Automation Engineer in Monrovia, California at Coherent Aerospace & Defense Inc

Attalon / Location Overview

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the physics of light and heat. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments.

At Monrovia site, we focus exclusively on custom commercial advanced optical products, from high volume VBG optical components to fully integrated systems that combine software, electronics, and opto‑mechanical design. We are a dynamic fast‑moving, highly collaborative team, and every member plays a critical role in our success. For examples of Monrovia’s products, visit: ondax.atln.com

Automation Engineer

Our Monrovia, CA facility produces advanced optical systems and components using custom built automation systems. Our tools integrate robotics, lasers, spectroscopy, computer vision, and custom front-end / backend databases. We are looking for a proactive, highly motivated early-career engineer who wants to take ownership across a broad range of technologies and grow quickly.

Responsibilities

• Program, develop, maintain, and improve automation systems for measuring and assembling optical components
• Program and troubleshoot Java-based applications (front end and back end) used for data management, instrument control, and system integration.
• Work with robotics, motion systems, sensors, and custom electromechanical tools.
• Develop and implement spectroscopy solutions using data processing, machine learning
• Collaborate with optical, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers to develop new processes and tooling
• Diagnose problems across hardware, software, and system interfaces
• Own projects end-to-end: requirements, implementation, testing, deployment, and documentation
• Support ongoing production through continuous improvement of automation and measurement systems

Minimum Qualifications

• BS or MS in Computer Science, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or Mathematics
• 0 to 2 years of prior related experience.
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and tackle unfamiliar technical challenges
• Strong programming skills with emphasis on Java, TCP/IP networking, GUI development, MYSQL - Spring-Hibernate, JNI/JNA
• Background or exposure to robotics, automation, or embedded systems
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary systems (mechanical, electrical, optical)
• Strong communication skills and comfort working cross-functionally
• Familiarity and confidence in manipulating build systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 to 4 years of prior related experience.
• Hands‑on experience with robotics platforms, motion stages, automation clubs, or STEM project teams
• Exposure to electronics, mechanical design, optics, or instrumentation
• Familiarity with spectroscopy, image processing, computer vision and serial communication
• Experience building personal or academic projects demonstrating initiative and technical breadth
• Leadership involvement in engineering, physics, robotics, or STEM organizations

For California, the hourly base pay range for this role is $65,090.00-$126,684.00
Please note this range is provided as a general guideline. When determining an offer, Attalon takes into account multiple factors, including (but not limited to) the responsibilities of the position, your professional experience, education and training, specialized skills, and current market and business conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.