Automation Controls Engineer

INSPYR Solutions; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

INSPYR Solutions is seeking an Automation Engineer in Houston, TX, onsite. The role focuses on the design, installation, and optimization of automation systems for AI server repair, logistics, and warehousing operations.

You will troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and drives while supporting AS/RS, AMRs, AGVs, and conveyors. The ideal candidate has 2–3 years in automation, a relevant engineering degree, and experience with Siemens/Allen-Bradley platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Automation engineering or related field.
• 2–3 years in automation engineering or related role.
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, sensors, drives, and industrial networks.
• Experience with AMRs/AGVs/AS/RS and goods-to-person tech is preferred.
• Experience in automation commissioning, FAT/SAT, and project support.

Responsibilities

• Support design, installation, commissioning, and optimization of automation systems for warehousing and repair operations.
• Provide engineering support for automation projects, including AS/RS, AMRs, conveyors, and robotic handling.
• Troubleshoot PLCs, sensors, drives, motors, and vision systems to resolve issues.
• Develop automation project plans, requirements, specs, and acceptance criteria.
• Create KPI dashboards and reports on throughput, downtime, and productivity.
• Coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and internal teams during implementation.
• Maintain documentation and support Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

PLC programming

Automation systems troubleshooting

Industrial controls

HMI/SCADA

AMRs/AS/RS integration

Project coordination

Data analysis

Lean/Six Sigma

Strong communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell

HMIs

AutoCAD/Visio

Power BI/SQL

Job description

Title: Automation Engineer

Location: Houston, TX (Onsite Daily)

Duration: Permanent, Direct-Hire

Work Requirements: US Citizens, GC Holders or Authorized to Work in the US.

Top Skills Required:

• Strong hands-on technical experience in the development of PLCs

Role and Responsibilities:

• Support the design, integration, installation, commissioning, validation, and optimization of automation systems supporting AI server repair, reverse logistics, material handling, testing, and warehouse operations.
• Provide engineering support for medium- to large-scale automation and capital projects, including projects involving automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), conveyors, sortation systems, robotic material handling, and goods-to-person technologies.
• Utilize programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), sensors, controls, and automation software to troubleshoot, optimize, and improve automated equipment and processes.
• Troubleshoot PLC logic, sensors, actuators, motors, drives, scanners, vision systems, communication networks, and other automation components to identify and resolve equipment and process issues.
• Partnering with other functional teams, develop and implement automation solutions that improve the movement, identification, tracking, and control of high-value AI servers, GPU assemblies, components, and repair materials throughout the facility.
• Coordinate with equipment suppliers, contractors, integrators, and technology providers during system design, installation, integration, commissioning, and acceptance testing.
• Develop project plans, schedules, technical requirements, equipment specifications, acceptance criteria, and implementation plans for assigned automation projects.
• Analyze automation performance and downtime data to identify bottlenecks, recurring failures, capacity constraints, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and maintain documentation including system configurations, PLC and controls documentation, process flows, equipment specifications, preventive maintenance requirements, troubleshooting guides, and standard operating procedures.
• Coordinate and support Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement initiatives within automated warehouse and repair operations.
• Evaluate emerging automation technologies, robotics, artificial intelligence, machine vision, and data analytics solutions that may improve AI server repair operations.
• Develop KPI dashboards and analytical reports to monitor automation performance, including throughput, utilization, downtime, cycle time, system availability, and labor productivity.
• Provide regular project and operational updates to Engineering and Operations leadership and participate in project reviews, customer meetings, and operational planning activities.
• Ensure automation projects and equipment comply with applicable OSHA, electrical, machine safety, and company requirements.
• Support employee training and knowledge transfer for operators, technicians, maintenance personnel, and engineering staff.
• Perform other engineering projects and duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline required.
• Two (2) to three (3) years of experience in automation engineering, controls engineering, process engineering, manufacturing engineering, warehouse automation, or a related engineering role.
• Experience supporting warehouse, distribution, manufacturing, electronics repair, reverse logistics, or high-technology operations preferred.
• Experience with AI server, GPU, electronics, or high-value technology repair operations strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with PLC-controlled automation systems, industrial controls, sensors, drives, motors, HMIs, and industrial communication networks.
• Experience integrating or supporting AMRs, AGVs, AS/RS, conveyors, sortation systems, robotic systems, or other goods-to-person technologies preferred.
• Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting; Siemens, Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, or similar platforms preferred.
• Strong understanding of automated material handling, system controls, equipment integration, and industrial safety.
• Experience participating in automation system commissioning, FAT/SAT, equipment validation, and production implementation.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, process mapping, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with the ability to analyze large operational datasets and develop meaningful reports and dashboards.
• Experience with Power BI, SQL databases, Python, or other data analytics and visualization tools preferred.
• Experience developing process maps and facility layouts using Microsoft Visio, AutoCAD, or similar software preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to use data to identify root causes and make business decisions.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with engineers, technicians, operations personnel, vendors, contractors, and leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take ownership of projects, and operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

About INSPYR Solutions

Technology is our focus and quality is our commitment. As a national expert in delivering flexible technology and talent solutions, we strategically align industry and technical expertise with our clients' business objectives and cultural needs. Our solutions are tailored to each client and include a wide variety of professional services, project, and talent solutions. By always striving for excellence and focusing on the human aspect of our business, we work seamlessly with our talent and clients to match the right solutions to the right opportunities. Learn more about us at inspyrsolutions.com.

INSPYR Solutions provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, INSPYR Solutions complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

INSPYR Solutions provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other protected status. INSPYR Solutions complies with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact [e-mail] for assistance.

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