Automation Engineer (Defense)

Location: On-site in Huntington Beach, California, United States. Employment requires authorization to work in the U.S.; the position may involve access to technology controlled under U.S. export control laws, including EAR and ITAR.

Salary: $115,000–$150,000 annually for Engineer level; $150,000–$195,000 annually for Senior Engineer level, plus equity.

Company

hirify.global is a rapidly growing defense technology startup founded in 2023, developing autonomous and decentralized defense platforms with approximately 350 employees.

What you will do

• Design and implement automated manufacturing systems using robotics, PLCs, conveyors, and vision systems.
• Develop, program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLCs, HMIs, industrial control systems, robotics, SCADA, and MES platforms.
• Analyze production workflows and implement automation improvements to increase throughput, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Support equipment commissioning, validation, and manufacturing-process ramp-up.
• Diagnose equipment failures, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and quality engineering teams while maintaining schematics, code, operating procedures, configurations, and version control.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing automation or industrial engineering.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming, HMI development, robotics integration, and industrial automation systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in a production environment, plus familiarity with industrial communication protocols.
• Authorization to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship for an export license; employment authorization is verified through E-Verify.
• Experience with industrial protocols such as EtherCAT, PROFINET, and OPC UA, or platforms including Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and Siemens TIA Portal.

Nice to have

• Experience in high-mix, low-volume or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of machine vision, automated inspection, CAD tools, mechanical system integration, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement.
• Background in aerospace, defense, or other regulated industries.
• Experience with IEC 61131-3 structured text, ISO 13849, IEC 61508, UL508A, NFPA 70, and NFPA 79 standards.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive, transparent compensation based on experience, education, skills, and business considerations.
• Equity participation through stock options or equity grants.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings, and paid time off.
• Funding for continuing education, training, and professional development.
• Fast-paced, hands-on environment focused on manufacturing innovation and national security.