Automation Engineer

Actalent; Sugar Land (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Bonus programs

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Automation Engineer to lead factory-wide automation development and integration in a high-volume optical module environment. You will define architecture, standards, and roadmaps, while coordinating with operations, IT, and manufacturing teams to optimize performance.

The role requires 3+ years in industrial automation, experience with AGV/OHT, SECS/GEM, PLCs, and large-scale projects. This onsite Sugar Land, TX position offers strong benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Automation, or related engineering field.
• Minimum 3+ years in industrial automation.
• Experience with AGV/OHT and automation controls.
• Experience with SECS/GEM, PLC-based controls, and large-scale automation projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead system architecture, standards, and maintenance strategies.
• Drive automation integration across factory systems (SECS/GEM, E84, MES, WMS).
• Manage automation vendors through lifecycle: spec, FAT/SAT, installation, qualification, warranty, improvements.
• Lead root-cause analysis for automation issues in AGV/OHT and other infrastructures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define automation requirements for new lines and expansions.
• Lead cleanroom layout planning, traffic simulation, and material flow optimization.
• Develop engineering specs, SOPs, equipment standards, and change procedures.
• Mentor automation engineers and maintenance staff through training and guidance.
• Support occasional international travel (10–15%) for audits and deployment.
• Provide technical support during critical production events and NPI.

Skills

Automation engineering

Robotics

OHT/AGV hardware

SEC/GEM protocol

PLC programming

System troubleshooting

Industrial automation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Job description

Job Title: Automation Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a skilled Automation Engineer to plan, commission, and continuously optimize factory-wide automation systems. This role involves working with AGV fleets, OHT, Smart Inventory, robotics, and other automated material handling solutions to support high-volume optical module manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical leader, establishing system architecture, engineering standards, preventive maintenance strategies, and long-term technology roadmaps.
• Lead automation integration projects with manufacturing equipment, including SECS/GEM, E84, MES, WMS, and factory control systems, ensuring seamless communication between automation systems and production tools.
• Manage automation vendors throughout the project lifecycle, including system specification, design review, FAT/SAT, installation, qualification, acceptance, warranty management, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Lead root cause analysis for complex mechanical, electrical, controls, communication, and software issues affecting AGV, OHT, Smart Inventory, and other automation infrastructures.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Process, Facilities, IT, Quality, EHS, and Production teams to define automation requirements for new production lines and factory expansion projects.
• Lead cleanroom automation layout planning, traffic simulation, routing optimization, charging station placement, and material flow analysis to maximize manufacturing efficiency.
• Develop engineering specifications, SOPs, equipment standards, maintenance documentation, troubleshooting guides, and engineering change procedures.
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to automation engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel through training, coaching, and technical guidance.
• Support occasional international travel (approximately 10–15%) for supplier audits, equipment acceptance, factory integration, and technical collaboration.
• Provide technical support during critical production events, new product introductions (NPI), major software deployments, and factory expansion activities.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Automation, Systems, etc.)
• 3+ years of industrial automation experience
• Expertise in automation engineering, robotics, semiconductor, electronics, and controls programming
• Hardware experience with OHT, AMR AGV, or AGV | AMR
• SEC/GEM Protocol experience
• PLC-based control systems experience
• Experience with large scale automation projects (robotics, conveyors, or automated warehouse systems)
• Troubleshooting in electrical, software, networking, and automation control systems

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with optical transceiver or optical module assembly & testing processes
• Experience in automation, troubleshooting, electrical, and controls engineering
• Experience with silicone fabs and compound fabs

Work Environment

This position is based onsite in Sugar Land. The work environment involves close collaboration with various teams including Manufacturing, Process, Facilities, IT, Quality, EHS, and Production, ensuring optimal integration and functionality of automation systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Sugar Land, TX.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $95000.00 - $115000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

• Medical Dental Vision 401k 2 check bonuses

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Sugar Land,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.