Automation Engineer

The Automation Engineer supports the automated production systems on the Quanta Manufacturing Fremont floor including automated assembly lines, robot-arm cells (such as automated DIMM insertion), and precision equipment. The automation equipment is designed and built by Quanta's headquarters (HQ) automation team and delivered to Fremont, California. This role supports HQ during local setup and site acceptance testing, then manages ongoing system operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and improvement to keep systems running reliably and meeting cycle-time and yield targets.

The Engineering Operations team sets up new production capacity and keeps the factory's automated systems running. Its Industrial Engineers handle production and facility planning — defining the space, equipment, and resources each line needs to meet demand — while its Automation Engineers install, operate, maintain, and improve the factory's automated production systems. The team focuses on execution rather than design or development, working closely with cross-functional partners to keep production running efficiently and meet performance targets.

Duties/Responsibilities

Support the day-to-day operation and performance of automated assembly lines, robot-arm cells, and precision equipment.

• Monitor system performance (e.g., cycle time) and respond rapidly to equipment downtime or system anomalies to minimize disruption.

• Troubleshoot complex issues at the intersection of hardware, software, and network connectivity, working with cross-functional teams to resolve them.

• Perform routine preventive maintenance, system backups, and health checks to keep equipment stable.

• Support the installation, setup, and site acceptance testing (SAT) of automation systems delivered from headquarters.

• • Execute light modifications and parameter tuning, for example, calibrating sensors and modifying configurations files to support new product introduction (NPI) and process changes.

  • Read Ladder Logic to assist in diagnosting PLC-driven faults and validate changes against process and quality requirements before release.

  • Coordinate with HQ Engineering and local IT/IT Engineering teams to ensure seamless system communication, software updates, and network integration.

  • Collaborate with Industrial Engineering and production teams to translate process requirements into system configurations, so automated lines meet cycle-time and yield targets.

  • Identify bottlenecks and implement optimization actions to improve system reliability, throughput, and efficiency.

  • Maintain accurate logs of system issues, root-cause analysis (RCA), configuration changes, and improvement outcomes.

  • Train and mentor technicians and operators on basic system operations and first-line troubleshooting procedures.

  Competencies

  • Solid understanding of automated production systems, including precision actuators, servo/stepper motors, pneumatic systems, and industrial sensors.

  • Proficient with mechanical hand tools (screwdrivers, hex/Allen keys, torque tools) for equipment disassembly, component replacement, and mechanical calibration.

  • Strong, root-cause-oriented problem solving with a practical, hands-on approach.

  • Excellent cross-functional communication to bridge local production, IT, and remote HQ engineering teams.

  • Ability to read electrical schematics, pneumatic diagrams, and mechanical drawings.

  • Ability to maintain composure and perform in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment.

  • Familiarity with PLC concepts and the ability to read Ladder Logic to assist troubleshooting (deep programming not required) is a strong plus.

  • Experience with vision systems (e.g., Keyence) or robotic-arm operations is a plus.

  Education and Experience

  • Must have a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related engineering field.

  • 1-3 years of experience in manufacturing, automation, or production environments.

  • Experience working with automated equipment, assembly lines, robotic cells, or precision machinery.

  • Experience supporting installation, site acceptance testing (SAT), maintenance, or troubleshooting is preferred.

  • Experience working in fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environments.

  • Exposure to new product introduction (NPI) processes is a plus.

  • Physical Requirements

    • Regularly required to walk, talk, and hear while performing daily job duties 

    • Occasionally required to stand, sit, use hands to handle or feel objects, reach with hands and arms, and move within the facility 

    • May occasionally be required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl when accessing equipment or facility areas 

    • Must be able to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds as needed 

    • Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus