Automation Engineer

#ENG-IT-01

Job Summary

The ideal candidate will combine strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with hands-on experience in manufacturing automation, fixture design, process optimization, and equipment integration. This position will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Program Management, and Operations teams to improve productivity, quality, and manufacturing scalability.

Location

San Jose, CA

San Jose, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is known for its thriving tech industry, vibrant culture, and diverse community.

Employment Type

Full-Time / Permanent

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automated manufacturing equipment, tooling, fixtures, and workstations to support PCBA and system-level assembly processes.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities by developing manufacturing solutions that improve efficiency, quality, and scalability.
• Collaborate with customers and cross-functional teams to support new product development, prototype builds, and production ramp activities.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation, including mechanical drawings, BOMs, assembly instructions, specifications, and ECOs.
• Generate detailed 2D drawings and BOMs from 3D CAD models and ERP/SAP systems for prototype and production builds.
• Perform Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and process capability reviews.
• Support First Article Inspection (FAI) activities and engineering validation builds.
• Design and develop assembly fixtures, test fixtures, jigs, poka-yoke devices, and automation systems to improve manufacturing quality and throughput.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes and identify opportunities for automation, labor reduction, cycle time improvement, and cost optimization.
• Work with SMT, PCBA, system assembly, and test engineering teams to improve production efficiency and equipment utilization.
• Support equipment installation, qualification, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for manufacturing and equipment-related issues.
• Lead product transfer activities between global manufacturing sites and ensure process consistency and readiness.
• Partner with suppliers and automation vendors on equipment selection, design reviews, FAT/SAT activities, and implementation plans.
• Stay current with emerging manufacturing technologies, automation trends, robotics, machine vision, and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

Qualifications

Required Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and automation principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Proficiency with CAD software including SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Creo (Pro-E), or similar platforms.
• Experience creating mechanical drawings, GD&T, and engineering documentation.
• Knowledge of DFM, DFA, FMEA, and process validation methodologies.
• Familiarity with robotics, pneumatic systems, motion control, machine vision, sensors, and automated equipment is a plus.
• Understanding of PCBA manufacturing processes, SMT equipment, system assembly, and test operations preferred.
• Experience with SAP, PLM systems, or ERP systems is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting server, AI, networking, or high-performance computing products.
• Experience with SMT manufacturing equipment, automation cells, conveyors, and material handling systems.
• Familiarity with IPC standards and electronics manufacturing processes.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Exposure to Industry 4.0, smart factory, and digital manufacturing initiatives.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 2 years of engineering experience in manufacturing, automation, NPI, or related fields.
• Experience in electronics manufacturing, EMS, PCBA, SMT, or system integration environments preferred.
• Experience supporting automation projects, fixture design, manufacturing equipment, or process development.
• Previous leadership or project management experience is a plus.
• English proficiency required.
• Mandarin proficiency is highly preferred.

Benefits
PEAK's benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Dependent Care Savings Account (DCA), and 401K plan. PEAK believes that taking care of our team is essential for success and we are proud to provide benefits that enhance both your well-being and your future. Additionally, our associates may be eligible for Paid Sick Leave as required by Federal, State, or local laws.  

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) 
PEAK Technical Staffing is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. PEAK does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business need. We encourage all individuals to apply. 

Americans Disabilities Act (ADA) 
The physical and mental requirements described in this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to perform the essential physical functions of the position, including sitting, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, and lifting up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. 

Candidate Privacy
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://peaktechnical.com/privacy-policy/ and https://peaktechnical.com/ca-residents-privacy-rights/  

AI Recruiting Disclosure 
We use AI-assisted tools to help review applications and compare your experience to job requirements, but all hiring decisions are made by human recruiters. You may request a human-only process or opt out of automated communication at any time. Required notices and our latest bias audit are available on our website: www.peaktechnical.com/ai-disclosure.