Manufacturing Automation & Controls Engineer

HBNO - 3.5

Chico, CA Job Details Full-time $80,000 - $150,000 a year 1 day ago Benefits Health insurance Paid time off Qualifications PLC-based control system operation Content creation for technical audiences 3D modeling software Conveyor systems Technical documentation Labeling Technical writing experience within manufacturing CMMS Mechanical drawings Dimensional measurements Precision measurement in machining HMI Software Risk management Pneumatic system maintenance Fusion 360 Industrial pumps Sensors Full Job Description Position Overview HBNO is seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Automation & Controls Engineer to improve the reliability, automation, safety, throughput, and cost performance of its packaging and production equipment. The engineer will work directly on the manufacturing floor to troubleshoot equipment, eliminate recurring failures, improve automation, reduce labor, increase output, and support new equipment and packaging projects . The role requires someone who can combine strong mechanical, pneumatic, controls, automation, CAD, and problem-solving skills with practical, budget-conscious engineering. Key Responsibilities Troubleshoot and improve filling, capping, labeling, sealing, conveying, cartoning, shrink-wrapping, pumping, and related packaging equipment. Diagnose mechanical, pneumatic, sensor, electrical, and PLC-related issues and identify true root causes. Perform an initial equipment gap analysis and prioritize reliability, safety, automation, and throughput improvements. Recommend whether equipment should be repaired, upgraded, or replaced , supported by cost, risk, lead time, and payback analysis. Identify and implement quick, low-cost improvements that reduce downtime, labor, and quality issues. Develop automation upgrades involving sensors, rejects, inspection systems, conveyors, change parts, and machine interfaces. Create and maintain 2D/3D CAD drawings for packaging components, machine interfaces, and change parts. Establish preventive maintenance, critical spare-parts, troubleshooting, and machine-setting standards . Support new machinery projects from specification and vendor selection through FAT/SAT, installation, commissioning, and handoff . Qualify and manage machine vendors, including potential domestic and international/Chinese manufacturers , with travel as needed. Support introduction of new SKUs by validating packaging compatibility, change parts, settings, and run-at-rate performance. Develop equipment contingency and line-conversion plans to reduce the impact of breakdowns and product changes. Investigate machinery-related NCRs and recurring failures and implement verified corrective actions. Provide technical support for Private Label packaging feasibility and production requirements . Train mechanics and operators and ensure completed projects include documentation, spare parts, and standard work. Provide a weekly management report covering issues, improvements, projects, downtime, KPIs, vendors, and budget. What Success Looks Like The engineer is expected to deliver measurable improvements in: Higher production output Lower labor hours per unit Reduced unplanned downtime Fewer repeat equipment failures Shorter changeovers Improved equipment reliability Better preventive maintenance Greater automation Complete equipment/CAD documentation Validated backup and contingency plans The initial goal is to resolve critical equipment issues within 60 days , deliver a major operational improvement by 6 months , and establish a sustainable reliability and automation program within 12 months . Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering, Automation Engineering , or related field; exceptional hands-on experience may be considered. 5+ years of direct experience with automated manufacturing, packaging, bottling, food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, consumer-product, or similar equipment.

Strong hands-on experience with:

Mechanical systems Pneumatics Sensors Conveyors Automated packaging equipment Machine timing Equipment integration Working knowledge of PLC-controlled equipment , including I/O, sequences, and fault isolation. Strong CAD skills using SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor, Fusion 360, or similar. Ability to create dimensioned, tolerance-controlled engineering drawings . Strong technical writing and documentation skills. Ability to use measurement and diagnostic tools such as calipers, micrometers, gauges, and multimeters . Resourceful and comfortable working with limited budgets . Willingness to travel to vendor facilities, including international travel when required . Comfortable working directly with operators, mechanics, electricians, and vendors . Preferred Experience Liquid filling, capping, labeling, induction sealing, cartoning, shrink wrapping, pumps, and conveyors. Siemens or similar PLC/HMI systems, VFDs, servos, machine vision, barcode readers, and automated rejects . GMP, cosmetic, food, pharmaceutical, or regulated manufacturing. Preventive maintenance and spare-parts programs. SMED/quick changeover, centerlining, new-SKU introduction, and line conversion . Equipment development with overseas/Chinese machine builders . Packaging-material specifications and tolerance stack-up. CMMS/work-order systems. Machinery-related NCR/root-cause investigations.

Pay:

$80,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Health insurance Paid time off Ability to

Relocate:

Chico, CA 95928: Relocate before starting work (Required) Willingness to travel: 25% (Required)

Work Location:

In person