Automation Engineer

Apera; California (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Apera is seeking a Manufacturing Automation Engineer to develop automation solutions for aerospace fluid and electro-mechanical hardware. This role involves collaborating with operations to enhance productivity and quality through automation.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 3+ years of experience in manufacturing automation, along with proficiency in PLC and CAD tools.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in manufacturing automation (machining or assembly environment).
• Experience with automated systems and robotics is required.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing drawings and processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement automation solutions across manufacturing operations.
• Identify bottlenecks and drive process improvements.
• Support PLC, robotics, and machine vision integration.

Skills

Manufacturing automation

PLC experience

Robotics

Machine vision

Lean Manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

SOLIDWORKS

Siemens TIA Portal

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a Manufacturing Automation Engineer to develop and implement automated and semi-automated manufacturing solutions for aerospace fluid and electro‑mechanical hardware products.

This role partners closely with machining and assembly operations to improve productivity, quality, and efficiency through practical, hands‑on automation in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement automation solutions across manufacturing operations
• Identify bottlenecks and drive process improvements (cycle time, quality, uptime, labor efficiency)
• Support PLC, robotics, and machine vision integration
• Develop tooling, fixtures, and layouts using CAD tools
• Troubleshoot systems and lead root‑cause/continuous improvement efforts
• Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to improve operations
• Work with vendors and internal teams to execute automation projects

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
• 3+ years in manufacturing automation (machining or assembly environment)
• PLC experience (Siemens TIA Portal and/or Rockwell/Allen‑Bradley)
• Experience with robotics, machine vision, and automated systems
• CAD proficiency (SOLIDWORKS or similar)
• Strong understanding of manufacturing drawings and processes
• Lean Manufacturing experience

Additional

• Aerospace manufacturing environment (high‑mix, low‑volume)
• Shop floor + office role
• Must meet U.S. export compliance requirements (ITAR/EAR)