Automation Engineer

PDS Defense, Inc.; Coral Gables (FL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

PDS Defense, Inc. in Coral Gables, FL is seeking an Automation Engineer I. You will design, build, and program test fixtures for electronic and avionics assemblies on the production floor, and own fixtures from concept through deployment under senior guidance.

Responsibilities include wiring interface hardware, writing LabVIEW scripts, prototyping fixtures, and coordinating with shops or vendors for parts. Entry-level role with growth into automation work.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Automation/Manufacturing Engineering.
• 0-3 years of relevant experience; internships or co-ops allowed.
• Basic soldering and hand-tool skills.
• Some exposure to LabVIEW, PLCs, or CAD software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Designs and builds electrical/mechanical test fixtures for functional, in-circuit, and burn-in testing of assemblies.
• Wires interface hardware for fixtures, including connectors, relays, switches, pneumatics, and sensors.
• Writes and debugs test scripts and control software (LabVIEW) to drive fixtures and record pass/fail results.
• Builds a working prototype of each fixture and tests it against known-good and known-bad units.
• Coordinates with machine shop or vendors for machined/part fabrication and reviews delivered parts for fit.
• Prepares fixture documentation including BOMs, wiring diagrams, and operating instructions.
• Trains technicians and operators on setup, run, and troubleshooting of fixtures.
• Responds to fixture failures on the floor and restores fixtures to service quickly.
• Tracks recurring issues and proposes design changes for reliability.
• Maintains calibration and PM schedule for fixtures.
• Keeps inventory of spare parts and flags obsolescence.
• Looks for automation opportunities to reduce cycle time or operator error.
• Reviews new product designs early to flag testability concerns.

Skills

Hands-on

Electrical schematics

Data acquisition

CAD (SolidWorks/AutoCAD)

LabVIEW

On-floor testing

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

BS Degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Automation Engineering

Tools

LabVIEW

CAD (SolidWorks/AutoCAD)

Oscilloscopes/Multimeters

Job description

PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking an Automation Engineer I, in Coral Gables FL

Pay 74.000 per year

The Automation Engineer I is responsible for designing, building, and programming test fixtures used to verify and validate electronic and avionics assemblies on the production floor. This entry-level role gives hands‑on ownership of individual fixture projects from concept through deployment, under the guidance of senior engineering staff, while building toward broader automation and control system work.

Primary Responsibilities

• Designs and builds electrical/mechanical test fixtures for functional, in‑circuit, and burn‑in testing of assemblies, based on product schematics and engineering specifications.
• Selects and wires interface hardware for fixtures, including connectors, relays, switches, pneumatics, and sensors.
• Writes and debugs test scripts and control software (primarily LabVIEW) to drive fixtures and record pass/fail results.
• Builds a working prototype of each fixture, tests it against known‑good and known‑bad units, and adjusts the design until results are repeatable.
• Coordinates with a machine shop or outside vendor when a fixture requires machined or fabricated parts, and reviews delivered parts for fit before final assembly.
• Prepares fixture documentation, including bill of materials, wiring diagrams, and step‑by‑step operating instructions for the test floor.
• Trains test technicians and production operators on how to set up, run, and troubleshoot a new fixture before handing it off.
• Responds to fixture failures or malfunctions on the production floor and works to restore the fixture to service as quickly as possible.
• Tracks recurring fixture issues and proposes design changes to improve reliability or ease of use.
• Maintains a calibration and preventative maintenance schedule for assigned fixtures.
• Keeps an inventory of fixture‑specific spare parts and flags components nearing obsolescence.
• Looks for manual test or inspection steps that could be automated, and proposes small automation projects to reduce cycle time or operator error.
• Reviews new product designs with Engineering early enough to flag features that would be difficult or costly to test, and suggests simpler alternatives.

Job Skills Required

• Comfortable working hands‑on with tools to physically build and wire a fixture, not just design one on paper.
• Working knowledge of electrical schematics and the ability to translate a schematic into a functioning test setup.
• Familiarity with data acquisition hardware and basic instrumentation (multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies).
• Familiarity with CAD software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD for fixture housings and mechanical parts.
• Basic understanding of PLCs and relay logic a plus.
• Good written documentation habits - this role generates instructions other people rely on.
• Willingness to be on the production floor regularly, not just at a desk.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus, for working directly with technicians and operators.

Required Experience

• BS Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Automation/Manufacturing Engineering.
• 0-3 years of relevant experience; internships or co‑ops involving test fixture, automation, or electro‑mechanical project work will be considered.
• Some prior exposure to electronics manufacturing or assembly environments preferred; aerospace/avionics exposure a plus but not required at this level.
• Basic soldering and hand‑tool skills.
• Any prior exposure to LabVIEW, PLCs, or CAD software through coursework or projects is a plus.

Benefits offered to vary by the contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short‑term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations).