Factory Automation Engineer

Mach Industries; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Professional development

Job summary

Mach Industries is seeking an Automation Engineer to design, develop, and deploy scalable automation systems for defense manufacturing. You will integrate robotics and control systems, optimize lines, and drive efficiency across production.

A hands-on engineer is required to thrive in a fast-paced environment. The role demands a bachelor’s in engineering and 3+ years in automation, with strong PLC, HMI, and robotics experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace or related field.
• 3+ years in manufacturing automation or industrial eng.
• Hands-on PLC programming and HMI development.
• Experience with robotics integration and industrial automation systems.
• Strong troubleshooting in production environments.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols.

Responsibilities

• Design automated manufacturing systems with robotics, PLCs, conveyors, vision.
• Develop, program, and troubleshoot PLCs and HMIs.
• Analyze workflows to boost throughput and reduce costs.
• Support equipment commissioning and ramp-up of processes.
• Diagnose failures and perform root-cause analysis.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, quality teams.
• Document automation systems: schematics, code, procedures.
• Manage programs and configurations with proper version control.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Robotics integration

Industrial automation

Troubleshooting

Industrial protocols

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT 3

Beckhoff TwinCAT TE1000

SIEMENS TIA Portal

EtherCAT

PROFINET

OPC UA

Job description

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

The Role

As an Automation Engineer, you will design, develop, and deploy automation systems that scale production of advanced defense hardware. You will play a critical role in building and optimizing manufacturing lines, integrating robotics and control systems, and driving efficiency across production processes. This role requires a hands-on engineer who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about building reliable, high-performance manufacturing systems from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement automated manufacturing systems including robotics, PLCs, conveyors, and vision systems.

• Develop, program, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and industrial control systems.

• Analyze production workflows to identify automation opportunities and improve throughput, quality, and cost efficiency.

• Support equipment commissioning, validation, and ramp‑up of manufacturing processes.

• Diagnose equipment failures, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.

• Collaborate cross‑functionally with mechanical, electrical, and quality engineering teams.

• Establish and maintain documentation for automation systems, including schematics, code, and operating procedures.

• Manage and continuously update all equipment‑related programs and system configurations, ensuring proper version control and documentation of changes. This spans across multiple domains including hardware, electrical systems, safety controls, pneumatics, networking, PLCs, HMIs, robotics, SCADA, and MES platforms.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing automation or industrial engineering

• Hands‑on experience with PLC programming and HMI development.

• Experience with robotics integration and industrial automation systems.

• Strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills in a production environment.

• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in high‑mix, low‑volume or advanced manufacturing environments.

• Knowledge of machine vision systems and automated inspection.

• Experience with CAD tools and mechanical system integration.

• Familiarity with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Background in aerospace, defense, or other regulated industries.

• Experience with structured text programming per IEC 61131‑3

• Familiarity with ISO 13849, or IEC 61508 safety standards

• Knowledge of UL508A, NFPA 70, NFPA 79 standards

• Experience with industrial protocols such as EtherCAT, PROFINET, and OPC UA

• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3, Beckhoff TwinCAT Automation Interface (TE1000), and/or SIEMENS TIA Portal (SIMATIC STEP 7 & WinCC)

Disclosures

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you'd like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!