Machining & Automation Engineer

Location: RTP

*must be able to transition full time to Benson site in 2027*

Salary: $100-$175/k

Responsibilities

• Lead the evaluation, quote comparison, and selection of advanced manufacturing technologies and vendors, ensuring machinery meets scaling and quality goals.
• Own equipment design/requirements, vendor performance and schedule, commissioning activities, process development, and production qualification for major automated production processes.
• Develop and optimize manufacturing processes to improve throughput, quality, and equipment reliability, monitoring OEE results and station cycle times to drive yield and capacity improvements.
• Manage technical schedules, budgets, and deliverables aligned with company milestones and customer commitments.
• Provide hands-on support during production startup, helping stabilize processes and eliminate early bottlenecks.
• Develop and innovate new processes and equipment strategies to achieve best-in-class magnet manufacturing.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards across all process activities.
• Travel as needed to support equipment development reviews and Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), estimated at less than 10% travel.
• Develop, review, or manage deliverables such as Risk Assessments, Process Design, Engineering Diagrams, Quality & Control, Operations & Maintenance, and Controls & IT.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline with 3+ years of experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with CAD, creating, modifying, and validating complex equipment assemblies and custom automation layouts.
• Direct, hands-on experience with heavy automation, robotics, AGVs, advanced vision systems, and industrial laser systems.
• Expert-level experience authoring and developing standard manufacturing documents like PFMEA, Control Plans, Work Instructions, and Process Flows.
• Ability to read, interpret, and create electrical schematics and pneumatic diagrams, including performing core engineering calculations.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in precision CNC machining, high-volume grinding, or industrial surface coating applications.
• Hands-on experience with machine vision programming (e.g., Cognex, Keyence).
• Proficiency with advanced simulation software for automated workflow and line balancing.
• Familiarity with MES implementation and automated transaction mapping.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.