Automation Engineer Consultant

Halma p.l.c; Garden Grove (CA); On-site; USD 110,208 - 165,312; Part time

Job summary

Halma p.l.c is looking for an Automation & Process Improvement Consultant to work on-site in Garden Grove, California. This part-time consultant role will focus on improving automation and manufacturing processes, ensuring better efficiency and sustainability.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of hands-on experience in manufacturing automation, along with strong problem-solving skills. Flexible hours are available, with compensation ranging from $80 to $120 per hour based on expertise.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing automation or related field.
• Hands-on experience with automated manufacturing equipment.
• Strong analytical skills for troubleshooting and root cause analysis.

Responsibilities

• Support commissioning and optimization of manufacturing processes.
• Create and maintain manufacturing documentation.
• Train operators and technicians on new processes.

Skills

Manufacturing automation

Process optimization

Troubleshooting

Technical documentation

Communication skills

Tools

PLCs

HMIs

Robotics

Job description

Advancing water quality through innovative and reliable sensing solutions

For more than 50 years, Sensorex has been solving sensor problems for water professionals around the world.

Clean, safe water is critical to a sustainable future. Water flows through our environment, through our homes, and through our manufacturing facilities and utility networks. At every step, water professionals face unique analysis challenges.

• The environmental scientist measuring oxygen levels in critical habitats to protect endangered species or to provide safe recreation
• The water treatment plant operator monitoring pH and chlorine levels to ensure safe drinking water
• The process chemists making sure water quality is optimized for efficiency and then treated for safe discharge
• The laboratory researcher requiring the highest precision and accuracy as they develop the technologies of tomorrow

Sensorex uses our experience, commitment to excellence, and flexible design and manufacturing to make sure each user gets the right sensor. We specialize in the design and manufacture of pH electrodes, ORP electrodes, conductivity and TDS sensors, and other electrochemical and optical measurement technologies. We stand by the side of all those working to be good stewards of our water resources and look forward to helping with your water quality sensor needs.

Company: Sensorex

Function: Operations

Job Type: Consultant

Job Description

Help grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day.

Location: Garden Grove, CA (On-site)
Type: Part-time contract
Duration: 3–6 months to start, with potential extension
Hours: Flexible, approximately 10–20 hours per week, based on project needs and mutual availability.

About the role

Sensorex is seeking a hands‑on Automation & Process Improvement Consultant to accelerate key manufacturing automation and process improvement initiatives. This role will partner closely with Operations, Engineering, and Production to design, modify, automate, commission, and troubleshoot manufacturing equipment. The consultant will also assess existing equipment and manual processes, recommending automation solutions that improve throughput and reduce scrap. This engagement is designed to deliver immediate operational impact while leaving behind stronger internal capability through better process control, documentation, and training.

What you’ll do

• Support commissioning, startup, validation, and stabilization of new and existing manufacturing equipment.
• Optimize automated manufacturing processes to improve reliability, repeatability, throughput, and yield.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment issues, run experiments, analyze data, and implement practical improvements.
• Lead or support root cause analysis and corrective actions focused on scrap reduction and process consistency.
• Create and maintain clear manufacturing documentation, including SOPs, work instructions, setup procedures, process controls, commissioning records, and training materials.
• Capture critical process knowledge, parameters, and best practices to improve sustainability and reduce reliance on external support.
• Train operators, technicians, engineers, and supervisors on new equipment and standardized processes.
• Provide project updates, risk assessments, and technical recommendations to site leadership.
• Design, build, and implement automation solutions for existing manufacturing equipment.
• Modify machine controls, sensors, actuators, and mechanical systems to improve performance and reduce manual operations.
• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and industrial control systems as needed.
• Lead machine commissioning activities, including debugging, startup, validation, and operator training.
• Identify automation opportunities that improve throughput, quality, ergonomics, and safety.

Initial priorities

• Commission and stabilize the flare machine for routine production.
• Support glass-blowing robot optimization and scrap reduction efforts.
• Build sustainable process documentation, training, and knowledge-transfer systems.
• Design and implement automation upgrades to existing manufacturing equipment and processes, with a focus on reducing manual operations and improving process consistency.

What we’re looking for

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing automation, manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or a related technical field.
• Hands‑on experience with automated manufacturing equipment, commissioning, startup, and process optimization.
• Strong troubleshooting, root cause problem‑solving, and analytical skills.
• Experience creating technical documentation and delivering training.
• Ability to work independently and drive progress with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication skills and a practical, collaborative working style.
• Demonstrated experience designing or modifying automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs and HMIs.
• Ability to integrate sensors, motors, pneumatic systems, and industrial controls into automated equipment.
• Experience commissioning new equipment and bringing automation projects from concept through production release.

Preferred

• Experience with robotic manufacturing systems.
• Background in scrap reduction, process development, and continuous improvement.
• Experience in glass, electronics, sensor, or other precision manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with PLCs, HMIs, industrial controls, or related automation systems.
• Experience supporting capital equipment implementation projects.

Compensation

$80 - $120/hour, depending on experience and demonstrated expertise.