Automation Engineer I - Irvine, CA, United States
$80,850 - $120,800 USD yearly
Originally posted 31 August 2026 by the employer.
About the role
As an Automation Engineer I, you will help design, develop, test, and improve motion systems that support advanced automation and precision technology. In this hands-on role, you will troubleshoot prototypes, support manufacturing processes, and partner with cross-functional teams to bring reliable, high-quality solutions from concept to execution.
What you'll do
- Support the design, development, testing, and improvement of automation hardware systems, prototypes, and production solutions.
- Troubleshoot equipment, prototype, and production issues; analyze technical challenges; and help identify practical solutions.
- Create and maintain clear technical documentation, including drawings, specifications, assembly instructions, test procedures, analysis reports, and design review inputs.
- Own assigned tasks with focus, follow-through, and attention to detail while supporting team milestones.
What you'll need
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Competence in motor technology and specifications.
- Familiarity with tuning gains and control filters, with the ability to evaluate motion performance, including settling time and velocity ripple.
- Understanding of electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, connector pinouts, cable color codes, and related technical documentation.
- Ability to program using structured text or programming languages such as C/C++ or Python.
Skills: automation hardware, motor technology, control filters, electrical schematics, C++
This role has been open 44 days — well below the 55-day median for Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering roles.
Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering · Manufacturing Equipment
|
Open roles in category
2454
|
Median days open
55 d
|
Median salary
$98k
|
See the full market breakdown ▾Category comparison, skills in demand, and who else is hiring
| Metric | Novanta | All employers we track in this specialty (2454 roles · 79 employers) |
|---|---|---|
| Open roles in this specialty | 28 | 2454 |
| Open roles in the wider Process, Fab & Equipment family | 37 | 9855 · 109 employers |
| Median days open | 84 d | 55 d (+29 d vs this employer) |
| Median salary (USD postings) | — | $98k |
Skills observed across this category: automation hardware, motor technology, control filters, electrical schematics, C++
Who's hiring in this category
- Micron Technology · 400 open roles · median 77 d
- Entegris · 236 open roles · median 34 d
- Applied Materials · 232 open roles · median 40 d
- Lam Research · 103 open roles · median 57 d
- Infineon Technologies · 88 open roles · median 55 d
- ASML · 74 open roles · median 69 d
How we counted: 2454 open Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering (Manufacturing Equipment) roles from 79 employers tracked in the SemiconductorJobs index, counted 14 Oct 2026. Specialty figures count only roles carrying this exact specialty label, so an employer's related work in neighbouring specialties is not included there — it is counted in the wider Process, Fab & Equipment family row. Figures refresh nightly.