Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer IVLocation: Austin, TexasJob Level: Mid-senior levelDepartment: Supply ChainTravel Required: 0%-10%An Amazing Career Opportunity for an Automation Engineer IV!! This role is essential for developing and optimizing production equipment with a focus on equipment functionality, efficiency and performance. The Automation Engineer is a hands-on developer and builder of manufacturing automation equipment, responsible for designing, developing, modifying, and optimizing solutions to meet HID-specific manufacturing needs.HID powers the trusted identities of the world's people, places, and things, allowing people to transact safely, work productively and travel freely. We are a high-tech software company headquartered in Austin, TX, with over 4,500 worldwide employees.As our Automation Engineer IV, you'll support HID's success by:Designing, building, and developing custom automation equipment and tooling to support HID manufacturing requirements, from early concept through production-ready deployment.Performing hands-on mechanical, electrical, and controls development, including fabrication, assembly, integration, testing, and iteration of automation systems.Researching and learning the automation equipment market to inform development strategies and identify opportunities to accelerate builds through hybrid solutions.Developing automation solutions using a build-from-scratch approach when required, or by modifying and enhancing commercially available or internally developed base equipment.Designing and implementing custom features, add-ons, and performance enhancements to existing equipment to meet HID-specific use cases.Modifying new or existing internal equipment designs to add functionality, improve reliability, increase throughput, or enable new product capabilities.Owning the prototype-to-production lifecycle, including proof-of-concept builds, validation testing, production handoff, and post-launch optimization.Troubleshooting and debugging mechanical, electrical, software, and system-level issues directly on the equipment.Collaborating closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Quality, and suppliers to ensure equipment designs are robust, manufacturable, and support production goals.Creating and maintaining technical documentation including design concepts, schematics, drawings, test results, and build instructions.Identifying continuous improvement opportunities and implementing design changes that improve equipment performance, uptime, and scalability.Partnering closely with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to identify automation opportunities based on real-world operational pain points, capacity constraints, quality risks, and safety concerns.Observing and analyzing existing manufacturing processes on the shop floor to define functional requirements and automation concepts that directly address current and future production needs.Translating operational requirements into practical automation solutions, balancing technical feasibility, development effort, cost, and long-term scalability.Leading the hands-on development of automation solutions, including concept generation, design trade studies, prototyping, testing, and iterative refinement.Evaluating existing equipment and processes to determine when modification, enhancement, or partial automation is the most effective solution versus full replacement.Supporting deployment of automation into production, including on-site debugging, optimization, operator support, and early-life issue resolution.Acting as a technical problem solver during production challenges, identifying when automation improvements or design changes are required to restore or improve performance.Collaborating with suppliers and internal teams to integrate externally sourced equipment into HID operations, ensuring required modifications and custom features are developed in-house where needed.Contributing to standardization and reuse of automation concepts, designs, and components to improve development efficiency across projects.Your Experience and Background include:Desired Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or similar field.7+ years of Engineering Equipment Development experience.Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.Dependable team player, able to work independently in a fast-paced environment and be proficient at conflict resolution.Demonstrated experience in hands-on design, build, and modification of automation equipment in a manufacturing or production environment.Proven ability to translate operational problems into practical automation solutions, with direct involvement in development and implementation.Experience developing automation systems using a hybrid approach, including modifying commercial off-the-shelf equipment and adding custom mechanical, electrical, or controls features.Strong background in mechanical and/or electrical system design, including component selection, integration, and troubleshooting.Experience building and iterating prototypes, proof-of-concept systems, and production automation.Working knowledge of automation controls, sensors, actuators, motion systems, vision systems, and industrial safety concepts.Vision systems experience a plus.Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, or process optimization concepts as they relate to automation.Strong collaboration skills with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and external suppliers.Ability to document designs, modifications, and build standards clearly to support repeatability and long-term maintainability.What we can offer you:Competitive salary and rewards packageCompetitive benefits and annual leave offering, allowing for work-life balanceA vibrant, welcoming & inclusive cultureExtensive career development opportunities and resources to maximize your potentialWhy apply?Empowerment: You'll work as part of a global team in a flexible work environment, learning and enhancing your expertise.Innovation: You embrace challenges and want to drive change.Integrity: You are results-orientated, reliable, and straightforward and value being treated accordingly.HID is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce that reflects the global communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Our goal is to create a workplace that empowers everyone to thrive and be their authentic selves, fostering an environment of mutual respect and inclusivity.