Lead MFG Automation Engineer (Mechanical/Controls)

Location: Lodi, California, United States; on-site manufacturing role

Salary: $127,500–$175,500 annually, plus eligibility for bonus or incentive pay

Company

hirify.global operates Cepheid, a life sciences and molecular diagnostics company developing fast, accurate diagnostic systems and tests.

What you will do

• Define and continuously improve controls architecture, programming standards, and reliability strategies for automated manufacturing systems.
• Lead systemic failure investigations and corrective actions for chronic, high-impact automation issues.
• Improve manufacturing KPIs including OEE, MTBF, throughput, yield, and cycle time through mechanical and controls optimization.
• Partner with Process, Maintenance, Quality, IT/OT, and EHS teams to deliver safe, compliant, and robust automation solutions.
• Provide technical input for capital projects, OEM selection, equipment design reviews, and automation roadmaps.
• Mentor Senior and Mid-level Automation Engineers and develop overall engineering capability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Controls, Mechatronics, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering with 8+ years of related experience; alternatively, a master’s degree with 6+ years or a doctoral degree with 3+ years.
• Deep hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLCs, servo systems, robotics, vision systems, and electrical safety standards in high-volume manufacturing.
• Experience leading complex root cause investigations and implementing long-term solutions using FMEA, RCA, Fault Tree Analysis, and reliability methodologies.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional automation projects and mentoring engineers and technicians.
• Advanced experience with SCADA platforms such as Ignition or FactoryTalk and deploying engineering standards across multiple production lines.
• Ability to work on-site in a manufacturing environment and handle tools, components, or equipment as required by site safety requirements.

Nice to have

• Hands-on experience with electromechanical equipment in automated manufacturing or production environments.
• Experience using Six Sigma or continuous improvement tools to improve reliability, quality, or process performance.

Culture & Benefits

• Paid time off.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees.
• 401(k) benefits for eligible employees.
• Culture focused on belonging, continuous improvement, career growth, and measurable impact in life sciences.