Automation Engineer

Divergent; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 122,000 - 194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity plan

Paid time off & holidays

Health & wellness benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Divergent in Los Angeles leads advanced automation for aerospace, automotive, and defense programs. The Automation Engineer role focuses on implementing robotics, simulation, and data-driven process improvements in a fast-paced production environment.

You will develop and optimize robotic programs, support day-to-day operations, and mentor teammates while ensuring safety and reliability of high-precision hardware on the shop floor.

Qualifications

• The candidate must hold a Mechanical Engineering degree or have 6+ years of related manufacturing experience.
• Proven Robotic Simulation experience for industrial systems or hands-on robot programming (Kuka/ABB/FANUC/Yaskawa).
• Strong CAD and simulation tool proficiency; ability to work cross-functionally with teams.

Responsibilities

• Create simulation studies and maintain manufacturing data for automated work centers.
• Develop and verify robotic sequences, reach studies, and interference-free motions.
• Troubleshoot automation systems and document procedures for training.

Skills

Robotics Simulation

Industrial robotics

Robot programming

Data analysis

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree

6+ years aerospace/auto manufacturing exp

Tools

Process Simulate

Teamcenter Tecnomatix

CAD NX

Simulation Tools

Job description

Divergent is building the new industrial age. Every day, our teams design, manufacture, and assemble advanced systems for some of the world’s most demanding industries. Our integrated engineering and manufacturing platform transforms complex designs into production‑ready solutions, helping customers move faster, build smarter, and deliver critical systems when they matter most.

Join us and help push the boundaries of what can be built.

Purpose

The Automation Engineer supports the daily operations across all of our Robotic Work Centers, including Assembly, Part inspection, Anodize, & post processing lines, for Divergent’s flexible robotic manufacturing systems, core to the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS). The ideal candidate will use their expertise in automated systems, industrial robotics, and off-line programming to maintain & generate robotic programs for production parts and ongoing internal projects, while working with cross-functional teams to capture and implement process improvement. Divergent is pushing the boundaries of technology and we need a passionate and agile engineer to help us create the platform for sustainable manufacturing.

The Role

As an Automation Engineer on the Advance Manufacturing team, you will be at the forefront of implementing advanced automation and robotics systems in our production environment. You will support the day-to-day operations; help refine processes and enable scalability. This role is hands‑on, fast‑paced, and essential to delivering high‑precision, high‑reliability hardware across automotive, aerospace, and defense programs.

• Create Simulation Studies in Process Simulate on Teamcenter (Tecnomatix)
• Help create and maintain customer product manufacturing data for automated work centers.
• Help maintain kinematic libraries of hardware systems in robotic simulations
• Generate optimal assembly sequences and validate feasibility
• Perform reach & access studies and validate assembly sequence logic and interference‑free robot motions.
• Program robots and automated systems to perform specific tasks and functions
• Troubleshoot and resolve any issues with existing automation systems to ensure smooth operation.
• Help create and maintain documentation for all automation and robotics systems, including specifications, manuals, and training materials.
• Train and mentor other team members on the operation and maintenance of automation and robotics systems
• Continuously monitor and analyze data from automation systems to identify areas for improvement and recommend solutions.
• Provide insight, data, & learnings to our development team to help inform our next generation robotic platforms.
• Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to procure necessary equipment and components for automation projects
• Adhere to all safety protocols and regulations while working with automation and robotics systems

Basic Qualifications

• Ability to lawfully access information and technology that is subject to US export controls
• Mechanical Engineering degree (or equivalent discipline) or 6+ years’ experience in aerospace and/or automotive manufacturing.
• 1+ years performing Robotic Simulation studies for industrial robotic systems or 2+ years of hands‑on programming of industrial six axis robots: Kuka, ABB, FANUC, Yaskawa.
• ProficiencyInCAD (preferable NX)and Simulation Tools.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Ability to climb up and down ladders.
• Capable of working autonomously within the focused area.
• Prior work experience in Engineering & Metrology Principles and Theory.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, able to work effectively with other technicians, engineers, and project teams.
• Must Be Able to Identify and Resolve Issues Quickly and Efficiently, Using Data-Driven Approaches and Critical Thinking Skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of Robotics Simulation work
• Experience with generating and optimizing collision‑free robotic motion paths and processes
• Experience with analysis and optimization of robotic system layouts and processes
• Experience with manufacturing automation in automotive or aerospace environments
• Applications experience with robotic material handling, assembly, vision systems, adhesive systems, material removal, welding, or fastening

Work Environment

• Working near moving mechanical parts
• This is a hands‑on position that will require standing for long durations of your day and working directly with hardware on the floor.
• Must be comfortable stooping, bending, and standing.
• Position may require occasional travel, long hours or weekend work

Compensation

At Divergent, our pay range is based on the level of the job. For this role, we will consider candidates at levels Engineer II - Senior Engineer as evaluated through our interview process.

• Engineer II / E04: $122,430 - $168,340
• Senior Engineer / E05: $141,380 - $194,390

Pay Range: $122,430 USD - $194,390 USD

What We Offer:

• Holistic Compensation Package: Enjoy a world‑class compensation package that includes a competitive salary, equity plan, and discretionary results‑based incentive bonus opportunities, ensuring you're truly valued for your contributions.
• Wellness and Time Off: Embrace a healthy lifestyle with paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays, including a year‑end shutdown to recharge. We support growing families with paid parental leave, recognizing the importance of bonding time.
• Comprehensive Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well‑being with our comprehensive health and wellness benefits, offering both HMO and Premium PPO options. Additionally, benefit from company‑sponsored life insurance and short and long‑term disability coverage for peace of mind.
• Investment in Growth: We're committed to your professional development. Take advantage of reimbursement opportunities for learning and development initiatives, empowering you to continuously expand your skill set and reach peak performance.
• Collaborative and High‑Performing Environment: Join our collaborative, dynamic, and high‑performing team within a fast‑paced, mission‑driven company. Together, we're disrupting the traditional manufacturing industry, fostering innovation, and integrating people and technology to reduce our footprint.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Divergent is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected characteristic. Divergent provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

In order to adjust to changes in our business, it may become necessary to add, remove or modify certain duties and responsibilities, or to reassign you to another job position. From time to time you may be asked to work on special projects or to assist with other work. Your cooperation and assistance in performing such additional work is expected.

E-Verify: Right to Work

Our company participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a program that electronically confirms a candidate’s eligibility to work in the United States after completing the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I‑9). The information provided on the Form I‑9 is compared to the records contained in the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) databases. This helps employers verify the identity and employment eligibility of newly hired employees.

Eligibility to Work Poster (English) | Eligibility to Work Poster (Spanish)

Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO)

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO), we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

No agencies, no solicitations, and no calls please.