External Job · via Ashby

Senior Automation Controls Engineer

union-techDallas, TX

Posted Sep 28 · Last Verified Sep 28

Full-timemanufacturing and productionmaintenance and facilities

Quick Summary

Senior Automation Controls Engineer to architect and lead full-scale automation solutions for advanced defense manufacturing operations at Union Technologies in Dallas, TX.

Skills & Keywords

PLC programmingRobotic systems integrationManufacturing automationOT networking

Key Responsibilities

Automation Strategy & Roadmap

System Design & Integration

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

Compliance & Leadership

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

Required 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.

Nice to Have

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.

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.