Manufacturing Automation Engineer

About the job Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Medical Device Automation Hands-On Builder Role

ClearPath Medical - Tustin, CA

On-site No relocation U.S. work authorization required

Compensation: $85,000 - $115,000 DOE + benefits

(We pay for real, hands-on automation talent; not buzzwords)

About ClearPath Medical

ClearPath Medical is an engineer-owned medical device contract manufacturer specializing in custom medical cable assemblies: designed, built, and shipped entirely in-house in Tustin, CA.

We operate with short decision loops, minimal bureaucracy, and real ownership. Our automation team builds production-ready solutions that go directly into FDA-regulated manufacturing, not science projects that die on a PowerPoint slide.

If you enjoy designing, building, wiring, programming, and improving machines yourself, you'll feel at home here.

The Role (What You'll Actually Do)

This is a hands-on manufacturing automation role, not a systems architect or desk-only engineering position.

You'll design and deploy semi-automated and automated equipment for high-mix medical manufacturing, including cable prep, crimping, soldering, labeling, and dispensing.

Typical work mix:

~70% shop floor (build, debug, improve)

~30% design, documentation, and programming

Key Responsibilities

Design and build custom automation tooling, fixtures, and work cells

Improve existing manual or semi-automated processes for safety, repeatability, and throughput

Program and debug PLCs, robots, and vision systems used in production

Integrate sensors, pneumatics, motion components, and safety systems

Support FAT/SAT, production launch, and continuous improvement

Create clear SOPs and basic documentation that operators can actually follow

Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering teams to meet FDA and ISO requirements

What Were Looking For (Realistic & Local)

Required

3-7+ years in manufacturing automation, process engineering, or equipment engineering

Hands-on experience building or modifying automation used in production

Strong mechanical aptitude (fixtures, tooling, mechanisms)

Experience with at least one of the following:

PLCs or industrial controls

Collaborative or industrial robots

Vision systems

Automated crimping, soldering, labeling, or dispensing

CAD experience (SolidWorks or similar)

Comfortable working on the shop floor with technicians and operators

Able to work on-site in Tustin, CA

Nice to Have (Not Deal-Breakers)

Medical device, aerospace, or electronics manufacturing experience

Lean or continuous improvement exposure (SMED, OEE, poka-yoke)

Light machining, prototyping, or 3D printing experience

Experience validating or supporting FDA-regulated processes

Important: You do not need to be an expert in everyautomation technology listed. We value builders who learn quickly more than those who focus on checklist perfection.

Why Engineers Choose ClearPath

You own projects end-to-end: design, build, production

Decisions happen fast; prototypes happen faster

Your work ships into real, life-critical medical devices

No layers of management between you and the impact

Jeans, safety glasses, and machines, not meetings all day

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Stable, growing medical manufacturing environment

Long-term career growth in automation leadership