Automation Engineer

About the Role

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.

What You’ll Do

• 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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Controls Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 3+ years of experience in automation, controls, equipment engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related technical role.
• Hands-on experience with industrial automation and manufacturing equipment.
• Experience programming, configuring, or troubleshooting PLC and HMI systems.
• Working knowledge of sensors, actuators, motors, motion control, and industrial control systems.
• Hands-on experience with EtherCAT-based automation architectures, with CODESYS and/or TwinCAT preferred; candidates with strong IEC 61131-3 Structured Text experience on other platforms (e.g., B&R) are also encouraged to apply.
• Troubleshooting experience with complex electromechanical devices and systems.
• Comfortable working across both software and hardware, applying modern, structured programming approaches (not solely relay/ladder logic); experience with version control (Git) is expected.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams), technical specifications, and equipment documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause problem-solving skills.
• Experience supporting equipment installation, commissioning, or production implementation.
• Ability to manage technical projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across technical and operational teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with robotics, machine vision, servo systems, or advanced motion control.
• Experience programming or integrating industrial robots such as FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, or similar systems.
• Familiarity with EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology), OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture), or other industrial communication protocols, and manufacturing system integration.
• Experience with mechanical (ME) or electrical (EE) CAD, electrical panel design/build, or other automation design software.
• Programming or scripting experience using Python, C#, Ignition, or similar languages/platforms.
• Experience with automated data collection, equipment connectivity, or manufacturing execution systems (MES).
• Experience working with machine builders, automation integrators, or equipment suppliers.
• Experience in semiconductor, precision manufacturing, cleanroom, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.

What You Bring

• A hands-on approach to engineering and problem solving.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to translate manufacturing challenges into practical automation solutions.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work across Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Manufacturing teams.
• Ability to balance immediate production needs with longer-term automation and process improvement goals.
• Curiosity and a willingness to learn new automation technologies, equipment, and processes.

Work Environment

This position works primarily in a manufacturing and engineering environment and may require time on the production floor or in cleanroom areas. The role may involve working around manufacturing equipment, machinery, and automated systems. Required PPE and applicable safety procedures must be followed while working in manufacturing areas. This is an on-site role, and regular in-office presence is expected to support hands-on equipment work and team collaboration. Willingness to travel, including internationally, to support equipment builds and installations at customer or partner sites is required.