Senior Automation Engineer III – Industrial Automation, PLC Programming & Robotics

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

Job summary

Leoforce in Huntington Beach, CA is seeking a mid-level Manufacturing Automation Engineer to design, program, and commission automated equipment and robotics. The role focuses on PLC/HMI programming, six-axis robotics, servo and stepper motors, and integration with Star Automation or Yushin systems.

Travel may be required across the US and abroad; a BS in engineering, 10 years of automation experience, and CAD skills with AutoCAD or SolidWorks are highly preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 10 years of manufacturing engineering experience involving automation and robotics.
• Experience leading automation projects from design through production deployment.
• Ability to program and troubleshoot PLC controllers and HMI systems.
• Experience setting up, programming, and troubleshooting industrial robots, including six-axis robotics.
• Experience designing automated equipment using AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
• Strong background in electrical controls and schematic development.
• Knowledge of GD&T and applicable codes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and commission automated manufacturing equipment and control systems.
• Program and troubleshoot PLC controllers and HMI units.
• Set up and troubleshoot Star Automation and/or Yushin robots and six-axis robotic systems.
• Develop motion-control systems and validate automation for safety and quality.
• Lead automation projects from design through deployment and manage scope and schedules.
• Create electrical schematics and control-panel wiring and documentation.
• Provide technical leadership and training to team members.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams and suppliers for installation and commissioning.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI troubleshooting

Robotics troubleshooting

Lead automation projects

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Star Automation

Yushin robots

SCADA systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: Huntington Beach, CA, US

Job Description

Experience: Mid Level

Salary: $90,000 - $140,000 per year

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Design, develop, program, and commission automated manufacturing equipment and industrial control systems.
• Program and troubleshoot PLC controllers and HMI units.
• Set up, program, and troubleshoot Star Automation and/or Yushin robots.
• Set up, program, and troubleshoot six-axis robotic systems.
• Develop and implement servo- and stepper-motor motion-control systems.
• Diagnose complex technical problems and nonstandard failures involving automated machinery and control systems.
• Minimize production downtime through effective electrical, pneumatic, controls, and automation troubleshooting.
• Lead automation projects from design through deployment, managing project scope, schedules, priorities, and deliverables.
• Develop validation protocols and ensure automation systems meet applicable safety, quality, and industry requirements.
• Analyze production processes and operating data to improve efficiency, equipment performance, and manufacturing costs.
• Create equipment designs and drawings using AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
• Apply GD&T standards to automated-equipment designs and technical documentation.
• Design electrical control circuits and prepare electrical schematics.
• Design, fabricate, assemble, and wire electrical control panels.
• Troubleshoot pneumatic and electro-pneumatic control circuits.
• Prepare technical reports, standard operating procedures, electrical documentation, presentations, and project schedules.
• Provide technical leadership and training to team members.
• Partner with production, engineering, maintenance, quality, safety, and other cross-functional departments.
• Coordinate with equipment suppliers and outside vendors on equipment design, procurement, installation, and commissioning.
• Follow applicable OSHA, NEC, NFPA, IBC, ISO, and internal safety and quality standards.
• Travel to company facilities and supplier locations within the United States and potentially internationally.

Qualifications Needed

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Automation Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related discipline; equivalent verifiable experience and vocational automation training may be considered.
• Minimum 10 years of manufacturing engineering experience involving automation and robotics.
• Demonstrated experience leading automation projects from design and development through commissioning and production deployment.
• Ability to program and troubleshoot PLC controllers and HMI systems.
• Experience setting up, programming, and troubleshooting industrial robots, including six-axis robotics.
• Experience designing automated manufacturing equipment using AutoCAD or SolidWorks in a 2D or 3D environment.
• Strong background in electrical controls, including schematic development, circuit design, control-panel fabrication, wiring, and troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of pneumatic and electro-pneumatic control systems.
• Experience implementing and programming servo- and stepper-motor systems.
• Knowledge of GD&T, including ANSI Y14.5-2018.
• Working knowledge of applicable industrial codes and standards, including OSHA, NEC, NFPA, IBC, ISO, and ADA requirements.
• Ability to analyze manufacturing data and apply advanced mathematics, geometry, and statistics when making engineering decisions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.
• Ability to travel to multiple facilities and suppliers domestically and potentially internationally.
• Authorization to work for any employer in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred

• Automation experience within a plastic injection molding environment.
• Extensive mechanical design and engineering experience.
• Experience with Star Automation and/or Yushin robots.
• Experience with SCADA systems and manufacturing databases.

A bit about us:

Founded 75 years ago and based in Huntington Beach, California, with additional manufacturing operations in Mebane, North Carolina and an international presence, we are a family-owned American manufacturer of durable storage, transport, and operational solutions for the commercial foodservice industry. Our organization has grown from one California factory and a single product into a global business offering more than 17,000 products, while maintaining a strong focus on American manufacturing, food safety, quality, service, and continued innovation.

Why join us?

• High-Priority Opening: The company is prepared to hire immediately and has committed to fast feedback and interview scheduling
• Established Manufacturer: Join a family-owned organization celebrating 75 years in business
• American Manufacturing: Work for a company with established manufacturing operations in California and North Carolina
• Technical Ownership: Lead automation initiatives from initial design through programming, validation, commissioning, and deployment
• Advanced Automation Environment: Work directly with PLCs, HMIs, industrial robots, motion-control systems, and custom automated equipment
• Visible Operational Impact: Improve equipment reliability, production efficiency, workplace safety, and manufacturing costs
• First-Shift Schedule: Onsite Monday–Friday