Senior Automation Engineer

Senra Systems•Cypress, CA

7h•$150,000 - $200,000•Onsite

About The Position

At Senra Systems, we believe that the future of manufacturing lies not in automation, but in configuration. We supercharge electrical wire harness manufacturing through software configuration, transforming skilled assembly tasks into high-throughput production lines. We enable customers to design what they want, when they want it and deliver harness builds at record-breaking speed. We're seeking a hands-on Automation Engineer to maximize the capability of our existing automated equipment and identify, design, and commission new machines while assisting with the development of Senra’s automation roadmap. You'll be the technical expert who bridges the gap between leadership's automation vision and shop floor reality - getting immediate value from underutilized equipment while planning strategic investments for our expanded facility. This isn't a research role or a pure controls engineering position. You'll be in the shop programming machines, designing fixtures, troubleshooting issues, and training our team. You'll have direct impact on our ability to scale production efficiently while maintaining aerospace quality standards. This role reports directly to the Manufacturing Engineering Manager.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field or an associates degree and 7+ years of experience
5+ years hands-on experience with manufacturing automation equipment
Strong PLC programming skills and HMI development experience
Proven ability to design and fabricate custom tooling, fixtures, and end effectors
CAD skills for fixture design (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or equivalent)
Electrical troubleshooting and controls diagnostics capability
Experience with machine parameter optimization for throughput and quality
Self-directed problem-solver who can identify issues and drive pragmatic solutions
Strong project management and communication skills with ability to engage effectively with technicians, engineers, and executives
Hands-on approach with comfort training operators and technicians on the shop floor how to use equipment

Nice To Haves

High-mix, low-to-medium volume manufacturing background
Experience with automated wire processing equipment (crimpers, cutters, strippers, testers)
Familiarity with Komax, Schleuniger, Cirris, or similar equipment brands
Wire harness, cable assembly, or electronics manufacturing experience
Aerospace/defense manufacturing experience and understanding of AS9100 requirements
Lean manufacturing principles and quick changeover techniques
Hands-on machining or fabrication skills
Experience in scaling manufacturing environments (startup to mid-size growth)

Responsibilities

Equipment Optimization & Utilization (50%)
Assess current automated wire preparation, crimping, cutting, and testing equipment to identify capability gaps
Evaluate reliability and robustness of machine-MES integration and partner with software and product teams to drive improvements
Program and optimize machine parameters for improved throughput, quality, and setup efficiency
Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and controls issues on production equipment
Deliver measurable utilization improvements on existing automation assets
Work with equipment vendors on capability enhancements, upgrades, and technical support
Custom Tooling & Fixture Development (20%)
Design and implement custom tooling and fixtures to expand automated processing capability across product mix
Fabricate and validate tooling solutions quickly to support production needs
Integrate equipment into streamlined production workflows to minimize material handling and cycle time
Automation Strategy & Expansion (20%)
Work with leadership to develop and maintain a clear automation roadmap aligned with production capacity targets
Support facility expansion by specifying, evaluating, and commissioning new automation equipment
Create business cases for automation investments with clear ROI and capacity impact
Training & Documentation (10%)
Train manufacturing engineers and technicians to handle routine equipment programming and troubleshooting independently
Create documentation for equipment setup, programming, utilization, and maintenance procedures
Build capability across the team to support automation independently

Benefits

Unmatched opportunities to drive impact on a friendly and mission-driven team
Own a piece of the pie with equity participation!
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability coverage
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Spending Account (DSA) for health-related expenses
20 vacation days per year and 12 company holidays for rest and relaxation
a 401(k) plan to set yourself up for retirement
Choose a record you love, and we’ll add it to our growing vinyl collection!
$50/month DoorDash credit – lunch is on us!
Up to $100/month reimbursement for gym memberships
Fully stocked kitchen with snacks and beverages
Regular team-building events, lunches, and the occasional breakfast burrito!
Bright, open office with communal spaces for collaboration and free parking
Conveniently located near the metro, major freeways and local dining spots