Ichor Systems is seeking an Automation Engineer to develop, implement, and improve automation solutions across our manufacturing operations. This role partners closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Equipment teams to identify opportunities for automation, improve equipment performance, and increase safety, quality, efficiency, and throughput.
This role is industrial automation and controls-focused (not a pure software position), and will initially prioritize equipment build-out supporting an active high-volume production ramp.
The ideal candidate combines strong technical and problem-solving skills with hands-on experience in industrial automation, controls, and manufacturing equipment. You'll have the opportunity to take automation projects from concept through implementation while helping build scalable solutions that support continued manufacturing growth.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, implement, and support automation solutions for manufacturing processes and equipment.
- Identify opportunities to automate manual or repetitive processes and improve safety, quality, cost, capacity, and throughput.
- Develop and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, motion control, robotic, and other industrial control systems.
- Support the integration of automated equipment, sensors, controls, and manufacturing systems.
- Partner with Manufacturing and Engineering teams to define automation requirements and develop practical technical solutions.
- Lead or support automation projects from concept and design through installation, validation, and production release.
- Troubleshoot equipment, controls, and process issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.
- Develop equipment specifications, technical documentation, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
- Support equipment commissioning, qualification, and validation activities.
- Analyze equipment and production data to identify performance trends and continuous improvement opportunities.
- Work with equipment manufacturers, integrators, and other external suppliers to develop and implement automation solutions.
- Ensure automation projects comply with applicable safety, quality, and engineering standards.
- Provide technical support and training to manufacturing and maintenance teams.
- Support standardization and replication of successful automation solutions across manufacturing operations.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Automation, Controls, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 3+ years of experience in automation, controls, equipment, or manufacturing engineering.
- Hands-on experience with industrial automation, PLC/HMI, sensors, actuators, motors, and motion control systems.
- Experience with EtherCAT-based automation, with CODESYS, TwinCAT, or similar IEC 61131-3 Structured Text platforms preferred.
- Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills, with the ability to work across electrical, mechanical, and software systems.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, P&IDs, and technical specifications.
- Experience supporting equipment installation, commissioning, production implementation, or machine integration.
- Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT or OPC UA, and experience with version control such as Git.
- Strong communication and project management skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering and operations teams.
- Experience with robotics, machine vision, servo/motion control, or industrial robots (e.g. FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa).
- Experience with Python, C#, Ignition, CAD, MES, or automated equipment data collection.
- Experience working with machine builders, automation integrators, or equipment suppliers.
- Semiconductor, precision manufacturing, cleanroom, or other high-tech manufacturing experience.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement.
