Lead Automation and Controls Engineer - El Segundo - Approach Venture LLC

    Approach Venture LLC
    Approach Venture LLC El Segundo

    1 week ago

    Description
    Lead Automation and Controls Engineer - Build Scalable Manufacturing Systems for a Next Generation Materials Startup
    El Segundo, CA | On-site
    Opportunity Summary
    Join a rapidly growing hardware startup that is transforming how high-performance composite components are manufactured for aerospace, defense, transportation, and next-generation mobility systems. This company is scaling a breakthrough materials and production technology that enables complex, lightweight structures to be manufactured at speeds far exceeding traditional composite processes. As the Lead Automation and Controls Engineer, you will take ownership of designing and growing the automation foundation that drives this cutting-edge production line. You will work across mechanical, electrical, operations, and manufacturing teams to deliver robust automated systems that transition the company from pilot scale into full-scale manufacturing. This is an opportunity to build automation from the ground up in an environment where your work has an immediate and visible impact on product output and business growth.
    About Us
    We are an emerging advanced manufacturing startup developing a novel method for producing high-strength composite components at unprecedented speed and scale. Our technology combines the performance characteristics of continuous fiber structures with the manufacturability and efficiency required for future aerospace and high-performance applications. Backed by strong investors and now moving quickly toward higher production volumes, we are building the engineering team that will support our next stage of growth.
    Job Duties
    • Lead the strategy and execution of automated manufacturing systems, including robotics, conveyance, controls, sensors, and data infrastructure.
    • Drive projects from early concept through design, procurement, system integration, testing, commissioning, and production ramp.
    • Build and refine PLC and SCADA architectures that support automation reliability, scalability, safety, and maintainability.
    • Develop technical specifications for equipment, evaluate new technologies, and select vendors and hardware to support automation expansion.
    • Partner closely with mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, tooling, and quality teams to define requirements and deliver highly reliable automated solutions.
    • Establish standards for system documentation, safety practices, programming conventions, and control system organization.
    • Monitor key performance indicators such as cycle time, uptime, throughput, yield, and maintenance frequency, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
    • Create modular automation solutions that align with evolving production needs and future high volume manufacturing targets.
    • Mentor or manage junior engineers and help define long term controls and automation team structure.
    • Participate in supplier selection for automation components and develop strong partnerships with key equipment and integration partners.
    • Ensure adherence to relevant safety, quality, and compliance requirements common in high performance aerospace and industrial manufacturing environments.
    Qualifications
    • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline. Advanced degree preferred.
    • 8+ years of hands on experience creating, deploying, and scaling automation systems within a manufacturing setting.
    • Proficiency with controls programming and industrial automation platforms such as Allen Bradley or Siemens, along with robotics integration experience using systems like FANUC or KUKA.
    • Strong experience implementing motion control, PLC logic, HMI development, vision systems, and industrial networking.
    • Proven ability to manage technical projects from design to production launch while coordinating across multiple engineering and operations functions.
    • Experience setting automation architecture, developing standards, and mentoring other engineers.
    • Excellent communication and presentation abilities with the skill to translate operational challenges into clear automation requirements.
    • Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, hands-on startup environment that requires adaptability and a high degree of ownership.
    Preferred Experience
    • Master's degree or PhD in a relevant engineering field.
    • Background in advanced materials, composite processing, or high precision manufacturing.
    • Experience supporting production in aerospace, defense, or similarly regulated environments with traceability and documentation requirements.
    • Familiarity with manufacturing data tools, MES platforms, IoT sensors, and predictive maintenance concepts.
    • Experience helping build automation teams or creating automation systems from the ground up within a scaling manufacturing organization.
    • Publications, patents, or contributions related to automation, robotic controls, or advanced manufacturing technologies.
    Why Join Us
    • Contribute to a breakthrough materials technology shaping the future of high-performance structural components.
    • Join a high-growth startup transitioning from early pilot operations into true production scale.
    • Build foundational automation systems that directly determine production capability and company success.
    • Work in a fast-paced environment that encourages technical creativity, rapid iteration, and hands-on engineering.
    • Opportunity to influence automation strategy, system architecture, and team design as the company grows.
    • Equity participation available.
    Compensation Details
    $180,000 - $240,000

  • Electromechanical Controls Engineer

    4 days ago

    Only for registered members El Segundo $100,300 - $150,400 (USD)

    +The Aerospace Corporation seeks an Electromechanical Controls Engineer to plan and conduct technical studies for customer programs. · +Conducting technical studies which often involve evaluation, analysis, modeling, or simulation of control systems and their components · Verifyi ...

  • Automation Controls Engineer

    1 month ago

    Only for registered members El Segundo Full time $165,750 - $243,750 (USD)

    The Control Engineer will lead the design development and implementation of control systems for advanced robotic automation projects. · ...

