Automation Engineer Manager Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a skilled Automation Engineer to plan, commission, and continuously optimize factory-wide automation systems. This role involves working with AGV fleets, OHT, Smart Inventory, robotics, and other automated material handling solutions to support high-volume optical module manufacturing.

• Serve as the technical leader, establishing system architecture, engineering standards, preventive maintenance strategies, and long-term technology roadmaps.
• Lead automation integration projects with manufacturing equipment, including SECS/GEM, E84, MES, WMS, and factory control systems, ensuring seamless communication between automation systems and production tools.
• Manage automation vendors throughout the project lifecycle, including system specification, design review, FAT/SAT, installation, qualification, acceptance, warranty management, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Lead root cause analysis for complex mechanical, electrical, controls, communication, and software issues affecting AGV, OHT, Smart Inventory, and other automation infrastructures.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Process, Facilities, IT, Quality, EHS, and Production teams to define automation requirements for new production lines and factory expansion projects.
• Lead cleanroom automation layout planning, traffic simulation, routing optimization, charging station placement, and material flow analysis to maximize manufacturing efficiency.
• Develop engineering specifications, SOPs, equipment standards, maintenance documentation, troubleshooting guides, and engineering change procedures.
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to automation engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel through training, coaching, and technical guidance.
• Support occasional international travel (approximately 10–15%) for supplier audits, equipment acceptance, factory integration, and technical collaboration.
• Provide technical support during critical production events, new product introductions (NPI), major software deployments, and factory expansion activities.

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Automation, Systems, etc.)
• 3+ years of industrial automation experience
• Expertise in automation engineering, robotics, semiconductor, electronics, and controls programming
• Hardware experience with OHT, AMR AGV, or AGV | AMR
• SEC/GEM Protocol experience
• PLC-based control systems experience
• Experience with large scale automation projects (robotics, conveyors, or automated warehouse systems)
• Troubleshooting in electrical, software, networking, and automation control systems

• Experience with optical transceiver or optical module assembly & testing processes
• Experience in automation, troubleshooting, electrical, and controls engineering
• Experience with silicone fabs and compound fabs

This position is based onsite in Sugar Land. The work environment involves close collaboration with various teams including Manufacturing, Process, Facilities, IT, Quality, EHS, and Production, ensuring optimal integration and functionality of automation systems.

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

The pay range for this position is $95000.00 - $115000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

MedicalDentalVision401k2 check bonuses

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

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 9, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.