Automation Engineer

At SCI Technology, a Sanmina Company, we serve those who serve by delivering innovative, trusted and comprehensive products and services that meet and exceed the unique needs of the Defense and Aerospace sector. From avionics to tactical and airborne communications, counter-UAS, integrated manufacturing and cradle-to-grave product life cycle support, we deliver high-reliability solutions that keep service members connected and protected in the field.

Our heritage dates to 1961, as an early supplier to the space program in Huntsville, Alabama. Today, SCI offers a complete range of Defense & Aerospace solutions through our three business segments - Products, Systems Build, and Life Cycle Services. It's SCI summed up - ALL WE DO to serve those who serve.

At this time, SCI is recruiting highly qualified candidates whose background and career goals meet our needs for the following position in Huntsville, AL. Please note that due to Department of Defense contract requirements, U.S. CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED.

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled and dynamic Automation Engineer to join our team. In the fast-pacedworld of contract manufacturing, agility and precision are everything. In this role, you will design,

program, integrate, and troubleshoot automated systems to optimize high-mix, low-volume orhigh-volume mass production lines.

You will bridge the gap between hardware and software, transforming manual assemblyprocesses into highly efficient, automated workflows-including SMT lines, robotic dispensing,mechanical assembly, and automated inspection systems .

Key Responsibilities

1. System Design & Integration

* Design, program, and deploy automated manufacturing equipment, including PLCs,HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial robotics.

* Develop customized end-of-arm tooling and automated fixtures for PCBA handling, box-build, and final product testing.

* Integrate vision systems for component alignment, defect detection, and barcode/QRcode traceability.

2. Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

* Collaborate with New Product Introduction teams to evaluate customer designs forautomated assembly viability.

* Analyze cycle times, bottlenecks, and yield data to improve throughput and reduce scraprates on existing production lines.

* Implement Smart Factory / Industry 4.0 initiatives, ensuring machine connectivity withthe factory MES for real-time data collection.

3. Maintenance & Troubleshooting

* Provide technical support for complex automation downs, minimizing line stoppage in ahigh-pressure contract manufacturing environment.

* Perform root-cause analysis on equipment failures and implement robust correctiveactions.

* Write and maintain preventative maintenance protocols for all robotic and automatedassets.

4. Compliance & Documentation

* Generate comprehensive technical documentation, including electrical schematics, P&IDdiagrams, user manuals, and standard operating procedures.

* Ensure all automated machinery complies with industry safety standards (OSHA, RIA,ISO 9001/ISO 13485 where applicable).

Qualifications & Skills

Required Education & Experience:

* Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics,Automation, or a related technical discipline.

* 3+ years of experience as an automation or controls engineer, specifically within an EMSor electronics manufacturing environment.

* Proven track record with major PLC platforms (e.g., Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley,Siemens, Beckhoff) and robotics (e.g., FANUC, KUKA, Universal Robots).

Technical Skills:

* Proficiency in programming languages: Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and familiaritywith Python, C++, or SQL for data handling.

* Strong understanding of SMT processes, wave soldering, selective soldering, andautomated dispensing (conformal coating/underfill).

* Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD Electrical) for fixture andschematic design.

* Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, PROFINET,OPC UA).

Soft Skills:

* Customer-Facing Agility: Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and tight deadlinesdictated by diverse contract manufacturing clients.

* Strong problem-solving mindset with excellent cross-functional communication skills(working alongside operators, quality engineers, and client accounts).

Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

This is an ITAR facility and applicants must be a US Citizen.