Sr. Process Development Engineer

flir; Goleta (CA); On-site; USD 114,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

Teledyne Technologies Incorporated is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to design, develop, and continuously improve automated manufacturing systems for high-volume camera assembly in a regulated environment. The role emphasizes lean methods, data-driven decision making, and cross-functional collaboration with design, quality, and supply chain teams.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in automation in precision manufacturing, with expertise in robotics, machine vision, PLCs, and MES

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of automation engineering experience in high-volume manufacturing.
• Experience with camera assembly, optical systems, and precision manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead automation projects from concept through production.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, validation and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing systems in high-volume camera assembly.
• Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity and cost through automation and Lean principles.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Product Engineering, Supply Chain and Maintenance.
• Establish equipment specifications, qualification protocols, and validation activities.
• Analyze production data to improve OEE, yield, cycle time and reliability.
• Manage automation projects from concept to production within schedule and budget.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data-driven decision making

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Tools

Robotic automation

Machine vision

PLC programming

Motion control

Sensors

MES

Industry 4.0

Job description

Be visionary

Teledyne Technologies Incorporated provides enabling technologies for industrial growth markets that require advanced technology and high reliability. These markets include aerospace and defense, factory automation, air and water quality environmental monitoring, electronics design and development, oceanographic research, deepwater oil and gas exploration and production, medical imaging and pharmaceutical research.

We are looking for individuals who thrive on making an impact and want the excitement of being on a team that wins.

Job Description

Job Summary:

• The Senior Automation Engineer is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing systems supporting high-volume camera and optical assembly operations. This role leads automation initiatives that improve productivity, quality, throughput, safety, and cost performance while supporting Lean Manufacturing principles and operational excellence.
• The Senior Automation Engineer partners closely with Engineering disciplines such as Design, Process/Manufacturing, Quality and Reliability; and support organizations including Supply Chain and Maintenance teams to develop scalable automation solutions that support new product introductions and the continuous optimization of existing production lines. The position requires strong technical expertise in robotics, machine vision, motion control, process validation, equipment integration, and data-driven manufacturing systems.
• The ideal candidate combines deep automation knowledge with Lean methodologies to eliminate waste, reduce variation, increase OEE, and create robust manufacturing processes in a highly regulated environment operating under ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ITAR, and EAR requirements.
• The work is engaging, combining creativity with detail, and mechanics with theory. Do you like high expectations and challenging work? Do you like working with engaged, high-energy colleagues? Our culture is collaborative, supportive, and fun. The work environment is general office and Clean Room or environmentally controlled environments. Are you a self-starter, driven and motivated, ready to take on full process ownership, and have the initiative to grow your career, then please apply.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development, implementation, validation, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing systems supporting high-volume camera assembly operations in cleanrooms.
• Identify and execute opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, throughput, equipment utilization, and manufacturing cost through automation and Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Develop, optimize, and sustain manufacturing processes, equipment, machine vision systems, robotics, motion control systems, and automated inspection solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and Root Cause Analysis methodologies to eliminate waste, reduce variation, and improve operational performance.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Product Engineering, Supply Chain, and Maintenance teams to support new product introductions, process transfers, and factory capacity expansion.
• Establish equipment specifications, acceptance criteria, qualification protocols, and validation activities to ensure robust and repeatable manufacturing processes.
• Analyze production data and performance metrics to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), yield, cycle time, reliability, and process capability.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause investigations related to manufacturing equipment, automation systems, and process performance issues.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, including work instructions, standard operating procedures, PFMEAs, control plans, and process flow diagrams.
• Manage automation and capital equipment projects from concept through production implementation, ensuring delivery on schedule and within budget.
• Mentor engineers and technicians while providing technical leadership on automation, manufacturing, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ITAR, EAR, safety, and company quality management system requirements.
• Support internal, customer, and certification audits and drive corrective and preventive actions related to manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Ability to stand and sit for extended periods of time, work in a clean room environment and lift up-to 25lb without assistance

Education

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or related technical discipline.-
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification

We recognize that skills can be gained through a variety of paths. Candidates with equivalent education, training, or experience are encouraged to apply.

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of experience in automation engineering within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting camera assembly, optical systems, electronics manufacturing, semiconductor, automotive, medical device, or related precision manufacturing industries.
• Proven track record implementing automation solutions that significantly improve throughput, quality, and labor efficiency.

Technical Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience with robotic automation systems and collaborative robotics.
• Expertise in machine vision systems for inspection, measurement, alignment, and guidance.
• PLC programming, motion control, servo systems, sensors, and industrial communications.
• Experience with manufacturing process validation and equipment qualification methodologies.
• Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC), process capability analysis, and Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Understanding precision assembly processes involving optics, cameras, sensors, and electronic components.
• Familiarity with manufacturing execution systems (MES), factory automation software, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• GD&T, Standard Operating Procedures, Training and development of technician and junior level engineers

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, or equivalent certification.
• Experience with automated optical alignment systems.
• Experience with AI-enabled inspection technologies and advanced machine vision platforms.
• Knowledge of PFMEA, APQP, PPAP, MSA, and Control Plan development.
• Experience operating within ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certified manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with ITAR and EAR regulatory requirements.

Key Competencies

• Strategic problem solving
• Continuous improvement leadership
• Project management
• Technical leadership and mentoring
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Data-driven decision making
• Root cause analysis
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Results orientation
• Operational excellence mindset

Salary Range:

$113,600.00-$151,400.000

The anticipated salary range listed for this role is only an estimate. Actual compensation for successful candidates is carefully determined based on several factors including, but not limited to, location, local regulations (such as minimum wage), education/training, work experience, key skills, and type of position.

Teledyne and all of our employees are committed to conducting business with the highest ethical standards. We require all employees to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, rules and regulatory orders. Our reputation for honesty, integrity and high ethics is as important to us as our reputation for making innovative sensing solutions.

Teledyne is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic or non-merit based factor made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.