Job Description

Senior Automation & Controls Engineer

• 110,000 Per Year
• California
• Manufacturing & Transport & Logistics

Woods & Co Recruitment is currently partnered with a rapidly growing manufacturing business at the forefront of operational innovation and automation. With a strong commitment to efficiency, safety, and continuous improvement, they are investing heavily in advanced production systems and are looking to bring on a highly skilled Senior Automation & Controls Engineer to help drive that evolution.

Together, we are on the lookout for a hands-on and solutions-driven engineer to lead automation initiatives across production and packaging operations. This role gives you the authority to own the design, programming, commissioning, and long-term optimization of critical automation systems while playing a key role in improving uptime, throughput, and operational reliability.

LOCATION- Irvine, CA

What's in it for you?

• The opportunity to take ownership of major automation and controls projects within a fast-growing manufacturing environment.
• The chance to work with modern production equipment and advanced automation systems.
• A highly visible role where your technical expertise will directly impact operational performance and efficiency.
• The ability to lead projects from concept through commissioning and long-term optimization.
• A collaborative and high-performance engineering environment with strong leadership support.
• Competitive compensation package including bonus potential tied to uptime improvements and successful project delivery.

• Salary Range: $95,000 – $125,000 base + bonus potential

What do you do?

• Design, program, and optimize PLC and HMI systems across conveyors, packaging equipment, palletizers, and automated production lines.
• Integrate sensors, safety systems, interlocks, and control devices including photoeyes, encoders, proximity sensors, and E-stop systems.
• Lead commissioning, startup, and stabilization of new automation equipment to ensure seamless production integration.
• Troubleshoot and resolve recurring controls and downtime issues, implementing long-term corrective solutions.
• Collaborate closely with production, maintenance, and operations teams to improve system reliability, throughput, and safety.
• Create and maintain technical documentation including electrical changes, I/O lists, troubleshooting guides, and controls documentation.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying automation opportunities and process inefficiencies across the facility.
• Work hands-on on the production floor during installations, system upgrades, and ramp-up periods as required.

What do you need?

• 3+ years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong hands-on PLC troubleshooting and programming experience.
• Experience working with automated production lines, conveying systems, packaging equipment, or palletizing systems.
• A strong understanding of industrial sensors, safety systems, and control integration.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities with a proactive and solutions-focused mindset.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work cross-functionally with engineering and operations teams.
• Comfortable working directly on the production floor in a fast-paced operational environment.
• The ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining strong attention to detail.

If you're as passionate about this position as we are, apply now! We are interviewing immediately.

To find out more about this position please reach out to Sonia at sonia@woodsco.global or +1 (917) 525-2275.

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