Automation Engineer – Manufacturing & Robotics (Torrance)

Pelican Products, Inc.; Deerfield (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

401(k) with company match

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage

Health Savings Account contribution

Wellness programs

Employee discounts

Job summary

Pelican Products, Inc. in Torrance, CA is seeking an Automation Engineer to design, develop, and implement automated manufacturing equipment and control systems.

You will lead automation projects from concept through installation, commissioning, and validation, and support FAT/SAT and process improvements. The ideal candidate has a bachelor's in engineering and 3–5 years of hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, robotics, sensors, and vision systems, plus strong problem-solving and project

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or related field.
• 3–5 years of manufacturing automation or controls experience.
• Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Independently design, develop, and implement automated manufacturing equipment, fixtures, robotics, and control systems.
• Lead automation projects from concept through installation, commissioning, validation, FAT/SAT.
• Program, troubleshoot, and support PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision systems, servo drives, sensors, and industrial controls.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and controls issues.
• Develop electrical schematics, BOMs, and control documentation.
• Support FAT, SAT, and process validation activities.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering to improve processes.
• Support automation rollouts and standardization across facilities.
• Evaluate automation technologies and vendor solutions.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives for OEE and efficiency.
• Ensure machine safety compliance and risk assessments.
• Provide mentorship to engineers and technicians.
• Assist with capital equipment planning and budgeting.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Robotics

Vision systems

Servo/motion control

Sensors

Industrial controls

Electrical troubleshooting

Project management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

We're Hiring: Automation Engineer

Location: Torrance, CA

Company: Pelican Products, Inc.

Who We Are

At Pelican, we engineer products that stand up to the world’s toughest conditions—because the people who rely on us do too. For nearly 50 years, we’ve been a trusted partner for military personnel, first responders, outdoor adventurers, and innovators who push the limits.

With a global presence that includes 11 offices, 4 manufacturing facilities, and 4 custom case centers, we create high-performance protective solutions that ensure our customers can focus on what matters most. Whether it’s transporting critical medical supplies, securing mission-essential equipment, or keeping expedition gear safe, Pelican products are Built to Protect to Equip for the Mission.

At Pelican, your work has a real-world impact. You’ll be part of a team driven by innovation, craftsmanship, and the shared belief that when the mission is critical, failure isn’t an option. If you’re ready to build something that makes a difference, be part of a team that protects what matters most.

What You'll Do:

• Independently design, develop, and implement automated manufacturing equipment, fixtures, robotics, and control systems.
• Lead automation and equipment integration projects from initial concept through installation, commissioning, implementation, and validation.
• Program, troubleshoot, and support PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision systems, servo drives, sensors, and industrial control systems.
• Diagnose and resolve complex electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, controls, and automation-related equipment issues.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, assembly drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), control documentation, and work instructions.
• Support equipment commissioning, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and process validation.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering to improve manufacturing processes and equipment performance.
• Support automation rollouts, equipment standardization, and process improvements across multiple Pelican manufacturing facilities.
• Evaluate automation technologies, equipment, components, and vendors and recommend solutions based on manufacturing needs.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on OEE, downtime reduction, process capability, labor efficiency, ergonomics, and safety.
• Support machine safety compliance, equipment guarding requirements, and automation risk assessments.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers, technicians, and production personnel.
• Support capital equipment planning, project scoping, and budgeting for automation investments.
• Travel to domestic and international Pelican facilities as needed to support automation projects and equipment implementations.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related technical field.
• 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing automation, controls engineering, or industrial automation.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience working with HMIs, robotics, sensors, servo systems, vision systems, and industrial controls.
• Experience integrating and troubleshooting automated manufacturing equipment.
• Strong electrical, mechanical, and controls troubleshooting capabilities.
• Experience supporting manufacturing process improvements and equipment optimization.
• Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• Ability to read, develop, and work from electrical schematics and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical and technical problem-solving skills.
• Experience leading or independently managing automation or equipment projects.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, and Quality.

The Technical Experience We're Looking For

We're especially interested in engineers with hands-on experience in several of these areas:

PLC Programming • Robotics • HMI Development • Vision Systems • Servo/Motion Control • Sensors • Industrial Controls • Equipment Integration

Electrical Troubleshooting • Pneumatics • Machine Safety • FAT/SAT • Automated Manufacturing

Additional Information:

• This is an onsite position located in Torrance, California.
• Domestic and international travel is required as needed to support automation projects and multi-site initiatives.
• This position requires hands-on involvement with manufacturing equipment and production environments.
• Must be able to independently manage multiple technical projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Supports Pelican’s commitment to Safety, Quality, Innovation, and continuous improvement.

What’s In It For You:

Join a company that truly values its employees! We offer a relaxed and casual work environment, a strong commitment to giving back to communities, and a focus on employee satisfaction. With regular opportunities to share feedback with leadership and structured performance evaluations, we ensure that your voice is heard and your growth is supported.

• Competitive paid time off plans / Holiday pay / extra vacation purchase opportunities
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
• 401(k) with immediate company match
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Health Savings Account Contribution
• Wellness Discount Program
• Global Mental Wellness Program
• Quarterly Employee Celebration Days
• Peer-to-Peer Recognition Program
• Service Recognition Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Employee discounts on Pelican products and gear
• Career growth opportunities across Engineering, Operations, and Product Development
• Work on products trusted by military personnel, first responders, industrial professionals, and explorers around the world
• Collaborate with experienced engineers and manufacturing teams while influencing products from concept through production
• Established global brand offering premium products you'll be proud to support
• And more...