Manager, Automation Systems Engineering

CreateMe Technologies is bringing advanced industry automation manufacturing methods to the apparel industry. CreateMe’s automation technology drives better economic and environmental outcomes, across the board, to the $1.7T apparel industry.

Our technology unlocks onshore, on-demand apparel manufacturing with a unique systems-based approach combining automation hardware, adhesive seam assembly, and proprietary robotic automation software. In short, we make clothes with robots and replace thread with glue.

We have invented a unique automated assembly technique employing digitally-dispensed adhesive methods deployed at high velocity, at cost parity today to overseas manual manufacturing. In the near future we will dramatically outperform off-shore labor rates.

We are revolutionizing how apparel is made close to the consumer with automated manufacturing. We are the first company to truly bring this concept to reality, fully end-to-end, with automation, adhesive, and robotics. Apparel redefined today.

CreateMe is seeking a Manager, Automation Systems Engineering to lead the development and integration of advanced automation systems used in our apparel manufacturing technology at our R&D facility in Newark, CA. This player-coach role blends team leadership with high-impact individual contributions in systems integration, controls engineering, and automation architecture.

You’ll manage a team of multidisciplinary engineers and also directly contribute to the specification, integration, and validation of complex electromechanical systems. This role is essential to realizing our vision of a smart, software-defined factory powered by robotics and proprietary equipment.

This position is not eligible for new employment visa sponsorship. Candidates must have full authorization to work in the United States.

The CreateMe office is in Newark, CA and this role is not eligible for relocation assistance. 

• Lead and mentor a team of engineers across controls, systems, and automation disciplines
• Drive planning, execution, and delivery of automation projects from R&D through factory deployment
• Partner with Product, Manufacturing, and Software teams to align on technical requirements and system goals
• Manage external engineering vendors and technology partners

• Own system-level architecture for automation platforms, ensuring seamless integration of mechanical, electrical, controls, and software components
• Develop and document functional requirements, system specifications, and integration plans
• Select and specify hardware: sensors, actuators, PLCs, motion controllers, and industrial PCs
• Lead PLC, HMI, and control system development and programming efforts (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Beckhoff)
• Guide system-level testing, FAT/SAT, and transition to factory operations
• Troubleshoot and resolve integration issues across subsystems

• Collaborate with engineering teams to prototype and evaluate new automated processes
• Contribute to smart factory initiatives (e.g., SCADA, MES, data acquisition)
• Drive reliability, uptime, and safety improvements across automation systems

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Controls, Mechatronics, Robotics, Systems, or related engineering field
• 10 years in automation, controls, or systems engineering; 3 years managing technical teams
• Strong understanding of PLC/HMI programming, motion control, and safety systems
• Experience with integrated automation systems involving sensors, actuators, robotics, and vision
• Hands-on experience with machine vision systems including camera and lighting selection, setup, and optimization—preferably with Cognex and Zebra platforms
• Skilled in cross-functional collaboration and technical program management
• Comfortable working hands-on in lab and factory environments
• Knowledge of industrial standards and safety regulations (OSHA, ISO, CE, UL)
• Ability to travel to equipment vendor locations for design reviews and FAT, occasionally

• Proficiency with Cognex and Zebra machine vision systems, including lensing, lighting, and vision algorithm development
• Experience in smart factory, Industry 4.0, or IoT systems
• Proficiency in Python, C/C , or structured text for automation scripting
• Familiarity and experience with Allen Bradley, Beckhoff, and/or B&R PLC systems
• Familiarity with industrial networking and data acquisition
• Background in high-throughput manufacturing, consumer goods, or textiles
• Exposure to adhesive-based assembly of products
• Experience in early-stage tech startup business

• Stay healthy and happy through our comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans, life and disability coverage, and supplemental health and wellness benefits and perks
• Save for the future with our 401(k) retirement program
• Take time away from the office through our Flexible Paid Time Off program
• Be an owner! CreateMe’s equity program offers the opportunity to own stock in the company that we’re building together
• Learn and grow through formal and informal learning opportunities, and a culture of feedback and development as you grow your talent and career

At CreateMe Technologies, we value diversity and treat all employees and job applicants based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.