Machining & Automation Engineer

Ultimate Staffing; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

90% paid medical benefits

Equity

Job summary

Ultimate Staffing Services is seeking a Machining & Automation Engineer for a client in Research Triangle Park, NC. You will lead design, integration, and qualification of automated machining, grinding, coating, testing, and packaging processes to scale production of precision magnets.

Responsibilities include equipment & vendor selection, end-to-end process ownership, optimization, FATs, and collaboration with R&D for future lines, with limited travel and strict safety/quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Automation, or related field with 3+ years of experience.
• Strong CAD experience creating and validating complex assemblies and automation layouts.
• Hands-on experience with heavy automation, robotics, AGVs, vision systems, and laser systems.
• Expert-level experience authoring PFMEA, Control Plans, Work Instructions, and Process Flows.
• Ability to read and create electrical and pneumatic schematics and perform core calculations.

Responsibilities

• Lead equipment & vendor evaluation, quotes, and selection to meet scaling and quality goals.
• Own end-to-end process from equipment design to production qualification for automated processes.
• Develop and optimize processes to improve throughput, quality, and reliability; monitor OEE and cycle times.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and deliverables aligned with milestones.
• Provide hands-on startup support to stabilize processes and remove bottlenecks.
• Collaborate with R&D to develop new processes and equipment strategies for future lines.
• Ensure EHS, safety, and quality compliance across all activities.
• Travel for FATs and equipment development reviews (≤10%).

Skills

CAD proficiency

Automation & systems

Documentation mastery

Electrical & pneumatic diagrams

Technical literacy

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Electrical/Automation

Tools

CAD software

Vision systems (Cognex/Keyence)

MES

Job description

Position Overview

Ultimate Staffing Services is actively seeking a talented and driven Machining & Automation Engineer for a prestigious client located in Research Triangle Park, NC. This dynamic role offers a unique opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking project for a company dedicated to manufacturing American permanent magnets.

Responsibilities

• Critical Priority - Equipment & Vendor Selection: Lead the evaluation, quote comparison, and selection of advanced manufacturing technologies and vendors. Ensure selected machinery meets scaling and quality goals.
• End-to-End Process Ownership: Manage equipment design/requirements, vendor performance, commissioning activities, and production qualification for automated production processes such as machining, grinding, coating, testing, and packaging.
• Process Optimization: Develop and optimize manufacturing processes to improve throughput, quality, and equipment reliability. Monitor OEE results and station cycle times to drive improvements.
• Project Management: Oversee technical schedules, budgets, and deliverables aligned with company milestones and customer commitments.
• Hands-on Startup Support: Provide hands-on support during production startup, helping stabilize processes and eliminate early bottlenecks.
• Future Innovation: Collaborate with R&D to develop and innovate new processes and equipment strategies for future production lines.
• EHS & Quality Compliance: Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards across all process activities.
• Travel: Participate in equipment development reviews and Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) with travel estimated at less than 10%.
• Risk & Safety: Risk Assessments, Ergonomic Assessments, PFMEA.
• Process Design: Line Layouts, Process Flow Charts, Bill of Process (BOP), Station Cycle Times, Process Sheets, and Simulations.
• Engineering Diagrams: CAD Drawings, Electrical & Pneumatic Drawings, and performing necessary Electrical and Pneumatic Calculations.
• Quality & Control: Quality Control Plans, R&R (Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility) Studies, Quality Checklists, and Process Checklists.
• Operations & Maintenance: Work Instructions (SOPs), Calibration Procedures, Spare Parts Lists, Bill of Materials (BOM), and Maintenance Manuals.
• Controls & IT: HMI Controls Manuals, Vision Programs, MES Transactions Lists.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline with 3+ years of experience.
• CAD Proficiency: Strong experience creating, modifying, and validating complex equipment assemblies and custom automation layouts in CAD.
• Advanced Automation & Systems: Hands-on experience specifying, integrating, or operating heavy automation, robotics, AGVs, advanced vision systems, and industrial laser systems.
• Documentation Mastery: Expert-level experience authoring and developing standard manufacturing documents such as PFMEA, Control Plans, Work Instructions, and Process Flows.
• Technical Literacy: Ability to read, interpret, and create electrical schematics and pneumatic diagrams, including performing core engineering calculations.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience specifically in precision CNC machining, high-volume grinding, or industrial surface coating applications.
• Hands-on experience with machine vision programming (e.g., Cognex, Keyence).
• Proficiency with advanced simulation software for automated workflow and line balancing.
• Familiarity with MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) implementation and automated transaction mapping.

Required Work Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Benefits

• Unlimited PTO
• 90% paid medical benefits
• Equity

Salary

Salary range: $100,000 - $160,000 per year

EEO/DEI Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.