Automation Maintenance Engineer Jobs in California

Harbinger Motors is expanding, and we are looking for an Equipment Maintenance Engineer to support our advanced EV manufacturing lines (Battery, General Assembly, EDU, Stator/Hairpin). This role ensures high equipment reliability, uptime, and performance across highly automated production systems. You will collaborate with Production, Process Engineering, Quality, and external suppliers to diagnose failures, implement improvements, and drive preventive and predictive maintenance strategies.

Equipment Reliability & Maintenance

• Perform advanced troubleshooting and resolve electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and automation-related failures.
• Maximize uptime for critical equipment and meet key maintenance KPIs (MTBF, MTTR, OEE).
• Develop, execute, and continuously improve preventive and predictive maintenance plans (e.g., vibration analysis, thermography, and failure analysis).
• Conduct root-cause analyses (RCA, 5 Whys, Ishikawa) and implement robust corrective and preventive actions.

Automation & Controls

• Troubleshoot and program PLCs at a basic to intermediate level (Siemens/Allen-Bradley).
• Manage industrial communication networks, including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, CAN, and Modbus.
• Configure drives, servo motors, sensors, HMIs, and industrial safety systems.
• Interpret and update electrical schematics, P&IDs, and pneumatic diagrams.

Mechanical & Industrial Systems

• Maintain and optimize mechanical systems, including transmissions, actuators, bearings, alignments, torque specifications, vacuum systems, pumps, and chillers.
• Diagnose mechanical failures related to vibration, temperature, noise, or abnormal behavior.
• Replace, adjust, and evaluate wear and tear on critical machine components.

Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Lead improvement projects focused on efficiency, automation upgrades, safety, and downtime reduction.
• Collaborate with integrators, OEMs, and suppliers for troubleshooting and system upgrades.
• Document equipment modifications in accordance with quality standards (ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 preferred).
• Support engineering change processes (ECR/ECN).

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA 70E, ISO standards, and machine-safety regulations (EN/ISO 12100, 13849).
• Participate in risk assessments, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, safety audits, and 5S/6S activities.
• Implement engineering controls to proactively reduce operational risks.

Production Support

• Provide direct, hands-on support during critical equipment failures and production ramp-ups.
• Train and mentor maintenance technicians on advanced troubleshooting and repair methodologies.
• Ensure equipment consistently meets cycle time, quality, and performance requirements.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

Experience

• 2-5 years of experience in the maintenance of automated manufacturing equipment.
• Hands-on experience with automated assembly equipment, robotics, End-of-Line (EOL) testing, and servo-driven systems.

Technical Skills

• PLCs: Siemens TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley Studio 5000.
• Industrial Electrical Systems: 480VAC, 24VDC controls, and interpreting electrical schematics.
• Sensors: Inductive, optical, laser, pressure, temperature, and vision systems.
• Mechanical Systems: Pneumatics, hydraulics, alignments, torque, fittings, and tolerances.
• Software: Proficiency with CMMS software (MaintainX preferred).
• Documentation: Ability to read and interpret technical manuals fluently in English.

Soft Skills

• Strong sense of urgency and ownership over equipment performance.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Effective communication skills for working seamlessly with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in time-critical manufacturing situations.
• Proactive mindset with a strong continuous-improvement mentality.
• Flexibility to work extended hours as production demands require.

Certifications:

• Siemens or Rockwell Automation (basic to intermediate)
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30
• Six Sigma (Yellow or Green Belt)
• Predictive Maintenance (vibration analysis, thermography)

Additional Experience:

• Hands-on experience with robotics (Fanuc, ABB, or KUKA).
• Prior experience in automotive, electric vehicle (EV), electronics, or other high-automation environments.