Automation Engineer

Senior Automation EngineerReady to make your mark at an iconic global powerhouse? Join Yum! Brands - the parent company behind KFC, Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill - be a part of our reinvention for Greater Growth.We are a culture-driven company where innovation, collaboration, and passion fuel everything we do. We're seeking talented individuals to make a difference across our global business. Whether you're just starting out or stepping into leadership, you'll help shape our future by delivering results that matter and bringing your smart, heart, and courage to the table.If you're ready to grow with a company that values curiosity, high performance, and meaningful work—join us. Let's build the future of Yum! together!We are seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to lead the integration, validation, and deployment of automation solutions that enhance restaurant operations. As A Senior Automation Engineer, you will serve as the bridge between product development and field execution, ensuring systems are reliable, scalable, and ready for real-world implementation.The Senior Automation Engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams and external partners to drive automation initiatives from concept through rollout. The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer with strong technical expertise and project leadership experience. This person will be able to drive progress, solve integration challenges, and ensure automation systems perform effectively in real-world restaurant environments.You will be required to attend the Plano, TX office three days per week (Tuesday - Thursday).$99,200 - $116,700 + bonus eligibility. This is the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining pay, we'll consider the successful candidate's location, experience, and other job-related factors.ResponsibilitiesPrimary Responsibilities:Program ExecutionLead day-to-day execution of automation development projectsCoordinate across internal teams and external engineering partnersDrive timelines, decision-making, and issue resolution to maintain project momentumSystem IntegrationEnsure mechanical, controls, and software components function as an integrated systemIdentify and mitigate integration risks early in the development processSupport system architecture decisions in collaboration with internal and external stakeholdersTesting and ValidationDevelop and execute test plans in both lab and restaurant environmentsEvaluate system performance including throughput, reliability, usability, and cleanabilityAnalyze test results and provide clear recommendations for improvementReal-World Deployment ReadinessTranslate restaurant operational needs into system requirementsEnsure solutions are viable in real-world store environmentsSupport pilot deployments and iterative improvements based on field feedbackRequirements and SpecificationsDevelop functional requirements and system specificationsAlign cross-functional stakeholders on performance expectations and success criteriaEnsure external partners are building to clearly defined requirementsQualificationsMinimum Requirements:Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field5–10 years of experience in automation, robotics, or product developmentExperience working with external vendors, suppliers, or engineering partnersDemonstrated experience supporting systems from prototype through deploymentHands-on experience with prototyping, testing, and system validationAbility to read, interpret, and work with technical documentationStrong problem-solving skills and ability to drive execution in a fast-paced environmentWorking knowledge of CAD and 3D modeling tools (e.g., SolidWorks)Preferred Qualifications:Experience in foodservice, food manufacturing, or similar operational environmentsFamiliarity with simulation tools (e.g., Simio)Working knowledge of CAD and 3D modeling tools (e.g., SolidWorks)Experience with system-level troubleshooting and integration challengesAt Yum!, one of our core values is to Believe in ALL People. This means seeing the value in everyone and unlocking their full potential to be their best self. YUM! Brands, Inc. (including its subsidiaries Yum Restaurant Services Group, LLC ("YRSG") and Yum Connect, LLC ("Yum Digital and Technology") (collectively, "Yum") is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging for all dimensions of diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other protected characteristic. Yum! is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities or special needs.US Job Seekers/Employees - Click here to view the "Know Your Rights" poster and supplement and the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.This posting will be open for a minimum of two weeks. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until a candidate is selected.Beware of fake job postings using Yum! and/or our brand logos -- KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill -- on fraudulent sites. Yum! Brands only posts jobs on official career pages and never asks for money during onboarding. Avoid unsolicited contacts via Telegram, WhatsApp or similar social apps.Job InfoJob Identification 5599Degree Level Bachelor's DegreeJob Schedule Full timeLocations Plano, TX, United States (Hybrid)