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Automation Engineer

Mach Industries · Victorville, CA

Apply on Mach Industries ↗
Level
Engineer
Team
Controls
Degree
Required
Experience asked
3+ years
Industry
Aerospace & defense
Posted
30+ days ago

The role in 30 seconds

An engineer-level controls role at Mach Industries (aerospace & defense) in Victorville, CA. You will design, develop, and deploy automation systems that scale production of advanced defense systems.

They ask for
3+ years · degree required
Tools it names
Lean, Root cause, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), PLC, Robotics, Automation

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026

Controls Engineer roles in California: typical posted base $124k–$179k.

Median of the low and high ends of 56 live postings that list pay, out of 109 controls engineer openings in California, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

California plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 108 other live controls postings in California.

Base pay
Not listed in this posting

Typical $124k–$179k, from 54 postings that list pay.

Experience asked
Less than usual (3+ vs 5+)

Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.

Skills these teams ask for most

  • ✓ Automation 66%
  • ✓ PLC 47%
  • ✓ Robotics 43%
  • ✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 38%
  • Python 33%
  • ✓ Root cause 20%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

It asks for 3+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

  1. 1

    Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Mach Industries

    We found 5 people at this company and state: 5 in this kind of role. Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. See them ↓

  2. 2

    Send a short, curious note

    One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.

    Write to Long → (free)
  3. 3

    Turn a reply into a short call

    Questions worth asking about this team:

    • What does a normal week look like on your team?
    • How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
  4. 4

    Apply with someone vouching for you

    If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.

  5. 5

    Bring proof to the interview

    One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: Mach Industries in Victorville

4 other open roles at this site · 5 people we found in controls roles at Mach Industries.

Full description from Mach IndustriesAs posted on their careers site.Show

The Role

As an Automation Engineer, you will design, develop, and deploy automation systems that scale production of advanced defense systems. You will play a critical role in building and optimizing the most advanced automated manufacturing lines, integrating robotics and control systems, and driving efficiency across production processes. This role requires a hands-on engineer who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about building reliable, high-performance manufacturing systems from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

Design and implement automated manufacturing systems including robotics, PLCs, conveyors, and vision systems.

Develop, program, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and industrial control systems.

Analyze production workflows to design automation processes to optimize throughput, quality, and cost efficiency.

Support equipment commissioning, validation, and ramp-up of manufacturing processes.

Diagnose equipment failures, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.

Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, and quality engineering teams.

Establish and maintain documentation for automation systems, including schematics, code, and operating procedures.

Manage and continuously update all equipment-related programs and system configurations, ensuring proper version control and documentation of changes. This spans across multiple domains including hardware, electrical systems, safety controls, pneumatics, networking, PLCs, HMIs, robotics, SCADA, and MES platforms.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.

3+ years of experience in advanced manufacturing automation

Hands-on experience with PLC programming and HMI development.

Experience with robotics integration and industrial automation systems.

Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in a production environment.

Familiarity with industrial communication protocols.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in high-rate, high-volume manufacturing environments.

Knowledge of machine vision systems and automated inspection.

Experience with CAD tools and mechanical system integration.

Familiarity with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.

Background in aerospace, defense, or other regulated industries.

Experience with structured text programming per IEC 61131-3

Familiarity with ISO 13849, or IEC 61508 safety standards

Knowledge of UL508A, NFPA 70, NFPA 79 standards

Experience with industrial protocols such as EtherCAT, PROFINET, and OPC UA

Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3, Beckhoff TwinCAT Automation Interface (TE1000), and/or SIEMENS TIA Portal (SIMATIC STEP 7 & WinCC)

Additional

Requirements

  • ✓Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

ITAR

Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here .

Engineer

$105,000 — $140,000 USD

Show full description ↓

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2023, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

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