Automation Engineer

Location:

Torrance, CA

Company:
Pelican Products, Inc.

At Pelican, we engineer products that stand up to the world’s toughest conditions—because the people who rely on us do too. For nearly 50 years, we’ve been a trusted partner for military personnel, first responders, outdoor adventurers, and innovators who push the limits.

With a global presence that includes 11 offices, 4 manufacturing facilities, and 4 custom case centers, we create high-performance protective solutions that ensure our customers can focus on what matters most. Whether it’s transporting critical medical supplies, securing mission-essential equipment, or keeping expedition gear safe, Pelican products are Built to Protect to Equip for the Mission.

At Pelican, your work has a real-world impact. You’ll be part of a team driven by innovation, craftsmanship, and the shared belief that when the mission is critical, failure isn’t an option. If you’re ready to build something that makes a difference, be part of a team that protects what matters most.

• Independently design, develop, and implement automated manufacturing equipment, fixtures, robotics, and control systems.
• Lead automation and equipment integration projects from initial concept through installation, commissioning, implementation, and validation.
• Program, troubleshoot, and support PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision systems, servo drives, sensors, and industrial control systems.
• Diagnose and resolve complex electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, controls, and automation-related equipment issues.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, assembly drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), control documentation, and work instructions.
• Support equipment commissioning, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and process validation.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering to improve manufacturing processes and equipment performance.
• Support automation rollouts, equipment standardization, and process improvements across multiple Pelican manufacturing facilities.
• Evaluate automation technologies, equipment, components, and vendors and recommend solutions based on manufacturing needs.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on OEE, downtime reduction, process capability, labor efficiency, ergonomics, and safety.
• Support machine safety compliance, equipment guarding requirements, and automation risk assessments.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers, technicians, and production personnel.
• Support capital equipment planning, project scoping, and budgeting for automation investments.
• Travel to domestic and international Pelican facilities as needed to support automation projects and equipment implementations.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related technical field.
• 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing automation, controls engineering, or industrial automation.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience working with HMIs, robotics, sensors, servo systems, vision systems, and industrial controls.
• Experience integrating and troubleshooting automated manufacturing equipment.
• Strong electrical, mechanical, and controls troubleshooting capabilities.
• Experience supporting manufacturing process improvements and equipment optimization.
• Experience with CAD software such as Solid Works and AutoCAD.
• Ability to read, develop, and work from electrical schematics and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical and technical problem-solving skills.
• Experience leading or independently managing automation or equipment projects.
• Strong project management and organizational…