Automation Engineer

Design Hire; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Design Hire is seeking an Automation Engineer to support semiconductor fab automation, leading material handling systems, tool integration, and factory control platforms. This role requires hands-on experience with automation in high-tech manufacturing and the ability to troubleshoot complex equipment.

You will coordinate with vendors through FAT/SAT, specify and install improvements, and develop maintenance procedures and SOPs.

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

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.

Skills

Automation leadership

PLC programming

Fleet management software

Equipment integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical/Mechatronics/Automation Engineering

Tools

AGV/AMR fleets

Overhead transport systems

Robotics

Job description

Design Hire is seeking an Automation Engineer to support factory automation systems within a semiconductor manufacturing environment. This role is a strong fit for someone with hands-on fab automation experience who can lead equipment integration, troubleshoot complex systems, and improve automated material movement across production areas.

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Design Hire is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Aff…

Employment Eligibility

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.