Senior Automation Engineer

The Reserves Network; Sugar Land (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary $100k–$125k

Medical, dental, and vision

401(k) with employer matching

Unused PTO payout

Relocation assistance

Immigration sponsorship

Job summary

The Reserves Network is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to lead the design, integration, and long-term operation of advanced factory automation in a high-volume setting. You will guide AGV/AMR fleets, robotics, and material handling while coordinating with manufacturing and IT teams.

The ideal candidate brings 5+ years in automation, strong PLC/SECS/GEM skills, and proven leadership in complex projects. Travel internationally ~10–15% is required, with a robust compensation package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation, Systems Engineering, or related discipline.
• 3+ years of industrial automation experience in high tech manufacturing.
• Experience with AGV/AMR, OHT, robotics, conveyors, or automated warehousing.
• Knowledge of SECS/GEM, E84, PLC controls, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA.
• Strong troubleshooting across mechanical/electrical/software.
• Experience managing equipment vendors, installations, FAT/SAT, qualification.
• Ability to lead multiple automation projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, commissioning, and optimization of AGV/AMR fleets and automated material handling technologies.
• Integrate automation with SECS/GEM, E84, MES, WMS, PLCs, and industrial networks.
• Establish automation architecture, standards, preventive maintenance, and documentation.
• Manage vendors through design reviews, FAT, SAT, installation, qualification, and improvement.
• Lead root-cause analysis across mechanical, electrical, controls, and software.

Skills

Automation systems

Robotics

Industrial networks

SECS/GEM

PLC programming

Vendor management

Troubleshooting

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SECS/GEM

Ethernet/IP

OPC UA

FAT/SAT

Job description

Senior Automation Engineer | $100,000 to $125,000 Base Salary | Full Time | Direct Hire

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Automation Engineer to lead the design, integration, optimization, and long term operation of advanced factory automation systems within a high volume manufacturing environment.

This is a hands on technical leadership role supporting automated material handling, robotics, manufacturing equipment integration, factory control systems, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead planning, commissioning, and optimization of AGV and AMR fleets, OHT systems, Smart Inventory, robotics, conveyors, and automated material handling technologies
• Lead automation integration with manufacturing equipment and factory systems including SECS/GEM, E84, MES, WMS, PLC controls, and industrial networks
• Establish automation architecture, engineering standards, preventive maintenance strategies, and technical documentation
• Manage vendors through specification, design review, FAT, SAT, installation, qualification, acceptance, and performance improvement
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis across mechanical, electrical, controls, networking, communication, and software systems
• Partner with Manufacturing, Process, Facilities, IT, Quality, EHS, and Production on new production lines and factory expansion
• Support cleanroom automation layouts, traffic flow, routing optimization, charging station placement, and material movement
• Develop SOPs, equipment standards, maintenance procedures, troubleshooting guides, and engineering change documentation
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to automation engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel
• Support new product introductions, major software deployments, critical production events, and factory expansion activities
• Travel internationally approximately 10 to 15%

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation, Systems Engineering, or related discipline
• 3+ years of industrial automation experience within semiconductor, electronics, automated material handling, or high tech manufacturing
• Experience with AGV or AMR systems, OHT, robotics, conveyors, automated warehouses, or similar automation technologies
• Knowledge of SECS/GEM, E84, PLC controls, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA, or comparable industrial communication systems
• Strong troubleshooting capability across mechanical, electrical, software, networking, and controls
• Experience managing equipment vendors, installations, FAT, SAT, and system qualification
• Ability to lead multiple automation projects simultaneously

Preferred Experience

• 5+ years of automation engineering, robotics, or high tech manufacturing experience
• Semiconductor or cleanroom manufacturing
• Optical module or optical transceiver manufacturing
• MES and WMS integration
• PLC programming and industrial controls
• Factory expansion and new production line automation
• Mandarin language capability is a plus

Ideal Candidate Profile

The strongest candidate will understand how multiple automation technologies work together across a manufacturing facility. This individual should be comfortable moving between system architecture, project leadership, equipment integration, vendor management, troubleshooting, and hands on technical problem solving.

Benefits and Perks

• Base salary of $100,000 to $125,000
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Unused PTO payout at year end
• Relocation assistance available within the United States
• Immigration sponsorship opportunities for qualified candidates currently authorized to work in the United States

Your New Organization

Our client is a technology driven manufacturer within the semiconductor and optoelectronics industry. Continued investment in advanced manufacturing, automation, and factory expansion is creating the need for a senior technical resource capable of connecting automation equipment, manufacturing systems, and material movement into a reliable factory wide ecosystem.

The Reserves Network, a veteran founded and family owned company, specializes in connecting exceptional talent with rewarding opportunities. We are dedicated to helping professionals achieve their career goals while providing an environment built on respect, integrity, and trust.

The base salary range for this position is $100,000 to $125,000. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, technical expertise, and internal pay equity.