Automation SME Engineer

BAE Systems•Austin, TX

2d•$132,962 - $226,035

About The Position

The Automation SME Engineer will accelerate automation adoption across BAE Systems’ Austin, Texas factories by defining and executing automation roadmaps that support growing product lines and evolving operational needs. The role combines strategic planning, hands-on implementation, cross-functional collaboration, and vendor engagement to drive transformation in a rapidly expanding business area. The engineer identifies automation opportunities, develops data-driven investment cases, partners with internal teams and external vendors, and leads automation projects from requirements definition through deployment and sustainment. The role also supports long-term automation planning, standardized documentation and training, operational readiness, and continuous improvement focused on safety, quality, and operational performance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, or robotics engineering, or a related discipline.
6+ years of experience in factory automation, robotics integration, machine vision, controls engineering, or similar technical fields.
Strong analytical skills, including the ability to develop cost/benefit analyses and evaluate automation return on investment.
Demonstrated experience leading engineering projects in a manufacturing environment.
Effective communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work across diverse technical and operational teams.
Experience working with automation vendors, integrators, or capital equipment suppliers.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a dynamic environment with significant growth.

Nice To Haves

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
Secret Security Clearance.
Defense or aerospace manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

Identify and assess automation opportunities across the Austin manufacturing footprint, focusing on throughput, quality, cost reduction, and ergonomics.
Develop data-driven business cases, ROI analyses, and implementation plans to support automation investment decisions.
Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and other functional groups to scope, design, validate, and deploy automation solutions.
Collaborate with external vendors and system integrators to assess automation expertise, specialized equipment, and integration capabilities.
Support the development and maintenance of long-term automation roadmaps aligned with factory strategies and product line growth.
Lead automation project execution, including requirements definition, equipment selection, factory acceptance testing, installation, commissioning, and sustainment plans.
Drive standardized documentation, training materials, and operational readiness for deployed automation systems.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and use automation to enhance safety, quality, and operational performance.