Automation Engineer I: LabVIEW Fixture Designer

PDS Defense, Inc.; Coral Gables (FL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

PDS Defense, Inc. in Coral Gables, FL is seeking an Automation Engineer I. You will design, build, and program test fixtures for electronic and avionics assemblies on the production floor, and own fixtures from concept through deployment under senior guidance.

Responsibilities include wiring interface hardware, writing LabVIEW scripts, prototyping fixtures, and coordinating with shops or vendors for parts. Entry-level role with growth into automation work.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Automation/Manufacturing Engineering.
• 0-3 years of relevant experience; internships or co-ops allowed.
• Basic soldering and hand-tool skills.
• Some exposure to LabVIEW, PLCs, or CAD software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Designs and builds electrical/mechanical test fixtures for functional, in-circuit, and burn-in testing of assemblies.
• Wires interface hardware for fixtures, including connectors, relays, switches, pneumatics, and sensors.
• Writes and debugs test scripts and control software (LabVIEW) to drive fixtures and record pass/fail results.
• Builds a working prototype of each fixture and tests it against known-good and known-bad units.
• Coordinates with machine shop or vendors for machined/part fabrication and reviews delivered parts for fit.
• Prepares fixture documentation including BOMs, wiring diagrams, and operating instructions.
• Trains technicians and operators on setup, run, and troubleshooting of fixtures.
• Responds to fixture failures on the floor and restores fixtures to service quickly.
• Tracks recurring issues and proposes design changes for reliability.
• Maintains calibration and PM schedule for fixtures.
• Keeps inventory of spare parts and flags obsolescence.
• Looks for automation opportunities to reduce cycle time or operator error.
• Reviews new product designs early to flag testability concerns.

Skills

Hands-on

Electrical schematics

Data acquisition

CAD (SolidWorks/AutoCAD)

LabVIEW

On-floor testing

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

BS Degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Automation Engineering

Tools

LabVIEW

CAD (SolidWorks/AutoCAD)

Oscilloscopes/Multimeters

Job description

PDS Defense, Inc. in Coral Gables, FL is seeking an Automation Engineer I. You will design, build, and program test fixtures for electronic and avionics assemblies on the production floor, and own fixtures from concept through deployment under senior guidance.

Responsibilities include wiring interface hardware, writing LabVIEW scripts, prototyping fixtures, and coordinating with shops or vendors for parts. Entry-level role with growth into automation work.