Senior Automation Engineer III

Actalent; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health / Vision / Dental

401K

Job summary

Actalent seeks an Automation Engineer III in Huntington Beach to lead automation initiatives within a manufacturing setting. You will design, program, integrate, and drive continuous improvement of automated systems, robotics, and control technologies.

This hands-on role requires advanced troubleshooting and project leadership across equipment suppliers and internal teams. The ideal candidate has 10+ years in manufacturing automation, strong CAD/GD&T skills, and experience with PLC/HMI/robotics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related technical discipline; equivalent automation experience considered.
• Minimum 10 years of manufacturing engineering and automation experience, preferably in injection molding.
• Strong data-driven decision making and statistics knowledge.
• Proficiency with CAD, GD&T, and electrical schematic design.
• Experience with PLC, HMI, robotics, and servo/motion control systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop, program, test, and commission automated manufacturing systems, including PLCs, robotics, HMIs, and motion control equipment.
• Lead automation projects from concept through installation, startup, validation, and production release.
• Develop and execute validation protocols ensuring quality, safety, and industry standards.
• Analyze manufacturing processes, equipment performance, and production data to identify efficiency opportunities and cost reductions.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and training to internal teams.
• Collaborate with equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and external vendors throughout design, procurement, and startup activities.
• Maintain engineering documentation including schematics, reports, SOPs, and equipment documentation.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying and implementing new automation technologies.

Skills

Automation engineering

PLC programming

Robotics programming

HMI development

Electrical controls

Servo & motion control

GD&T (ANSI Y14.5)

Regulatory standards (OSHA/NFPA/NEC/AD

2D/3D design (AutoCAD/SolidWorks)

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Automation/Industrial Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Description Our client is seeking a highly experienced Automation Engineer III to support and lead automation initiatives within a manufacturing environment. This individual will be responsible for the design, development, programming, integration, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing systems, robotics, and control technologies. This role requires a hands‑on engineer with extensive experience leading automation projects, solving complex equipment issues, implementing control systems, and driving operational improvements through automation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, program, test, and commission automated manufacturing systems, including PLCs, robotics, HMIs, and motion control equipment.
• Troubleshoot complex automation and controls-related issues, identifying root causes and implementing long-term corrective actions.
• Lead automation projects from concept and design through installation, startup, validation, and production release.
• Develop and execute validation protocols while ensuring compliance with quality, safety, and industry standards.
• Analyze manufacturing processes, equipment performance, and production data to identify opportunities for increased efficiency and reduced operating costs.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation, including electrical schematics, technical reports, standard operating procedures, and equipment documentation.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and training to internal teams.
• Work directly with equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and external vendors throughout equipment design, procurement, installation, and startup activities.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying and implementing new automation technologies.
• Maintain a strong commitment to safety, quality, accountability, and teamwork.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Automation Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Equivalent automation experience and technical training will also be considered.
• Minimum 10 years of manufacturing engineering and automation experience, preferably within an injection molding environment.
• Strong understanding of statistics, advanced mathematics, geometry, and data-driven decision‑making.
• Experience creating 2D and 3D equipment designs using AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks.
• Knowledge of GD&T (ANSI Y14.5).
• Working understanding of industrial regulations and standards, including OSHA, NFPA, NEC, ADA, IBC, ISO, and related requirements.
• Ability to program, troubleshoot, and support PLC‑based automation systems.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting HMI interfaces.
• Hands‑on experience setting up, programming, and troubleshooting Star Automation and/or Yushin robotic systems.
• Experience programming, integrating, and troubleshooting six‑axis industrial robots.
• Ability to design and develop electrical schematics and controls documentation.
• Experience designing, fabricating, wiring, and troubleshooting electrical control panels.
• Hands‑on experience implementing, configuring, and programming servo motor and stepper motor systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.
• Experience creating and maintaining spreadsheets, project schedules, presentations, and technical documentation.
• Digital photography and image file management experience.
• Strong working knowledge of: Pneumatic control systems, Electro‑pneumatic troubleshooting, Electrical control circuit design, Electrical panel assembly and wiring, PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and changing priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to travel domestically and, when required, internationally to support equipment suppliers and manufacturing facilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Automation experience within injection molding manufacturing environments.
• Extensive mechanical design and engineering experience.
• Experience working with SCADA systems.
• Experience with industrial databases and data collection systems.

Top Technical Skills:

• Manufacturing Automation Engineering, PLC Programming & Troubleshooting, Industrial Robotics Programming & Integration, HMI Development & Support, Electrical Controls & Panel Design, Servo and Motion Control Systems

Ideal :

We're seeking an engineer who has successfully led automation projects, enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges, and can bridge the gap between controls, robotics, mechanical systems, and production operations. The ideal candidate is highly organized, adaptable, technically strong, and capable of driving projects from design through implementation while maintaining a focus on safety, quality, and performance. Must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship requirements.

Skills Programming, Automation, manufacturing, Plc programming, Hmi, Allen-bradley, Scada, Wonderware, Rockwell, Electrical, Controls engineering, Mechanical, Rslogix, Allen bradley plc, Autocad, Robot, Design, Autocad electrical, Pneumatics, Automation systems, Plc troubleshooting, Project management, Hmi programming, Schematic, Hydraulics, Wiring, Panel layout, Electrical schematic, Controls design, Control system design, Engineering, Solidworks, Automation engineering, Automated equipment, Siemens plc, Control system, Electrical control panel, Troubleshoot electrical, Modbus, Vision system, Debug, Electrical engineering, Rockwell rslogix, Programmable logic controller, Fanuc, Plcs, Heavy equipment, Machine build, Mixing Top Skills Details Programming,Automation,manufacturing

Experience Level

Expert Level

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Huntington Beach, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $140000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Health / Vision/ Dental and 401K

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Huntington Beach,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.