ability to work independently and resolve minor issues in development with minimal oversight and support.
• High Commitment, High Initiative . A successful candidate will have a genuine passion for Castelion's mission and consistently look for ways to contribute to the company's technical goals and prevent hardware blockers. Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere. Strong sense of accountability and integrity.
• Clear Communicator . Proactively communicates blockers. Trusted in previous roles to be voice of company with regulators, suppliers, gate keepers and customers. Capable of tactfully managing relationships with stakeholders to achieve company-desired outcomes without compromising relationships. Emails, IMs and verbal interactions are logical, drive clarity, and detailed enough to eliminate ambiguity.

ITAR Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Employment with Castelion is governed on the basis of competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

All employees are granted long-term stock incentives as part of their employment at Castelion. All employees receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance, and the company offers four weeks of paid time off per year.