Automation Engineer

SoTalent; Los Angeles, California (CA, MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Comprehensive benefits package

Access to professional development resources

Education support

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Los Angeles is seeking an entry-level Automation Engineer to support automated manufacturing systems and collaborate with production teams. The role involves troubleshooting automation issues, developing procedures, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering and the ability to work weekends. This full-time position offers competitive salary and benefits, focusing on professional development and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Entry-level to early-career experience in automation, manufacturing, or process engineering.
• Ability to explain technical topics clearly in written and verbal formats.
• Capable of addressing routine engineering and process challenges with guidance.
• Willingness to escalate issues and collaborate cross-functionally.
• Availability to work weekends and additional shifts.

Responsibilities

• Intervene in automated processes to maintain production flow.
• Develop and review manufacturing procedures for alignment with automation.
• Identify and resolve automation or equipment-related issues.
• Train production personnel on effective use of automated systems.
• Develop knowledge of control platforms and assist with troubleshooting.
• Lead small improvement initiatives in automation and process performance.
• Train production personnel on automated systems.
• Own CAPAs for automation deviations and ensure closure.

Skills

Technical explanation skills

Collaboration in cross-functional teams

Ability to address engineering challenges

Willingness to work weekends and additional shifts

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (electrical, computer, chemical, biochemical or related)

Job description

In this position, you will support automated manufacturing systems and work closely with production teams to keep operations running smoothly. Your focus will be on diagnosing and resolving control system issues, supporting continuous improvement initiatives, and contributing to key operational objectives such as safety, product quality, regulatory compliance, efficiency, and cost performance. This role requires regular weekend work as part of a rotating shift schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Intervene in automated processes when needed to maintain uninterrupted production flow and implement long‑term solutions that minimize repeated manual interventions
• Develop, update, and periodically review manufacturing procedures to ensure alignment between automated controls and operator activities
• Identify and resolve automation or equipment‑related issues that cause downtime, coordinating with internal and external technical support as required
• Support configuration changes, functional testing, commissioning activities, and qualification documentation for control systems and manufacturing equipment
• Build working knowledge of manufacturing control platforms and assist with daily operational troubleshooting and system enhancements
• Lead small‑scale improvement initiatives related to automation, process performance, equipment functionality, and operator‑system interaction
• Train production personnel on effective use of automated systems within the manufacturing process
• Own corrective and preventive actions linked to automation‑related deviations, events, or non‑conformances, ensuring timely closure and documentation

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline such as electrical, computer, chemical, biochemical, or a related field
• Entry‑level to early‑career experience in automation, manufacturing, or process engineering
• Ability to clearly explain technical topics in both written and verbal formats
• Willingness to escalates issues appropriately and collaborate within cross‑functional teams
• Capable of addressing routine engineering and process challenges with guidance
• Availability to work weekends, holidays, and additional shifts as required by operational needs

Working Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work performed in regulated manufacturing areas requiring specialized protective clothing and gowning
• Compliance with facility restrictions regarding personal items (e.g., jewelry, cosmetics, contact lenses)
• Exposure to temperature‑controlled, damp, or noisy environments
• Regular interaction with industrial chemicals and materials, with appropriate safety controls in place
• Ability to lift and carry items up to approximately 25 pounds
• Combination of desk‑based tasks and time spent on the manufacturing floor
• Occasional work in confined or restricted spaces
• Approximately half of working time spent in production areas, including cleanroom or controlled storage environments
• Competitive base salary range aligned with experience and qualifications (location‑specific)
• Eligibility for performance‑based incentive programs
• Comprehensive benefits package including health coverage, retirement savings plan, paid time off, holidays, and wellness programs
• Access to professional development resources and education support

Seniority Level

• Associate

Employment Type

• Full‑time

Industry

• Health and Human Services