Associate Automation Engineer Jobs in Castro Valley, CA

Location: Livermore, CA
Title: Engineering Technician IV/V - Robotics & Automation (NWS 00922)
North Wind Services (NWS) is a high performing, low risk company with a successful history of contributing to their client's missions. NWS executes and manages a wide range of technical services such as environmental investigation and restoration, construction, demolition, radioactive and hazardous waste management, public communication/involvement, information management, health and safety, industrial hygiene, and emergency response/HAZMAT services.
North Wind Services is actively seeking individuals who can contribute to national security within the science, technology, and engineering fields as part of our supplemental labor team at vital federal research and development installations supporting the Department of Energy.
Successful candidates will be employees of NWS supporting the missions of their federal client, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in Livermore, CA. Pay, benefits, Human Resources, and employment management functions are all provided by NWS. As an NWS employee working at LLNL, within the client's environment, you will complete day-to-day tasks, with direction from technical personnel directly employed by LLNL.
The Engineering Directorate has two openings in the Materials Engineering Division for a Robotics & Automation Technologist. The successful candidates will support cutting-edge research and development programs with designing, building, programming, and troubleshooting robotic and automated systems. The successful candidates will work alongside Scientists, Engineers, and Technologists.
Essential Duties
- Design, assemble, program, and test robotic and automated systems.
- Support research projects through prototype development, system integration, and experimental validation.
- Install, configure, and troubleshoot sensors, actuators, controllers, PLCs and robotic equipment.
- Develop and modify control software, automation scripts, and data acquisition systems.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate new technologies and improve system performance.
- Conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and document findings.
- Create technical drawings, wiring diagrams, procedures, and project documentation.
- Assist in laboratory setup, equipment maintenance, and safety compliance.
Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- Associates degree in Robotics, Mechatronics, Automation Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related technical field, or equivalent work experience.
- Previous hands-on experience with robotics, automation, industrial controls, or research prototyping.
- Experience with robotic systems, motion control, sensors, and machine vision technologies.
- Knowledge of PLC programming, industrial networks, and control systems.
- Experience with programming languages such as Python, C++, MATLAB, or similar.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within research teams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Desired Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- Experience with Collaborative robots (cobots), autonomous systems, or mobile robotics.
- Familiarity with ROS (Robot Operating System).
- Experience with AI-enabled automation or computer vision applications.
CAD experience using SolidWorks, Fusion 360, AutoCAD, or similar software.
- Experience supporting laboratory or research environments.
- Knowledge of additive manufacturing, CNC equipment, or advanced manufacturing technologies.
Special Requirements
Pre-Placement Medical Exam: A job-related pre-placement medical examination may be required.
Pre-employment drug test: External applicants selected for this position will be required to pass a post offer, pre-employment drug test.
Anticipated Government Clearance Level: Q (position will be cleared to this level). Applicants who are selected will be subject to a federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matters. In addition, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold multiple citizenships (U.S. and another country), you may be required to renounce your non-U.S. citizenship before a DOE L or Q clearance will be processed/granted.
North Wind offers a competitive pay and benefits package to include health, life, and disability insurance benefits, 401(k) with company match, generous paid leave, and tuition reimbursement for eligible employees. As a company, we are committed to employee wellness, professional development, and work-life balance. We value safety, reliability, and commitment to our people. For more information about benefits or hiring philosophy, visit the North Wind Career Opportunities Page.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The nature of those accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact our Helpline +1. or use the Request for Reasonable Accommodation form to get assistance.
North Wind is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, religion, or other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
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