Automation Engineer

HR on Demand; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

HR On Demand is partnering with a client leader in robotics to recruit a Backend Module Engineer / Automation Engineer for optical module production in Texas. You will own the automated backend assembly line, configure robotic stations, maintain control software, and ensure high uptime and quality on the production floor.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years on automated production lines, hands-on robotics and station control experience, and familiarity with optics manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation or related engineering field.
• 2+ years of automation, equipment or backend manufacturing engineering experience.
• Hands-on experience with robotic automation and station control software.
• Experience integrating production stations with MES.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and onsite work on the production floor.

Responsibilities

• Operate and optimize the backend automation line.
• Troubleshoot robots, PLCs, sensors, motion control, vision, and HMIs.
• Set up and qualify new automation equipment.
• Maintain station control software and MES connectivity.
• Drive uptime and yield improvements through data analysis.

Skills

Robotic automation

Line control systems

Troubleshooting onsite

Data-driven optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation or related engineering field

Tools

MES connectivity

PLC programming

Vision systems

Job description

HR On Demand (HROD) is a Texas-based, full-service HR partner that supports global companies in establishing and growing their U.S. operations. We deliver end-to-end HR solutions, including talent acquisition, payroll, compliance, employee relations, and organizational development. Drawing on Fortune 500 HR leadership experience, we help businesses build compliant, high-performing teams and navigate the U.S. market with confidence.

We are recruiting for this position on behalf of our client, a leader in robotics and intelligent optical systems.

About the Role

The Backend Module Engineer / Automation Engineer owns the automated backend assembly line for the client's optical module products. The role combines product understanding with hands-on automation expertise: setting up and integrating customized robotic automation stations, maintaining station control and production software, and leading maintenance so the line delivers consistent quality and uptime.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years of experience on automated production lines, has hands-on robotic automation and station control software experience, and brings familiarity with optics or optical module manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

Product & Process Understanding

• Understand the optical module product, its build sequence and critical-to-quality characteristics.
• Translate product requirements into automation line settings, recipes and process parameters.
• Support new product introductions (NPI) and the transition to volume production.

Automation Line & Control Systems

• Operate, monitor and optimize the backend line of customized robotic automation stations.
• Troubleshoot robots and control systems, including PLCs, sensors, motion control, vision and HMIs.
• Improve line throughput, yield and uptime through data-driven changes.

Station Control Software, Integration & MES

• Set up, configure and maintain station control and production software for the robotic automation stations.
• Integrate production stations so equipment, data and handoffs work together as one line.
• Support MES connectivity between stations and production systems; maintain program versions, recipes and backups with IT/MES.

Equipment Setup & Maintenance

• Lead installation, setup and qualification of new automation equipment.
• Build and run preventive maintenance plans; handle corrective maintenance and spare parts planning.
• Track downtime and drive root cause analysis and corrective actions on recurring issues.
• Write setup procedures, maintenance instructions and troubleshooting guides; train technicians and operators.
• Partner with Process, Test and Quality teams to resolve product and line issues.
• Work with equipment vendors on support, upgrades and escalations.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation or a related engineering field
• 2+ years of experience as an automation, equipment or backend manufacturing engineer
• Hands-on experience with robotic automation and station control software
• Experience integrating production stations and connecting them to MES
• Solid understanding of automation lines and control systems (PLCs, motion, vision, HMI)
• Proven experience handling equipment setup and preventive/corrective maintenance
• Strong troubleshooting skills and comfort working onsite on the production floor

Preferred

• Familiarity with optics or optical module/transceiver manufacturing
• Backend assembly experience (die attach, wire bonding, lens alignment or packaging)
• Experience with production data analysis and line performance metrics