Automation Engineer

Actalent; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision

401K

Job summary

Actalent in Oceanside, CA is seeking an Automation Engineer to lead plastics manufacturing automation projects from concept to launch. You will design components in SolidWorks, prototype and test, and drive improvements on the production floor with a data-driven approach.

This onsite, first-shift role offers ownership over automation initiatives, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and opportunities to work with robotics and advanced automation while delivering measurable gains in

Qualifications

• 5+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing with a focus on automation and process improvement.
• Hands-on plastics manufacturing experience, ideally in injection molding, blow molding, or injection blow molding.
• Engineering degree or equivalent technical background with relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation and manufacturing projects from concept and design through validation, launch, and production.
• Design plastic components, tooling, and automated equipment in SolidWorks.
• Build and test prototypes, applying DF M principles to prove out designs and processes.
• Troubleshoot and optimize molding operations and automation on the floor.
• Spot opportunities to automate, justify with data, and drive cost reductions.

Skills

Automation experience

Project management

Vendor management

Data analysis

Plastics manufacturing

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Automation Engineer (Plastics Manufacturing)

Want to see your ideas go from a SolidWorks model to a running production line? This hands‑on Automation Engineer role puts you in charge of automation and manufacturing projects from first concept through launch and full‑scale production. You'll have real autonomy and full project ownership, and you'll be able to measure your impact in quality, throughput, and cost. If you enjoy splitting your time between design work and the production floor, this role offers both.

Why This Role Stands Out

• You'll own projects end to end, with significant decision‑making authority.
• Your improvements will show up directly in production performance.
• You'll work on a mix of new product development and large‑scale process improvements.
• You'll get exposure to robotics, advanced automation, and new technologies.
• You'll help shape the company's long‑term automation strategy.
• You'll work first shift on a collaborative, cross‑functional team.

What You'll Do

• Lead automation and manufacturing projects from concept and design through validation, launch, and production
• Design plastic components, tooling, and automated equipment in SolidWorks
• Build and test prototypes, applying DFM principles to prove out designs and processes
• Troubleshoot and optimize injection molding, blow molding, and injection blow molding operations
• Spot opportunities to automate, reduce labor, improve quality, and lower costs, then build the data-driven business case
• Specify equipment and manage integration, installation, and commissioning
• Partner with automation vendors, machine builders, and system integrators, including support for FAT and SAT
• Work with engineering, quality, operations, suppliers, and mold makers to align design and process decisions
• Support equipment trials, process adjustments, and troubleshooting on the floor
• Create clear drawings, specifications, work instructions, and project updates for stakeholders and leadership

What You Bring

• 5+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing, with a focus on automation and process improvement
• Hands‑on plastics manufacturing experience, ideally in injection molding, blow molding, or injection blow molding
• Advanced SolidWorks skills and strong mechanical design experience
• A track record of taking automation projects from concept to production launch
• Experience managing automation vendors and integrators
• Ability to analyze labor, quality, and cost data to prioritize improvements
• Comfort managing multiple projects and adapting as priorities shift
• An engineering degree, or an equivalent technical background with relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Robotics experience in a manufacturing setting
• DFMA experience with molded plastic parts
• Experience leading FAT and SAT activities
• Experience influencing leadership on automation investments

Work Environment

This is an onsite, first-shift role in a fast‑paced plastics processing and assembly facility. You'll split your time between engineering design work and hands‑on floor support, and you'll work closely with teams across the business. The culture rewards ownership, initiative, and continuous improvement.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Oceanside, CA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $130000.00 - $160000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Heath, dental, vision, 401K

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Oceanside, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 17, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Oceanside,CA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.