Senior Automation Controls Engineer

Senior / Lead Automation EngineerUnion 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.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 ResponsibilitiesAutomation Strategy & RoadmapDefine 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 & IntegrationLead 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 ImprovementDrive OEE, cycle-time, and yield improvements through data analytics and iterative tuning.Implement predictive maintenance, IIoT, and machine-learning initiatives.Compliance & LeadershipMentor 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 QualificationsB.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 Skills10+ 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.