Staff Engineer, Automation Engineering

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is a world-famous brand with offices across the globe. Fender was born in Southern California and has built a worldwide influence beyond the studio and the stage. A Fender is more than an instrument; it’s a cultural symbol that resonates globally.

We are searching for a Staff Engineer to support the advancement, automation, and sustaining of Finishing Production Systems across paint application, intermediate sanding, advanced curing systems, and polishing operations. This role partners closely with Operations, New Product Introduction, R&D, and external automation vendors to translate manual processes into technical requirements, develop optimized production systems, and ensure seamless handoff to operations. The engineer will also sustain daily Finishing value stream execution, quality controls, and continuous improvement activities.

• Partner with Operations and technology vendors to translate manual Finishing processes into technical system requirements.
• Identify automation and technology incorporation opportunities to advance production capabilities and capacity.
• Capture and correlate operational requirements to system design requirements, ensuring alignment with production KPIs.
• Provide project management and cross-functional communication between automation partners and Fender teams to ensure disciplined development, design, and testing of automated systems.
• Apply process development and capability tools such as process characterization, QFD, FAST analysis, and optimization methodologies.
• Lead sustaining engineering activities for Finishing Systems, including ownership of the Paint Value Stream Map and Material Review Board for non-conforming product.
• Execute daily containment activities using PDCA methodology and collaborate with manufacturing and quality teams to maintain process controls.
• Define Design Verification Test (DVT) plans for advanced production systems.
• Develop and maintain PFMEA for finishing processes and systems.
• Apply structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8-step) to address systemic or chronic quality issues.
• Benchmark and sustain awareness of cross-industry technologies relevant to finishing and automation.
• Research, test, and document emerging manufacturing, inspection, and prototyping tools to support technology road mapping.
• Collaborate with New Product Introduction (NPI), R&D, and Product Development to align manufacturing technology roadmap with new product plans.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Must possess 4 years of experience with:

• PLC programming using Rockwell Automation platforms, including Ladder Logic, Sequential Function Charts (SFC), and Function Block Diagrams.
• HMI development using Factory Talk View Studio ME.
• Conducting Design of Experiments (DOE) within the DMAIC framework to optimize manufacturing processes.
• Installation, implementation, operation, and control of industrial instrumentation and automation systems.
• Applying structured problem-solving and continuous improvement methodologies such as PDCA to improve quality and operational efficiency.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or related field.
• 4 years of experience in robotics and automation engineering.
• Experience with PLC programming using Rockwell Automation platforms, including Ladder Logic, Sequential Function Charts (SFC), and Function Block Diagrams.
• Experience developing HMI systems using Factory Talk View Studio ME.
• Experience conducting Design of Experiments (DOE) within the DMAIC framework to optimize manufacturing processes.
• Experience with installation, implementation, operation, and control of industrial instrumentation and automation systems.
• Experience applying structured problem-solving and continuous improvement methodologies such as PDCA to improve quality and operational efficiency.
• Experience performing PFMEA to identify and mitigate risks in manufacturing or service processes.

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is one of the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers and…