Automation and Controls Engineer

Next Matter; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Long-term stock incentives

Comprehensive medical insurance

Vision and dental insurance

Four weeks of paid time off

Job summary

A technology firm specializing in defense is seeking an Automation and Controls Engineer to design and commission robust manufacturing systems for hypersonic-flight components. The ideal candidate will possess strong electro-mechanical and automation system skills, with at least 2 years of hands-on experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Responsibilities include designing control systems, troubleshooting hardware issues, and working collaboratively with engineering teams to improve production reliability. Comprehensive benefits are offered including medical insurance and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in aerospace, automotive, or manufacturing.
• Experience troubleshooting complex issues in manufacturing processes.
• Strong mechanical skills and hands-on work experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and build systems for hypersonic-flight component production.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on hardware requirements.
• Troubleshoot production issues to minimize downtime.

Skills

Electro-mechanical system design

Automation systems

Problem-solving

Mechanical aptitude

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

CAD / CAM (Siemens NX)

Programming (Python, C, NodeJS, HTML, CSS)

Job description

About Castelion

Castelion is bringing a new approach to defense development and production: one that focuses on short, iterative design cycles, rapid testing in development, and modern commercial manufacturing strategies for production at scale. We design, build, and test next generation weapon systems to give America and its Allies a definitive edge in defense capabilities.

Automation and Controls Engineer

The Automation and Controls Engineer will design, build, and commission robust manufacturing systems for production of hypersonic-flight components.

Success requires a practical application of engineering principles to design, build, test, and commission process hardware, integrate new technologies into our production line, and integrate process equipment and technologies within our production line. We are seeking a hands‑on problem solver with strong expertise in electro‑mechanical system design and automation systems, as well as experience working with machinery and production environments.

The key to excelling in this position is the effective application of mechanical, electrical, and control systems expertise to enable our manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, customize, and test hardware and control systems for integration into composite manufacturing equipment balancing process requirements, cost and lead‑time considerations.
• Partner with mechanical, materials, and manufacturing engineering teams to align on hardware requirements and design solutions.
• Mature manufacturing processes via the implementation of process control systems and procedures to ensure production consistency and reliability.
• Work with suppliers and vendors to define specifications and ensure on‑time delivery of equipment for production needs.
• Troubleshoot hardware malfunction issues to minimize downtime and improve operations.
• Provide guidance and implement robust plans for hardware maintenance and calibration to ensure reliable operation of the manufacturing equipment.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering or industrial engineering.
• 2+ years of experience in a fast‑paced aerospace, automotive, or manufacturing production environment.
• Experience identifying, trouble shooting and rectifying complex manufacturing issues involving multiple production resources in a deadline driven environment.Understanding of manufacturing processes (machining, welding, forming, composites).
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to engage in hands‑on work to test and implement ideas.
• CAD / CAM (Siemens NX).
• Computer Programming (Python, C, NodeJS, HTML, CSS).

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Masters degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering or industrial engineering.
• 4+ years of experience in a fast‑paced aerospace manufacturing and production environment.
• Automation (PLC programming, Industrial Robotics).
• CNC Machining.
• IoT / Connected factory concepts.
• Networking skills.

Leadership Qualities

• Bias to Action and Creative Problem Solving. Desire and experience questioning assumptions in ways that lead to break through ideas that are ultimately implemented. Successfully bring in applicable processes/concepts/materials from other industries to achieve efficiency gains. Ability to work independently and resolve minor issues in development with minimal oversight and support.
• High Commitment, High Initiative. A successful candidate will have a genuine passion for Castelion's mission and consistently look for ways to contribute to the company's technical goals and prevent hardware blockers. Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere. Strong sense of accountability and integrity.
• Clear Communicator. Proactively communicates blockers. Trusted in previous roles to be voice of company with regulators, suppliers, gate keepers and customers. Capable of tactfully managing relationships with stakeholders to achieve company-desired outcomes without compromising relationships. Emails, IMs and verbal interactions are logical, drive clarity, and detailed enough to eliminate ambiguity.

ITAR Requirements

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Employment with Castelion is governed on the basis of competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

All employees are granted long-term stock incentives as part of their employment at Castelion. All employees receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance, and the company offers four weeks of paid time off per year.