Automation Engineer Consultant

Help grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day.

Location: Garden Grove, CA (On-site)
Type: Part-time contract
Duration: 3–6 months to start, with potential extension
Hours: Flexible, approximately 10–20 hours per week, based on project needs and mutual availability.

About the role
Sensorex is seeking a hands-on Automation & Process Improvement Consultant to accelerate key manufacturing automation and process improvement initiatives. This role will partner closely with Operations, Engineering, and Production to design, modify, automate, commission, and troubleshoot manufacturing equipment. The consultant will also assess existing equipment and manual processes, recommending automation solutions that improve throughput and reduce scrap. This engagement is designed to deliver immediate operational impact while leaving behind stronger internal capability through better process control, documentation, and training.

What you’ll do

• Support commissioning, startup, validation, and stabilization of new and existing manufacturing equipment.
• Optimize automated manufacturing processes to improve reliability, repeatability, throughput, and yield.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment issues, run experiments, analyze data, and implement practical improvements.
• Lead or support root cause analysis and corrective actions focused on scrap reduction and process consistency.
• Create and maintain clear manufacturing documentation, including SOPs, work instructions, setup procedures, process controls, commissioning records, and training materials.
• Capture critical process knowledge, parameters, and best practices to improve sustainability and reduce reliance on external support.
• Train operators, technicians, engineers, and supervisors on new equipment and standardized processes.
• Provide project updates, risk assessments, and technical recommendations to site leadership.
• Design, build, and implement automation solutions for existing manufacturing equipment.
• Modify machine controls, sensors, actuators, and mechanical systems to improve performance and reduce manual operations.
• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and industrial control systems as needed.
• Lead machine commissioning activities, including debugging, startup, validation, and operator training.
• Identify automation opportunities that improve throughput, quality, ergonomics, and safety.

Initial priorities

• Commission and stabilize the flare machine for routine production.
• Support glass-blowing robot optimization and scrap reduction efforts.
• Build sustainable process documentation, training, and knowledge-transfer systems.
• Design and implement automation upgrades to existing manufacturing equipment and processes, with a focus on reducing manual operations and improving process consistency.

What we’re looking for

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing automation, manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or a related technical field.
• Hands-on experience with automated manufacturing equipment, commissioning, startup, and process optimization.
• Strong troubleshooting, root cause problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Experience creating technical documentation and delivering training.
• Ability to work independently and drive progress with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication skills and a practical, collaborative working style.
• Demonstrated experience designing or modifying automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs and HMIs.
• Ability to integrate sensors, motors, pneumatic systems, and industrial controls into automated equipment.
• Experience commissioning new equipment and bringing automation projects from concept through production release.

Preferred

• Experience with robotic manufacturing systems.
• Background in scrap reduction, process development, and continuous improvement.
• Experience in glass, electronics, sensor, or other precision manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with PLCs, HMIs, industrial controls, or related automation systems.
• Experience supporting capital equipment implementation projects.

Compensation
$80 - $120/hour, depending on experience and demonstrated expertise.

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