About the job - Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Medical Device Automation | Hands-On Builder Role

ClearPath Medical – Tustin, CA

On-site | No relocation | U.S. work authorization required

Compensation: $85,000 – $115,000 DOE + benefits

(We pay for real, hands-on automation talent; not buzzwords)

About ClearPath Medical

ClearPath Medical is an engineer-owned medical device contract manufacturer specializing in custom medical cable assemblies: designed, built, and shipped entirely in-house in Tustin, CA.

We operate with short decision loops, minimal bureaucracy, and real ownership. Our automation team builds production-ready solutions that go directly into FDA-regulated manufacturing, not science projects that die on a PowerPoint slide.

If you enjoy designing, building, wiring, programming, and improving machines yourself, you'll feel at home here.

The Role (What You'll Actually Do)

This is a hands-on manufacturing automation role, not a systems architect or desk-only engineering position.

You'll design and deploy semi-automated and automated equipment for high-mix medical manufacturing, including cable prep, crimping, soldering, labeling, and dispensing.

Typical work mix:

~70% shop floor (build, debug, improve)
~30% design, documentation, and programming

Key Responsibilities

Design and build custom automation tooling, fixtures, and work cells
Improve existing manual or semi-automated processes for safety, repeatability, and throughput
Program and debug PLCs, robots, and vision systems used in production
Integrate sensors, pneumatics, motion components, and safety systems
Support FAT/SAT, production launch, and continuous improvement
Create clear SOPs and basic documentation that operators can actually follow
Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, and Engineering teams to meet FDA and ISO requirements

What Were Looking For (Realistic & Local)

Required

3–7+ years in manufacturing automation, process engineering, or equipment engineering
Hands-on experience building or modifying automation used in production
Strong mechanical aptitude (fixtures, tooling, mechanisms)
Experience with at least one of the following:
PLCs or industrial controls
Collaborative or industrial robots
Vision systems
Automated crimping, soldering, labeling, or dispensing
CAD experience (SolidWorks or similar)
Comfortable working on the shop floor with technicians and operators
Able to work on-site in Tustin, CA

Nice to Have (Not Deal-Breakers)

Medical device, aerospace, or electronics manufacturing experience
Lean or continuous improvement exposure (SMED, OEE, poka-yoke)
Light machining, prototyping, or 3D printing experience
Experience validating or supporting FDA-regulated processes

Important: You do not need to be an expert in every automation technology listed. We value builders who learn quickly more than those who focus on checklist perfection.

Why Engineers Choose ClearPath

You own projects end-to-end: design, build, production
Decisions happen fast; prototypes happen faster
Your work ships into real, life-critical medical devices
No layers of management between you and the impact
Jeans, safety glasses, and machines, not meetings all day

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off
Stable, growing medical manufacturing environment
Long-term career growth in automation leadership

Full-time Technical/IT jobs

Manufacturing Automation Engineer

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