Automation Engineer

Role Overview

The Automation Engineer will support a Product Operations team focused on advanced wearable and consumer electronics products.

The role will partner closely with Design Engineering, manufacturing partners, and automation equipment suppliers to develop robust, efficient, and cost-effective high-volume automated assembly solutions. The engineer will be involved throughout the product development lifecycle, from early product architecture through equipment development, factory deployment, qualification, and mass production.

Key Responsibilities

• Influence product definition and architecture selection through early Design for Automation engagement with Product Design teams.
• Develop detailed functional requirements and specifications for automated manufacturing processes, including adhesive dispensing, vision-guided pick-and-place, sealing, automated screw driving, cleaning, conveyance, and precision electronic assembly.
• Partner with manufacturing and automation equipment suppliers to design, develop, and qualify robust, cost-effective, high-volume automation solutions.
• Lead automation equipment development from functional specification through design review, build, debug, validation, and deployment.
• Develop and manage automation implementation schedules.
• Provide technical oversight during Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
• Support equipment qualification, factory bring-up, and production ramp.
• Manage cross-functional programs with global engineering teams and contract manufacturing partners.
• Ensure factory readiness and successful product delivery.
• Drive improvements in equipment reliability, throughput, yield, quality, and scalability.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automation/Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 8+ years of experience in automation engineering, technical program management, or related fields.
• Experience leading the specification, development, and implementation of automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with robotics, precision motor control, dispensing systems, machine vision, and Automated Optical Inspection (AOI).
• Experience collaborating with design teams early in the hardware lifecycle to incorporate Design for Automation principles.
• Experience with high-volume, high-precision consumer electronics is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with NX or other CAD tools, DOE, GRR, tolerance analysis, and statistical analysis.
• Experience with ROI analysis, headcount planning, or capital expenditure management is a plus.
• Strong automation vendor management experience, including RFP, functional specification, design reviews, FAT/SAT, and factory deployment.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in semiconductor, OSAT, packaging/test, or microelectronics manufacturing.
• Strong experience in Supplier Quality Engineering, Supplier Development Engineering, semiconductor manufacturing quality, or related functions.
• Experience conducting supplier QMS audits, including ISO 9000-based quality systems.
• Experience with semiconductor or component qualification, manufacturing line qualification, and production readiness.
• Strong knowledge of failure analysis, defect containment, corrective action, and root cause investigation.
• Experience with manufacturing yield, parametric data analysis, VLRR, and DPPM metrics.
• Strong statistical analysis and data mining capabilities.
• Experience with IQC, OQC, FAI, parts traceability, and supplier quality controls.
• Experience managing semiconductor reliability testing, PCN, and EOL activities.
• Experience conducting hands-on supplier onsite audits.
• Strong supplier management, communication, and technical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work onsite with suppliers and manufacturing partners when required.