Senior Automation Engineer - AFP/Robotics for Space Tech

Inversion Space Company; Vista (CA); On-site; USD 137,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

Inversion is seeking a Senior Mechatronics Engineer to scale automated fiber placement and design EOAT for material deposition. The role involves building robotic work cells, defining machine specs, and commissioning systems at our Playa Vista HQ in California.

You will develop robot programs, integrate PLC/HMI controls, and collaborate with materials engineers to optimize production while ensuring readiness for rate production in a fast-paced startup environment. U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or equivalent experience in a related field
• Typically, 5+ years of experience developing automation or robotics for manufacturing
• Experience designing and integrating custom end-of-arm tooling (EOAT)
• Experience programming and integrating industrial robots (e.g., FANUC, KUKA, ABB, Yaskawa)
• Experience standing up new manufacturing equipment or work cells, including specification, procurement, commissioning, and handoff to production
• Experience with industrial controls, including PLC/HMI development and sensor integration
• Proficiency with 3D CAD for the design of tooling and automation hardware
• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, including prototyping and rapid iteration of new products
• This position is on-site at Inversion HQ in Playa Vista, CA.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Stand up an automated fiber placement capability, from requirements definition and machine specification through procurement, integration, and commissioning
• Design, build, and iterate custom end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) for material deposition, handling, and processing
• Design and integrate robotic work cells, including robot selection, cell layout, safety systems, and fixturing
• Develop robot programs and deposition paths, including offline programming and path planning for complex tool surfaces
• Integrate controls, sensing, and machine interfaces — PLC/HMI, motion control, and in-process monitoring
• Work closely with materials and process engineers to translate material behavior into machine parameters, and iterate the machinery as the material evolves
• Drive cycle time, reliability, and process capability improvements as the capability matures from first articles toward rate production

Skills

Automation experience

EOAT design

Robotics integration

Industrial robots

PLC/HMI

3D CAD

Prototyping

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

FANUC

KUKA

ABB

Yaskawa

3D CAD software

Job description

Inversion is seeking a Senior Mechatronics Engineer to scale automated fiber placement and design EOAT for material deposition. The role involves building robotic work cells, defining machine specs, and commissioning systems at our Playa Vista HQ in California.

You will develop robot programs, integrate PLC/HMI controls, and collaborate with materials engineers to optimize production while ensuring readiness for rate production in a fast-paced startup environment. U.S.