Automation Engineer

Lead Automation Engineer

Overview

We are seeking a Lead Automation Engineer to lead the design, integration, and optimization of factory-wide automation systems supporting high-volume optical module manufacturing. This role will provide technical leadership for AGVs, OHT systems, robotics, smart inventory solutions, and automated material handling systems (AMHS).

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, commissioning, and optimization of factory automation systems, including AGVs, OHT, robotics, and smart inventory solutions.
• Develop system architecture, engineering standards, maintenance strategies, and technology roadmaps.
• Integrate automation systems with manufacturing equipment and factory systems (MES, WMS, SECS/GEM, E84).
• Manage automation vendors through design, FAT/SAT, installation, qualification, and ongoing performance improvement.
• Troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, controls, software, and communication issues.
• Optimize cleanroom automation layouts, material flow, traffic routing, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Create and maintain SOPs, engineering standards, equipment documentation, and troubleshooting guides.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and training to engineering and maintenance teams.
• Support new product introductions, factory expansions, and critical production events.

Requirements

• Bachelor"s degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in automation engineering, robotics, controls, or automated material handling systems.
• Experience in semiconductor, electronics, or high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of industrial automation, controls systems, and equipment integration.
• Experience with MES, WMS, SECS/GEM, E84, and factory automation systems.
• Proven troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
• Strong project leadership and vendor management experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AGV, OHT, AMHS, or cleanroom automation systems.
• Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing and material handling processes.
• Previous technical leadership or mentoring experience.

Key Skills

Automation Engineering • Robotics • Controls Engineering • Controls Programming • Semiconductor Manufacturing • AMHS • AGV • OHT • MES/WMS Integration • Troubleshooting • Root Cause Analysis

Travel: 10-15% International

Experience Level: Lead / Expert

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $75.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.