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Senior Automation Controls Engineer (San Jose)

ZipRecruiter, San Jose

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Job DescriptionJob Description

Union Technologies is reindustrializing Americas 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 Americas 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. Read more in our Press Release

Job Summary

We are seeking a Senior / Lead Automation Engineer to architect, implement, and continuously refine fullscale automation solutions across our advanced manufacturing operations. You will own the automation roadmapfrom concept and capital justification through deployment, ramp, and lifecycle optimizationdriving safety, productivity, and quality at enterprise scale.

Key Responsibilities:

Automation Strategy & Roadmap

Define multiyear automation vision aligned with business objectives and CapEx plans.
Prioritize highimpact projects using ROI, risk, and throughput models.
Present strategic proposals to executive leadership and investors.

System Design & Integration

Lead endtoend 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 Improvement

Drive OEE, cycletime, and yield improvements through data analytics and iterative tuning.
Implement predictive maintenance, IIoT, and machinelearning initiatives.

Compliance & Leadership

Mentor a team of controls engineers, technicians, and external integrators.
Cultivate a culture of disciplined experimentationmeasured power, intelligently applied.

Minimum Qualifications

  • B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Controls Engineering (M.S. ).

  • 10+ years progressive experience in automation, robotics, or advanced manufacturing; 5+ years in a lead or stafflevel role.

  • Expert in at least one major robot platform (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa) and one PLC family (AllenBradley, Siemens).

  • Strong grasp of OT networking (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, OPC UA) and MES/SCADA integration.

  • Proven leadership of crossfunctional teams and external integrators.

  • Excellent communication skillsable to translate technical detail into business impact for executives and investors.

/ Bonus Skills

  • Experience in defense or aerospace manufacturing environments (AS9100, ITAR).

  • Familiarity with metal forging manufacturing, machine vision, or AIdriven process control .

  • PMP or equivalent projectmanagement certification.

Join us in transforming the future of manufacturing.

Compensation Range: $115K - $232K

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