Automation Engineer

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Full Time Rubbercraft, Long Beach, CA, US

3 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $77,000.00 To $93,170.00 Annually

Rubbercraft is seeking a highly hands‑on and solutions‑oriented Automation Engineer to design, develop, and implement innovative manufacturing automation solutions across multiple production processes. This role will support continuous improvement initiatives focused on improving efficiency, safety, quality, throughput, and process consistency within a fast‑paced aerospace manufacturing environment.

The Automation Engineer will lead automation projects supporting rubber extrusion, molding, trimming, assembly, and secondary manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate is technically strong, creative in problem‑solving, and capable of driving automation projects from concept through implementation.

About Rubbercraft (RCC): Rubbercraft is a trusted leader in engineered elastomer solutions serving aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. Our team designs and manufactures precision‑molded seals, gaskets, and custom rubber components that perform in the most demanding environments. We take pride in craftsmanship, collaboration, and a culture built on innovation and reliability.

Our Mission: Enabling custom engineered solutions through our Polymers Material Science, Technologies, and Applications expertise.

• Design and document manufacturing processes, routings, and work instructions for assembly and sub‑assembly operations across multiple value streams.
• Apply Lean manufacturing tools including VSM, SMED, 5S, standard work, visual management, and Kaizen to eliminate waste and improve throughput.
• Conduct time studies, capacity analysis, line balancing, and resource planning activities.
• Analyze WIP variances and perform root cause investigations to identify process gaps and implement corrective actions.
• Develop visual management systems and operational reporting tools to support performance tracking and decision‑making.

• Design and implement manufacturing automation systems for rubber extrusion, molding, trimming, assembly, and secondary operations.
• Develop creative and cost‑effective automation solutions to improve productivity, reduce manual labor, minimize scrap, and improve process consistency.
• Create automation concepts, layouts, tooling, fixtures, robotic applications, and automated handling systems.
• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLCs, HMIs, robotics, sensors, drives, pneumatics, and related automation equipment.
• Lead automation integration projects including equipment specification, vendor coordination, installation, startup, validation, and continuous improvement activities.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend automation improvements for manufacturing operations.
• Maintain automation‑related documentation including electrical schematics, process flows, operating procedures, and project records.

• Manage scope, schedule, budget, and risk for automation, capital equipment, and continuous improvement projects.
• Build project plans, coordinate stakeholders, and lead cross‑functional project teams.
• Develop business cases and ROI analyses for automation investments and process improvements.
• Provide daily production support to resolve manufacturing constraints and technical issues.
• Support tooling and fixture design/procurement activities and coordinate with vendors and maintenance teams.
• Coach operators and technicians on standard work, troubleshooting, quality checks, and process improvements.
• Monitor key process indicators including scrap, rework, OEE, and FPY to drive structured improvement initiatives.
• Ensure all automation systems comply with company safety standards and industry regulations.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing automation, industrial engineering, or related…