Senior Automation Engineer
Listed on 2026-02-16
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Engineering
Automation Engineering, Robotics
Automation Engineer (Lead / Staff / Senior Staff) – Defense Manufacturing – Direct Hire $200,000+ base + Stock Options + Full Benefits
On-site | Southern California
• Want to build automation systems that directly support national defense and next‑gen aerospace programs?
• Ready to own an automation roadmap instead of maintaining legacy equipment?
• Interested in joining a venture‑backed defense startup where your work ships fast and actually flies?
Our client is hiring an Automation Engineer to lead and scale automated manufacturing systems for advanced composite components used in fighter jet engines, artillery shells, drone airframes, and gas turbine systems
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This is a hands‑on, hardware‑first role for engineers who thrive in fast‑paced environments, love rapid prototyping, and want real ownership over automation strategy and execution.
Why This Role Stands Out- 🚀
Defense & Aerospace impact – mission‑critical components for the warfighter - 🏭
Build from scratch – design, prototype, deploy, and scale automation systems - 📈
Massive growth runway – first automation engineer with leadership upside
- Venture‑backed defense technology startup
- Backed by a major Fortune 500 organization
- Focused on reshoring U.S. manufacturing with 10–100x faster production methods
- Rapid growth across aerospace, defense, and energy programs
- Design and deploy automation to improve cycle time, repeatability, and quality
- Work hands‑on with robots, motion systems, sensors, tooling, PLCs, and controls
- Collaborate closely with manufacturing, machinists, and leadership
- Opportunity to build and lead the automation team as the company scales
- Design, build, and refine automated manufacturing systems
- Rapid prototyping of low‑cost, minimum viable automation solutions
- Develop control logic, wiring, and system integration from concept to deployment
- Troubleshoot automation equipment to maximize uptime and reliability
- Adapt production cells for automation in collaboration with machinists
- Ensure manufacturing processes are scalable and automation‑ready
- Oversee and mentor engineers and technicians
- Manage automation budgets, timelines, and technical execution
- Occasional customer‑facing technical discussions
- U.S. Person (EAR / ITAR compliant)
- 3+ years experience automating manufacturing processes
- Hands‑on experience with:
- Robotics & motion control
- PLCs, sensors, and automation software
- Electromechanical system wiring and testing
- Proven ability to design, build, iterate, and deploy automation systems
- Strong CAD skills (parts, assemblies, drawings, GD&T)
- Comfortable owning the entire automation stack end‑to‑end
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Related discipline
- 5+ years automation experience
- Composites manufacturing experience
- Automation of presses, ovens, or impregnation systems
- Aerospace or defense industry experience
- Onshape CAD experience
- Be the foundational automation leader at the organization
- Pathways to Manager → Director → Head of Automation
- Influence company‑wide manufacturing strategy
- Contribute to IP development and novel automation techniques
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