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Automation and Controls Engineer

Torrance, California, United States
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

The Automation and Controls Engineer will design, build, and commission robust manufacturing systems for production of hypersonic-flight components.

Success requires a practical application of engineering principles to design, build, test, and commission process hardware, integrate new technologies into our production line, and integrate process equipment and technologies within our production line. We are seeking a hands-on problem solver with strong expertise in electro-mechanical system design and automation systems, as well as experience working with machinery and production environments.

The key to excelling in this position is the effective application of mechanical, electrical, and control systems expertise to enable our manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

  • Design, build, customize, and test hardware and control systems for integration into composite manufacturing equipment balancing process requirements, cost and lead-time considerations.
  • Partner with mechanical, materials, and manufacturing engineering teams to align on hardware requirements and design solutions.
  • Mature manufacturing processes via the implementation of process control systems and procedures to ensure production consistency and reliability.
  • Work with suppliers and vendors to define specifications and ensure on-time delivery of equipment for production needs.
  • Troubleshoot hardware malfunction issues to minimize downtime and improve operations.
  • Provide guidance and implement robust plans for hardware maintenance and calibration to ensure reliable operation of the manufacturing equipment.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering or industrial engineering.
  • 2+ years of experience in a fast-paced aerospace, automotive, or manufacturing production environment.
  • Experience identifying, trouble shooting and rectifying complex manufacturing issues involving multiple production resources in a deadline driven environment.
  • Understanding of manufacturing processes (machining, welding, forming, composites).
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to engage in hands-on work to test and implement ideas.
  • CAD / CAM (Siemens NX).
  • Computer Programming (Python, C, NodeJS, HTML, CSS).

Preferred Skills & Experience

  • Masters degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering or industrial engineering.
  • 4+ years of experience in a fast-paced aerospace manufacturing and production environment.
  • Automation (PLC programming, Industrial Robotics).
  • CNC Machining.
  • IoT / Connected factory concepts.
  • Networking skills.

Leadership Qualities

  • Bias to Action and Creative Problem Solving. Desire and experience questioning assumptions in ways that lead to break through ideas that are ultimately implemented. Successfully bring in applicable processes/concepts/materials from other industries to achieve efficiency gains. Ability to work independently and resolve minor issues in development with minimal oversight and support.
  • High Commitment, High Initiative. A successful candidate will have a genuine passion for Castelion's mission and consistently look for ways to contribute to the company's technical goals and prevent hardware blockers. Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere. Strong sense of accountability and integrity.
  • Clear Communicator. Proactively communicates blockers. Trusted in previous roles to be voice of company with regulators, suppliers, gate keepers and customers. Capable of tactfully managing relationships with stakeholders to achieve company-desired outcomes without compromising relationships. Emails, IMs and verbal interactions are logical, drive clarity, and detailed enough to eliminate ambiguity.

About Castelion

Castelion

Castelion is one of the fastest-rising defense technology companies focused on building affordable, rapidly deployable hypersonic strike systems for the U.S. military. Founded by former SpaceX leaders, the company is working to modernize how advanced weapons are developed and manufactured—using rapid iteration, vertical integration, and scalable production to deliver next-generation deterrence capabilities faster than traditional defense programs. Castelion’s mission centers on restoring America’s ability to field advanced military technology at speed and scale.

For job seekers, Castelion offers the opportunity to work directly on some of the most advanced technologies in national defense, including propulsion systems, avionics, flight software, guidance and navigation, missile systems, and advanced manufacturing. The company hires across aerospace engineering, embedded software, manufacturing, test engineering, avionics, cybersecurity, and operations—making it especially attractive to engineers, builders, veterans, and mission-driven professionals who want hands-on ownership of real hardware.

Unlike traditional defense contractors, Castelion operates with a startup-style engineering culture modeled after rapid aerospace development environments. Employees work closely with flight hardware, testing, and production systems in a fast-paced setting where speed, accountability, and execution are prioritized. The company openly emphasizes a builder mentality—giving team members the chance to own major projects and contribute directly to systems with national security impact.

As the U.S. military increases investment in hypersonic weapons, missile modernization, and scalable deterrence capabilities, Castelion continues to grow rapidly through major government contracts and manufacturing expansion. For professionals seeking a high-growth aerospace and defense company where they can help shape the future of national security technology, Castelion is quickly becoming one of the most exciting employers in the defense innovation ecosystem.

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