Automation Machine Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lyten is leading an industrial revolution through Lyten 3D Graphene™, a breakthrough supermaterial unlocking a new generation of products - from lithium-sulfur batteries and energy storage systems to concrete admixtures, lightweight composites, and next-generation sensors that are revolutionizing industries. Together, these innovations are making a massive global improvement and driving real-world impact across energy, mobility, construction, and defense.
At Lyten, we believe the most meaningful careers begin with purpose - and with people who want to make a difference. We're not just developing advanced supermaterials - we're about to change the world as we know it, reshaping how energy is stored, how products are built, and how progress is made.
We're entering an exciting growth phase, scaling production across the U.S. and Europe and expanding our team of engineers, scientists, and innovators.
Apply now to join our team and be part of something bigger than yourself - where collaboration, creativity, and purpose come together to build the technologies that will define the next century.
The Automation Controls Engineer supports the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing equipment used in advanced battery cell production. This role is responsible for troubleshooting, maintaining, and optimizing electrical control systems, PLCs, robotics, motion control systems, and safety systems to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient production operations.
Key Responsibilities

• Program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC systems using platforms such as Siemens TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley Studio 5000, and Mitsubishi GX Works.

• Diagnose and resolve issues related to automation equipment, electrical systems, robotics, motion controls, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, and industrial communication networks.

• Interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and mechanical drawings to support troubleshooting and equipment modifications.

• Assist with startup, validation, and commissioning of new manufacturing equipment and process improvements.

• Partner with external system integrators to deliver equipment that meets Lyten standards and specifications

• Provide machine design feedback from an electrical, controls, and machine/operator safety perspective; drive implementation with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards and equipment specifications

• Support installation, commissioning, and qualification of new equipment and tooling alongside system integrators

• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to improve quality, increase throughput, and reduce cost

• Write clean, scalable, and maintainable control code for long-term flexibility and reuse

• Set up industrial robots, including programming, safety zoning, and cycle optimization

• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and commissioning activities

Required Qualifications

• BS/BA in a technical field and equivalent hands-on experience in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience supporting industrial automation or electrical control systems in a manufacturing environment.

• Experience troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, industrial controls, and automated production equipment. Mitsubishi PLC experience preferred

• Ability to modify existing PLC programs and/or develop logic from scratch

• Knowledge of electrical safety practices and industrial control system standards.

• Basic understanding of industrial networking concepts such as IP addressing, subnetting, and gateways.

• Ignition experience is a plus, not required. Exposure to SQL databases for logging, recipes, or data exchange between PLCs and higher-level systems

• Strong understanding and hands on experience applying NFPA 79, NFPA 70E, and Cal-OSHA safety standards

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and a proactive sense of urgency.

• Flexibility to support off-shift, weekend, and rotating on-call coverage as business needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, CS or a closely related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)

• Experience with Siemens TIA Portal, Mitsubishi GX Works, and Allen-Bradley Studio 5000.

• Experience in high-volume manufacturing, battery manufacturing, semiconductor, or automated production environments.

• Experience with Ignition SCADA or other industrial SCADA platforms.

• Knowledge of industrial robotics

• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, ControlNet, RS232, OPC, and OPC-UA.

• Experience integrating and troubleshooting machine vision systems such as Cognex or Keyence.

• Experience working with and managing vendors, from writing RFPs or SOWs to managing their execution and taking part in system acceptance tests

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and work around industrial manufacturing equipment for extended periods.

Compensations Range:
The expected base salary range for this position is between
$106,000.00 - $159,000.00
The level of pay within the range will depend on a variety of job-related factors that may include location, relevant prior experience and/or education, or particular skills and expertise.
Disclosures:
Pay Transparency Disclosure:
This compensation and benefits information is based on Lyten's estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future. We generally do not negotiate on salary once we have made an offer. The level of pay within the range will depend on a variety of job-related factors that may include location, relevant prior experience and/or education, or particular skills and expertise. New hires joining the company tend to be paid within the starting base pay range noted above, with opportunities to increase pay over time based on development of additional skills, competencies, and company-specific knowledge.
In addition to base pay this position is eligible for tier based bonus and equity, healthcare, dental, vision, corporate discounts, paid holidays, PTO and sick time, 401K, employee relocation plan (if applicable)
Export/ITAR Compliance Disclosure:
Certain positions within Lyten, Inc. require compliance with export control laws and, as a result, all interviewed candidates will be screened pre-interview to determine their eligibility in light of export restrictions.
This position requires access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls. Employment in this position is conditioned on the continued availability of government authorization to authorize release of such items, to the extent required, including without limitation an export license, or other documentation required to establish authorization to receive access to such items. Company may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or may modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to Company facilities and information systems, as Company deems appropriate, in order to ensure compliance with applicable government access control restrictions.
Lyten is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled.
IMPORTANT: Please be aware that fictitious job openings, consulting engagements, solicitations, interviews or employment offers may be circulated on the Internet in an attempt to obtain privileged information, or to induce you to pay a fee for services related to recruitment or training. Lyten Does NOT charge any application, processing, or training fee at any stage of the recruitment or hiring process. We Do NOT use any messaging apps to recruit or communicate at any time during the recruiting process. Links to the actual job posting will be provided in the email, please verify the position is posted prior to communicating. All genuine job openings will be posted on our careers page and all communications will be from the recruiting team and will be from a @lyten.com email address.
Principals only; third party or agency submitted candidates will not be considered.
Why Work at Lyten
At Lyten, you'll be part of a team that's redefining what's possible in energy, materials, and manufacturing. We're not just imagining the future - we're building it today with breakthrough technologies that are changing how products are made and how industries innovate.
Our people are the heart of that mission. From world-class scientists and engineers to creative problem-solvers in operations, manufacturing, and commercialization, every member of the Lyten team plays a role in turning bold ideas into real-world impact. We believe that the best work happens when you're doing great things in the world - with people you like. Collaboration, curiosity, and a shared sense of purpose drive everything we do.
What You'll Find at Lyten

• A mission that matters: Contribute directly to solving complex challenges in energy, mobility, and materials innovation.
• Cutting-edge innovation: Work on technologies at the intersection of materials science, energy storage, and advanced manufacturing that strengthen energy security and local supply chains.
• Extraordinary people: Join a team of talented, friendly, and down-to-earth innovators who support, challenge, and inspire one another every day.
• Teamwork and culture: Experience a workplace built on trust, respect, and shared success - where collaboration fuels breakthroughs and everyone's ideas are heard.
• Global impact: Help scale new materials and energy solutions that reinforce industrial resilience across the U.S. and Europe.
• Career growth: Be part of a fast-moving company entering a commercial growth phase, with opportunities to lead, learn, and make your mark.
• Purpose-driven values: Thrive in an environment that celebrates ingenuity, optimism, and meaningful progress - together.

Lyten offers the opportunity to do the most important work of your career - helping build the technologies that will power the next century of innovation.
Join us, and help transform industries, communities, and the planet with friends who share your drive to make a difference.