  • Automation Controls Engineer

    3 weeks ago

    Only for registered members El Segundo

    The Control Engineer will lead the design, development, and implementation of control systems for advanced robotic automation projects. ...

  • Automation Controls Engineer

    2 weeks ago

    Only for registered members El Segundo $165,750 - $243,750 (USD)

    The Control Engineer will lead the design, development, and implementation of control systems for advanced robotic automation projects. This role emphasizes PLC programming, robotic integration, and industrial control system design.This position's internal job code is MP&P Engine ...

  • Electromechanical Controls Engineer

    4 weeks ago

    Only for registered members El Segundo $117,300 - $175,900 (USD)

    The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. · We specialize in mission critical control sensor and actuator, including electric motors, gyroscopes and IMUs, acceleromete ...

  • Automation Controls Engineer

    1 month ago

    Only for registered members El Segundo $165,750 - $243,750 (USD)

    At Boeing we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that s welcoming respectful and inclusive with great opportunity for professional growth. · , The Control Engineer will lead the design developme ...

  • Automation Controls Engineer

    1 month ago

    Only for registered members El Segundo

    We innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. · Find your future with us.Milennium Space Systems delivers affordable, high-performance space systems for exacting customers. · We work in an open environment where ideas are shared across all disciplines, · and there ...

  • Automation Controls Engineer

    2 days ago

    Only for registered members El Segundo

    The Control Engineer will lead the design, development, and implementation of control systems for advanced robotic automation projects. ...

  • Senior Controls Engineer

    3 weeks ago

    Only for registered members El Segundo $150,000 - $180,000 (USD)

    We're looking for a Senior Controls Engineer who wants to own the brains of our next-generation drill rigs. · ...

  • Automation Controls Engineer

    1 month ago

    Only for registered members El Segundo

    The Control Engineer will lead the design development implementation of control systems for advanced robotic automation projects emphasizing PLC programming robotic integration industrial control system design including electrical schematics control panel builds The ideal candida ...

  • Electromechanical Controls Engineer

    4 weeks ago

    Only for registered members El Segundo

    The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise As an Electromechanical Controls Engineer you will plan and conduct technical studies and experimental investigations to suppor ...

  • Automation Controls Engineer

    1 month ago

    Only for registered members El Segundo Full time $165,750 - $243,750 (USD)

    The Control Engineer will lead the design development and implementation of control systems for advanced robotic automation projects. · ...

  • Electromechanical Controls Engineer

    4 days ago

    Only for registered members El Segundo Full time $100,300 - $150,400 (USD)

    +The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. · The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying in ...

  • Electromechanical Controls Engineer

    1 week ago

    Only for registered members El Segundo, CA

    The Aerospace Corporation is seeking an Electromechanical Controls Engineer to join their team in El Segundo, CA. · ...

  • Electromechanical Controls Engineer

    3 weeks ago

    Only for registered members El Segundo, CA

    + The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. · + Technical studies often involve evaluation, analysis, modeling or simulation of control systems and their components · ...

  • Senior Control Engineer

    1 month ago

    Only for registered members El Segundo $150,000 - $180,000 (USD)

    We're looking for a Senior Controls Engineer who wants to own the brains of our next-generation drill rigs, building the PLC logic that makes heavy equipment safe, reliable, and ready for autonomy. · ...

  • Automation Controls Engineer

    1 month ago

    Only for registered members El Segundo

    The Control Engineer will lead the design, development and implementation of control systems for advanced robotic automation projects. This role emphasizes PLC programming. · ...

  • Electromechanical Controls Engineer

    4 weeks ago

    Only for registered members El Segundo Full time $117,300 - $175,900 (USD)

    The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise As an Electromechanical Controls Engineer you will plan and conduct technical studies experimental investigations to support cu ...

  • Automation Controls Engineer

    1 month ago

    Only for registered members El Segundo, CA

    The Control Engineer will lead the design, development and implementation of control systems for advanced robotic automation projects. · This role emphasizes PLC programming, robotic integration and industrial control system design including electrical schematics and control pane ...

  • Senior Controls Engineer

    1 month ago

    Only for registered members El Segundo

    We're looking for a Senior Controls Engineer who wants to own the brains of our next-generation drill rigs... · You'll have 5+ years of experience programming and commissioning industrial PLCs... ...

  • Automation Controls Engineer

    2 weeks ago

    Only for registered members El Segundo, CA

    The Control Engineer will lead the design, · development and implementation of control systems for · advanced robotic automation projects. This role emphasizes PLC programming, · robotic integration and industrial control system design. · Design program integrate PLC-based contro ...

Jobs
>
Lead automation controls engineer
>
Jobs for Lead automation controls engineer in El Segundo