Sr Automation Engineer (Mechanical)

iRhythm Technologies, Inc.•Orange County, CA

1d•$138,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Engineer will own end-to-end development and sustaining of manufacturing and assembly/test automation, from concept and feasibility through installation, commissioning, and validated release to production. This role combines hands-on electromechanical engineering with manufacturing engineering principles to optimize yield, performance, and availability while ensuring compliance with regulated manufacturing requirements. You will lead equipment and test method design and validation (IQ/OQ/PQ, PPQ, FAT/SAT, software V&V), partner closely with R&D, Quality, Operations, IT, and external vendors/CMs, and drive continuous improvement using data, SPC, and Six Sigma tools. You will also provide technical training and transfer process knowledge to scale production across sites.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering with 7–10 years of relevant professional experience.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to interpret complex technical data and translate findings into actionable improvements.
Architectural understanding of automation software and controls concepts (e.g., PLC/HMI interfaces), machine vision systems, and recipe/parameter management.
Working knowledge of mechanical engineering design for automated systems using Solidworks.
Excellent documentation skills for regulated environments, including equipment requirements, validation protocols, test plans, and reports.
Effective communicator and collaborator with cross-functional teams and external partners; able to align stakeholders and drive decisions.
Self-directed and organized; able to manage multiple priorities and timelines in a fast-paced, ambiguity-tolerant environment.

Responsibilities

Own installation, commissioning, and validation of new manufacturing and assembly/test automation equipment, including robotics, tooling, and fixtures.
Develop equipment/system architecture and integrate automation workflows; set up software, recipes, machine parameters, and vision systems for production lines.
Create and execute validation deliverables and reports, including FAT/SAT and equipment/process qualifications (IQ/OQ/PQ) for new or modified equipment.
Provide sustaining engineering support to meet or exceed core Operations KPIs (yield, performance, availability, scrap), using SPC and daily production data to drive actions.
Lead structured problem solving and root-cause investigations; identify process risks, assess impact, and implement mitigations.
Manage equipment lifecycle activities including preventive maintenance strategy, critical spares, and end-of-life/obsolescence planning.
Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Global Engineering, and automation houses to ensure scalable, robust designs and smooth tech transfer.
Develop and maintain project plans/timelines; communicate status to leadership; train associates, technicians, and engineers and create clear work instructions.