Automation Engineer I

Niagara Bottling•Diamond Bar, CA

1d•$82,012 - $118,917•Onsite

About The Position

This entry-level role supports automation initiatives across manufacturing plants. The Automation Engineer I assists in the design, programming, and troubleshooting of automation systems spanning multiple equipment OEMs and technology generations. The role emphasizes skill development through mentorship and project involvement, with the expectation of building technical independence and expanding scope over time. The role includes exposure to data‑driven and emerging technologies, including AI‑assisted diagnostics and tools, to support smarter automation and continuous improvement.

Requirements

0-2 years of experience in automation, controls, or manufacturing.
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field.
Foundational knowledge of PLCs, control systems, and industrial automation.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the California Fair Chance Act, and any other applicable local and state laws.

Nice To Haves

2 Years– Experience in Field or similar manufacturing environment
2 Years – Experience working in Position
2 Years – Experience managing people/projects
Internship or co-op experience in automation, controls, or manufacturing.
Exposure to data analytics tools, scripting, or AI‑assisted engineering platforms
Exposure to Rockwell, Siemens, or similar PLC platforms.
Familiarity with SCADA systems, HMIs, and industrial networks.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.
Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field.

Responsibilities

Own programming, testing, and maintaining PLC, HMI, and control systems
Support automation project execution under the direction of senior engineers
Participate in commissioning and validation of new equipment and upgrades
Perform structured troubleshooting using established diagnostic and root‑cause techniques
Escalate issues with clear data, observations, and hypotheses, not just symptoms
Apply repeatable troubleshooting methods
Work with maintenance and production teams to resolve technical issues
Document changes and updates to control systems
Develop the ability to assess multiple solution options and understand associated risks
Learn when decisions can be made independently versus when escalation is required
Document assumptions and learning outcomes from projects and failures
Collect and validate operational data to support automation improvements, including the use of AI‑assisted analytics, visualization, or alerting tools where applicable
Assist with implementing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency
Collaborate with engineering, operations, and quality teams to align automation activities with production needs
Ensure compliance with safety standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements

Benefits

Paid Time Off for holidays, sick time, and vacation time
Paid parental and caregiver leaves
Medical, including virtual care options
Dental
Vision
401(k) with company match
Health Savings Account with company match
Flexible Spending Accounts
Expanded mental wellbeing benefits including free counseling sessions for all team members and household family members
Family Building Benefits including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation plus adoption, surrogacy, and Doula reimbursements
Income protection including Life and AD&D, short and long-term disability, critical illness and an accident plan
Special discount programs including pet plans, pre-paid legal services, identity theft, car rental, airport parking, etc.
Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan and scholarship opportunities