Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Description

Manufacturing Automation Engineer – Automation, Process Improvement & Additive Manufacturing

Join a dynamic manufacturing team producing satellite communications antennas and precision metal space framework structures used in radomes. This role is ideal for a hands‑on technologist who thrives on practical delivery, rapid prototyping, and deploying real‑world solutions. You’ll work in a fast‑paced environment where agility and innovation are key, and where your ability to implement automation and additive manufacturing will directly impact cost, lead time, and quality.

• Identify, scope, and implement process improvement initiatives that yield measurable savings in capital and operating expenses
• Design, prototype, and deploy cobot/robot work cells and fixtures, including integration of vision systems
• Apply additive manufacturing (DMLS, FDM, SLA) for tooling, fixturing, and short‑run components to reduce lead time and cost
• Recommend supplier sourcing strategies and develop models to support buy vs. build decisions
• Use Lean and Six Sigma methodologies (e.g., value stream mapping, kaizen, SPC) to drive and sustain improvements
• Develop and maintain SOPs and training materials to support process changes and automation deployments
• Deliver measurable impact through:
  • First‑year realized savings and ROI on projects
  • Cycle‑time reduction
  • Deployment of automation cells and reduction in overtime
  • Lead‑time reduction via AM tooling and parts
  • Improvement in first pass yield and defect rates

• 2–5 years of relevant experience in manufacturing, automation, or additive manufacturing; 5+ years for senior/lead candidates with a proven track record of cost savings and deployed automation projects
• Hands‑on experience with automation (robot/cobot programming) or demonstrated use of additive manufacturing in production
• Strong data‑driven problem‑solving skills, including root cause analysis, SPC, and time studies
• Ability to manage projects from concept through delivery: BOM creation, ROI justification, supplier engagement, and basic mechanical design
• Innovative thinker who enjoys exploring new ideas and approaches
• Collaborative team player who contributes to group problem‑solving
• Self‑starter who takes ownership of projects and drives them to completion
• Effective communicator who can translate shop‑floor needs into technical specifications and actionable plans
• Education:
  
  Manufacturing or Mechanical engineering degree preferred, or equivalent practical experience

SHAPING THE FUTURE THROUGH INNOVATION AND DISCOVERY!

With a history spanning more than seven decades, Communications & Power Industries’ thousands of products have impacted people’s lives in numerous unseen ways every day. Our highly engineered products serve as the backbone of modern‑day commercial and military communications systems, assist in diagnosing medical conditions, empower scientific discoveries and space exploration, and much more.

CPI is headquartered in Plano, Texas and is a global manufacturer of electronic components and subsystems. We have manufacturing locations in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. With a heritage of technological excellence, our team serves customers in the communications, defense, medical, industrial, and scientific markets.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or just embarking on your career, CPI is an ideal place to expand your knowledge and expertise. We cultivate a healthy, dynamic, and team‑oriented environment that empowers our employees to develop, create and deliver innovative, reliable technology solutions to power, connect, protect, and support a better tomorrow.

We offer our employees an attractive compensation package with competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including health and wellness programs, career development, generous retirement savings plan with company match and more!

We value the unique and diverse skills, qualities, and backgrounds that each employee brings to CPI, and we respect each employee as an integral member of our growing team. CPI is committed to providing equal employment…