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About the job

About viaPhoton

We are changing the norm by being customer-focused, technology-led.

viaPhoton builds custom-engineered fiber optic solutions that power AI infrastructure, data centers, and 5G networks for some of the biggest names in tech. In five years we've grown to a team of 200+ and 4x'd our revenue in the last year alone, and we're just getting started. We're looking for dependable, hardworking people who take pride in their work and want to grow with us.

About the Role

You'll design and build one-of-a-kind automation machines that power fiber optic manufacturing. This is hands-on work where you'll solve complex problems integrating machine vision, precision motion control, and mechanical design. You'll own projects from concept through deployment and see your solutions directly improve how we produce for the world's biggest cloud providers.

Design and build novel automation machines from concept through deployment, integrating machine vision, precision motion control, and custom mechanical assemblies

Bridge automation and human process, integrating complex mechanized systems into highly optimized manual manufacturing workflows

Own the full design cycle in SolidWorks, from initial concept and part design to physical prototyping, iteration, and troubleshooting

Improve what exists, applying design experiments and statistical analysis to refine and evolve machines over time

Collaborate constantly across engineering, operations, and production teams to deliver solutions that actually work on the floor

What You'll Bring

Have a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field

Have at least 3 years delivering end-to-end industrial automation solutions from concept to deployment (5 to 10 years is ideal)

Have designed, fabricated, and deployed new automation machines that meaningfully improve factory output and quality

Have hands-on experience with motion control systems, vision systems, and embedded hardware like Jetson Nano and Raspberry Pi

Are proficient in SolidWorks, Python, C/C++, and PLC programming (Siemens or Allen Bradley)

Want to read the full job description? Automation Engineer JD

What's in it for you?

Robust health, dental, and vision coverage that starts on day 1

401(k) with 4% match, vests immediately after a 90-day waiting period

Flexible PTO that grows over time

10 paid holidays, including 2 floating holidays

Monthly team events

Click here to view our full benefits overview.

Location: Naperville, IL

Schedule: Mon–Fri | Onsite

Compensation: $75,000 to $95,000 base, plus annual bonus

We're building something big, and we want good people along for the ride. If that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today.

At viaPhoton, we are committed to furthering our culture of inclusion. We reinforce this through our core values and beliefs as well as our processes and strategic goals. We remind team members to seek various viewpoints, learn and be hungry with curiosity, and gain trust.

We are an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions based on merit and qualifications. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, health condition, genetic information, marital or family status, military or veteran status, socioeconomic background, or any other status protected by applicable law.

We provide reasonable accommodations and adjustments throughout the hiring process. If you need one, please let us know. Any personal data you share with us is handled confidentially and in line with applicable data protection law.