Senior Automation Controls Engineer

UNION; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 115,000 - 232,000; Full time

Job summary

Union Technologies in Dallas, TX seeks a Senior/Lead Automation Engineer to architect and deploy full-scale automation across our advanced manufacturing operations. You will own the automation roadmap—from concept to lifecycle optimization—driving safety, productivity, and quality at enterprise scale.

Lead a team of controls engineers and external integrators, design robotic cells (Fanuc/ABB/KUKA), specify PLCs and safety systems, and push continuous improvement through data analytics and IIoT

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Electrical/Mechanical/Mechatronics or Controls Engineering
• 5+ years in project development or manufacturing
• Expert in at least one robot platform and one PLC family
• Strong OT networking and MES/SCADA experience
• Proven leadership of cross-functional teams and external integrators

Responsibilities

• Architect and implement end-to-end automation across manufacturing operations.
• Lead design of robotic cells and integration of PLCs, HMIs, motion, and safety.
• Drive continuous improvement via data analytics, IIoT, and predictive maintenance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Data analytics

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Education

B.S. Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Controls Engineering

M.S. preferred

Tools

Fanuc

ABB

KUKA

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

Job description

Union Technologies is reindustrializing America’s defense manufacturing base with a first-of-its-kind Factories-as-a-Stockpile™ model, integrating advanced robotics, manufacturing, and software into sovereign factory systems at scale. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, UNION is dedicated to restoring America’s industrial strength and guaranteeing deterrence for the century ahead.
We recently emerged from stealth with $50M in funding led by top-tier venture investors and strategic partners. Read more in our Press Release

Job Summary

We are seeking a Senior / Lead Automation Engineer to architect, implement, and continuously refine full-scale automation solutions across our advanced manufacturing operations. You will own the automation roadmap—from concept and capital justification through deployment, ramp, and lifecycle optimization—driving safety, productivity, and quality at enterprise scale.

Key Responsibilities

Automation Strategy & Roadmap

• Define multi-year automation vision aligned with business objectives and CapEx plans.
• Prioritize high-impact projects using ROI, risk, and throughput models.
• Present strategic proposals to executive leadership and investors.

System Design & Integration

• Lead end-to-end design of robotic cells (e.g., Fanuc, ABB, KUKA) and custom machines for welding, machining, material handling, inspection, and packaging.
• Specify PLCs, HMIs, motion control, and safety systems; author URS and functional specs.
• Oversee vendor selection, FAT/SAT, and site acceptance.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Drive OEE, cycle-time, and yield improvements through data analytics and iterative tuning.
• Implement predictive maintenance, IIoT, and machine-learning initiatives.

Compliance & Leadership

• Mentor a team of controls engineers, technicians, and external integrators.
• Cultivate a culture of disciplined experimentation—“measured power, intelligently applied.”
• Lead by example, go to the factory floor and show team members how to solve difficult problems by creating solid architecture and writing good code.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Controls Engineering (M.S. preferred).
• 5+ years engineering experience in a project development or manufacturing role.
• Expert in at least one major robot platform (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa) and one PLC family (Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
• Strong grasp of OT networking (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, OPC UA) and MES/SCADA integration.
• Proven leadership of cross-functional teams and external integrators.
• Excellent communication skills—able to translate technical detail into business impact for executives and investors.

Preferred / Bonus Skills

• 10+ years progressive experience in automation, robotics, or advanced manufacturing; 5+ years in a lead or staff-level role.
• Experience in defense or aerospace manufacturing environments (AS9100, ITAR).
• Familiarity with metal forging manufacturing, machine vision, or AI-driven process control.
• PMP or equivalent project‑management certification.

Compensation Range: $115K - $232K