Senior Automation Controls Engineer

The role

The Senior Automation Controls Engineer will architect, implement, and refine full-scale automation solutions across advanced manufacturing operations. You will own the automation roadmap from concept through deployment and lifecycle optimization.

What you will do

• 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 and custom machines.
• Specify PLCs, HMIs, motion control, and safety systems.
• 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.
• Go to the factory floor to show team members how to solve difficult problems.

Required qualifications

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

Nice to have

• M.S. preferred
• 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

About the company

Union Technologies is reindustrializing America’s defense manufacturing base with a Factories-as-a-Stockpile™ model. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, UNION is dedicated to restoring America’s industrial strength.