Automation Engineer

Design Hire LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Design Hire LLC in Houston, TX seeks an experienced automation engineer to lead projects on automated material handling systems and robotics. You will work cross-functionally to integrate MES, WMS, and production tools, while coordinating with vendors on installation, qualification, and performance improvements.

Candidates should have 3+ years in semiconductor fab automation, hands-on PLC and networking knowledge, and a track record of leading multiple initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering discipline.
• 3+ years in semiconductor fab automation or high-tech production.
• Strong semiconductor fab experience and vendor management.
• Experience with AGV/AMR fleets, robotics, conveyors, or automated warehouses.
• Knowledge of PLC-based controls and industrial networks.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects involving material handling systems and robotics.
• Support integration between MES, WMS, and manufacturing tools.
• Collaborate with vendors through specification review, installation, and FAT/SAT.
• Troubleshoot electronics, controls, PLC, and network issues affecting reliability.
• Develop SOPs, maintenance standards, and technical procedures.

Skills

PLC programming

Project management

Automation systems

Robotics

AGV/AMR fleets

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Fleet management software

Ethernet/IP

Job description

Houston, United States | Posted on 09/08/2026

Key Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects involving automated material handling systems, equipment movement, robotics, and factory control platforms.
• Support integration between production tools, automation infrastructure, MES, WMS, and related manufacturing systems.
• Work with vendors through specification review, installation, commissioning, qualification, acceptance testing, and performance improvement.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, controls, communication, software, and networking issues affecting automation reliability.
• Develop documentation, SOPs, maintenance standards, troubleshooting guides, and technical procedures for automation systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 3+ years of experience in semiconductor fab automation, automated material handling, electronics manufacturing, or high-tech production environments.
• Strong previous semiconductor fab experience required.
• Experience with AGV/AMR fleets, overhead transport systems, robotics, conveyors, or automated warehouse systems.
• Knowledge of PLC-based controls, Ethernet/IP and other related industrial communication protocols.
• Experience managing equipment vendors, contractors, FAT/SAT, installation, and system qualification.
• Project management experience with the ability to lead multiple automation initiatives at once.
• PLC programming, fleet management software

Design Hire is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affimative Action employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Employment Eligibility: If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.