Automation Engineer

THIS IS NOT A REMOTE POSITION AND REQUIES 100% ON SITE.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Automation Engineer I is responsible for designing, building, and programming test fixtures used to verify and validate electronic and avionics assemblies on the production floor. This entry-level role gives hands-on ownership of individual fixture projects from concept throughdeployment, under the guidance of senior engineering staff, while building toward broader automation and control system work.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Designs and buildselectrical/mechanical test fixturesfor functional, in-circuit, and burn-in testingof assemblies, based on product schematics and engineering specifications.
• Selects and wiresinterface hardware for fixtures, including connectors, relays, switches,pneumatics, and sensors.
• Writes and debugs test scriptsand control software(primarily LabVIEW) to drive fixturesand record pass/fail results.
• Builds a workingprototype of each fixture, tests it againstknown-good and known-badunits, and adjusts the design until results are repeatable.
• Coordinates with a machine shop or outsidevendor when a fixture requiresmachined or fabricated parts, and reviews delivered parts for fit before final assembly.
• Prepares fixture documentation, including bill of materials, wiringdiagrams, and step-by-step operating instructions for the test floor.
• Trains test technicians and production operatorson how to set up, run, and troubleshoot a new fixture before handing it off.
• Responds to fixturefailures or malfunctions on the production floor and works to restorethe fixture to service as quickly as possible.
• Tracks recurringfixture issues and proposes designchanges to improvereliability or ease of use.
• Maintains a calibration and preventative maintenance schedule for assignedfixtures.
• Keeps an inventory of fixture-specific spare parts and flags components nearing obsolescence.
• Looks for manual test or inspection stepsthat could be automated, and proposes small automation projects to reduce cycle time or operator error.
• Reviews new productdesigns with Engineering early enough to flag featuresthat would be difficult or costly to test, and suggests simpler alternatives.

JOB SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Comfortable working hands-onwith tools to physically build and wire a fixture,not just designone on paper.
• Working knowledge of electrical schematics and the abilityto translate a schematic into a functioning test setup.
• Familiarity with data acquisition hardwareand basic instrumentation (multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies).
• Familiarity with CAD software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD for fixture housingsand mechanical parts.
• Basic understanding of PLCs and relaylogic a plus.
• Good written documentation habits — this role generates instructions other people rely on.
• Willingness to be on the production floor regularly, not just at a desk.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus, for working directlywith technicians and operators.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• BS Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Automation/Manufacturing Engineering.
• 0-3 years of relevant experience; internships or co-opsinvolving test fixture,automation, or electro-mechanical project work will be considered.
• Some prior exposureto electronics manufacturing or assembly environments preferred; aerospace/avionics exposure a plus but not required at this level.
• Basic soldering and hand-tool skills.
• Any prior exposureto LabVIEW, PLCs, or CAD software throughcoursework or projectsis a plus.