Automation Engineer

About Us

Hacksmith Industries is an engineering, e-commerce and manufacturing company built around one of the world’s largest YouTube channels. Our content focuses on functional engineering prototypes like real lightsabers, Iron Man tech, and Giant Mechs designed to show what is possible when imagination is paired with solid engineering. We take pride in inspiring youth around the world to get into STEM and other related fields, while always dreaming bigger.

We recently launched the most successful EDC kickstarter campaign of all time - the Smith Blade which we are manufacturing in house.

Our social media reach is as follows:

YouTube: 15.3M subscribers

Facebook: 1.9M likes

Instagram: 1M followers

Tiktok: 1.9M followers

We are looking for a passionate, self motivated individual who can identify problems and solve them independently. There will be ample opportunity to take on greater responsibility, overcome challenges, and meaningfully contribute to the team.

## About the Role

We are seeking an Automation Engineer to design, build, and deploy automation systems across our Smith Blade production line. You will be responsible for increasing throughput, improving consistency, and reducing manual labor across machining, finishing, assembly, inspection, and packaging.

This role is highly hands-on and requires strong cross-functional collaboration with manufacturing, process engineering, and production teams.

## Core Responsibilities

#### Automation & Process Engineering

• Design and deploy semi-automated and fully automated work cells
• Reduce manual touchpoints and improve throughput

#### Machine Vision & Quality Control

• Develop and deploy machine vision systems for:
• - Dimensional verification
• Surface defect detection
• Assembly validation
• Improve first pass yield and reduce reliance on manual inspection

#### Manufacturing System Integration

• Develop and maintain integrations between our custom ERP system and connected equipment, such as CNC machines, machine vision systems, and assembly stations.
• - Build real-time dashboards to: track machine status (idle, running, blocked)
• Identify which machines require loading/unloading
• Monitor cycle times and utilization
• Drive toward a fully connected, data-visible shop floor

#### Jigs, Fixtures & Tooling

• Design and iterate on:
• - Assembly fixtures
• Inspection jigs
• Workholding solutions
• Ensure fixtures are robust, repeatable, and optimized for speed
• Collaborate closely with machinists and assembly teams

#### Equipment Installation & Bring-Up

• Lead installation, validation, and commissioning of new equipment such as:
• - Laser engravers
• Laser welders
• Cleaning systems
• Tumblers and finishing equipment
• Troubleshoot and modify equipment for production readiness

## Qualifications

• Degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, or Automation Engineering
• 3+ years in a manufacturing or production environment
• Experience with Machine Vision systems
• Strong experience with Python, C++, or similar languages
• Strong hands-on capability (able to build, wire, test, debug)

## Why Join Us?

• Gourmet meal every work day (we have a very skilled chef on staff)
• Snacks and coffee to keep you fueled
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Gym membership benefit
• Safety shoe allowance

*You must be legally allowed to work in Canada and be local or willing to relocate. This role is based in Cambridge, Ontario and telecommuting is not an option.*

Salary Range: $70,000 - $85,000 plus benefits