Automation and Fixture Design Engineer

A globally leading consumer device company based in Cupertino, CA is looking for an Automation & Fixture Design Engineer to join their team. This role leads automation development and precision fixture design for mass-production processes on enclosures and modules, with the goal of improving quality, yield, process capability and manufacturing efficiency. It is a primary interface between Product Design, Operations, automation integrators and contract manufacturers.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead automation and fixture design (machine design, vision, controls and component fixturing) for key enclosure and module processes
• Design precision, modular fixtures for laser welding, precision dispensing, insert molding and automated tape application, built for reuse across product generations
• Partner with Product Design (PD) and Operations teams to identify automation opportunities, provide design-for-automation and DFM feedback, and build proofs of concept
• Create technical requirements and RFP packages, assess and down-select integrators, and estimate automation costs and ROI
• Drive design reviews with integrators, review control logic, define data logging and traceability, and set FAT/SAT qualification requirements
• Provide onsite support at FAT/SAT, stress runs, NPI builds and production ramp
• Coordinate with overseas teams, track risks and issues to closure, and present analysis to decision-makers
• Lead R&D with industry partners to deliver step-change improvements in process capability

Key Qualifications:

• BS/MS in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Automation, Mechatronics, Robotics or equivalent
• 5+ years in automation, robotics and fixture design for mass production
• Hands-on experience designing, deploying and qualifying automated lines with machine vision, motion control and sensors
• Strong CAD skills for complex assemblies and precision fixtures, with GD&T drawings
• DOE, root cause/corrective action, and statistical analysis (Cpk, GR&R) using JMP, Matlab or similar
• Strong written and verbal communication with technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to manage multiple demanding projects independently
• Vision-guided assembly, precision dispense and laser welding experience a plus
• Six-axis robots (Fanuc, ABB) and PLC/IPC programming (Mitsubishi, Beckhoff, Siemens) a plus
• Experience with overseas contract manufacturers a plus; Mandarin a plus

Travel: Quarterly overseas travel, occasional domestic travel

Type: Contract
Duration: 10 months with extension
Work Location: Cupertino, CA (onsite)
Pay range: $100.00 – $121.00/hr (DOE)