Manufacturing Automation Engineer

About the job Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Medical Device Automation | Hands-On Builder Role

Clear Path 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 Clear Path Medical

Clear Path 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 (Solid Works 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 Clear Path

• 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