Approach Venture · 2 hours ago
Lead Automation and Controls Engineer
El Segundo, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff
$180K/yr - $240K/yr
8+ years expApproach Venture is an emerging advanced manufacturing startup developing a novel method for producing high-strength composite components at unprecedented speed and scale. As the Lead Automation and Controls Engineer, you will design and grow the automation foundation for a cutting-edge production line, working across various engineering teams to deliver robust automated systems for full-scale manufacturing.
Management Consulting
Hiring Manager
Torey Bell
Responsibilities
Lead the strategy and execution of automated manufacturing systems, including robotics, conveyance, controls, sensors, and data infrastructure
Drive projects from early concept through design, procurement, system integration, testing, commissioning, and production ramp
Build and refine PLC and SCADA architectures that support automation reliability, scalability, safety, and maintainability
Develop technical specifications for equipment, evaluate new technologies, and select vendors and hardware to support automation expansion
Partner closely with mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, tooling, and quality teams to define requirements and deliver highly reliable automated solutions
Establish standards for system documentation, safety practices, programming conventions, and control system organization
Monitor key performance indicators such as cycle time, uptime, throughput, yield, and maintenance frequency, and drive continuous improvement initiatives
Create modular automation solutions that align with evolving production needs and future high volume manufacturing targets
Mentor or manage junior engineers and help define long term controls and automation team structure
Participate in supplier selection for automation components and develop strong partnerships with key equipment and integration partners
Ensure adherence to relevant safety, quality, and compliance requirements common in high performance aerospace and industrial manufacturing environments
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline
8+ years of hands on experience creating, deploying, and scaling automation systems within a manufacturing setting
Proficiency with controls programming and industrial automation platforms such as Allen Bradley or Siemens, along with robotics integration experience using systems like FANUC or KUKA
Strong experience implementing motion control, PLC logic, HMI development, vision systems, and industrial networking
Proven ability to manage technical projects from design to production launch while coordinating across multiple engineering and operations functions
Experience setting automation architecture, developing standards, and mentoring other engineers
Excellent communication and presentation abilities with the skill to translate operational challenges into clear automation requirements
Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, hands-on startup environment that requires adaptability and a high degree of ownership
Preferred
Master's degree or PhD in a relevant engineering field
Background in advanced materials, composite processing, or high precision manufacturing
Experience supporting production in aerospace, defense, or similarly regulated environments with traceability and documentation requirements
Familiarity with manufacturing data tools, MES platforms, IoT sensors, and predictive maintenance concepts
Experience helping build automation teams or creating automation systems from the ground up within a scaling manufacturing organization
Publications, patents, or contributions related to automation, robotic controls, or advanced manufacturing technologies
Benefits
Equity participation available.
Company
Approach Venture
Enabling founding teams building the future of frontier technology to achieve their full potential.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Bryce Dabbs
Founder & CEO
Tristan Cembrinski
Partner
Company data provided by crunchbase