Automation Engineer

Insight Global; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Insight Global is seeking a Process Improvement / Automation Engineer specializing in injection molding and blow molding to lead automation initiatives in Oceanside, CA. You will partner with manufacturing, quality, engineering, and external automation partners to design and implement automation strategies that improve quality, throughput, and cost, from concept through startup and stabilization.

The role requires 7+ years in plastics automation, a bachelor\'s in engineering, and proven project

Qualifications

• Experience leading automation initiatives in plastics manufacturing.
• Strong background in injection molding and blow molding automation.
• Regulated manufacturing environment exposure (FDA/GMP/ISO) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify automation opportunities across molding, inspection, assembly, and packaging.
• Lead projects from concept through commissioning and startup.
• Collaborate with partners to deliver scalable automation solutions.
• Define scope, plan, review designs, and validate through FAT/SAT activities.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements during deployment.

Skills

Automation engineering

Process improvement

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Title: Process Improvement / Automation Engineer (Injection Molding/Blow Molding)

Location: Oceanside, CA 92054

Duration: Permanent

Pay: $150k

Job Description

Insight Global is seeking a highly experienced Process Improvement / Automation Engineer to support a leading life sciences manufacturing organization in Oceanside, CA.

This individual will be responsible for leading automation initiatives focused on improving manufacturing performance across injection molding, injection blow molding, inspection, assembly, and packaging operations. The successful candidate will have a strong background in plastics manufacturing automation and a proven ability to manage projects from concept through implementation and stabilization.

Working closely with manufacturing, quality, engineering, and external automation partners, this engineer will identify opportunities to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs, improve product quality, and expand manufacturing capacity through innovative automation solutions.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate opportunities for automation and semi-automation throughout manufacturing operations.
• Design and implement automation strategies for molding, inspection, assembly, and packaging processes.
• Lead automation projects from concept development through commissioning and production stabilization.
• Partner with automation integrators and equipment suppliers to deliver effective manufacturing solutions.
• Support New Product Development efforts by incorporating automation design considerations early in development phases.
• Manage scope definition, project planning, design reviews, FAT/SAT activities, installation, and startup.
• Establish operational performance metrics and drive measurable improvements in quality, productivity, and cost.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Validation, and Engineering teams to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Support IQ/OQ/PQ validation activities for automated manufacturing systems.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives using structured problem-solving methodologies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related discipline.
• 7+ years of automation engineering experience within injection molding and/or blow molding manufacturing environments.
• 7+ years of hands-on automation implementation experience supporting plastics manufacturing operations.
• Experience managing projects through:
• Process assessment
• Design and specification
• Integrator management
• Installation and startup
• Ramp-up and stabilization
• 5+ years working with automation integrators and capital equipment suppliers.
• Experience with:
• Blow Molding
• Experience within medical device, life sciences, pharmaceutical, or regulated manufacturing environments.
• Understanding of FDA, GMP, and ISO quality systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience utilizing A3 problem-solving methodologies.
• Ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Hands-on troubleshooting and manufacturing support experience.

What Will Make You Successful

• Proven delivery of automation projects on time and within budget.
• Demonstrated impact on quality, throughput, labor efficiency, and cost reduction.
• Experience developing scalable automation strategies in high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Ability to bridge technical and operational teams to drive sustainable improvements.