Automation & Controls Engineer (AI)

Location: Main Campus, College Station, Texas, United States; onsite role

Company

Texas A&M Engineering is the research and technology-transfer arm of the Texas A&M University System, focused on engineering research, workforce development, and applied solutions.

What you will do

• Automate vacuum arc melting, hot rolling, and mechanical testing workflows.
• Design and commission robotic sample-transfer systems connecting processing, characterization, and testing stations.
• Develop Python middleware that converts Bayesian optimization directives into coordinated PLC commands.
• Implement real-time acquisition from thermocouples, load cells, encoders, and imaging systems, structuring outputs for AI/ML pipelines.
• Design safety interlocks, error recovery, and fail-safe routines for unattended high-temperature and high-force equipment.
• Diagnose issues across electrical, mechanical, and software systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Six years of related experience.
• Proficiency in Python for instrument control, scripting, and automation.
• Ability to read and create electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Strong hardware and software troubleshooting skills.
• Employment requires completion of the US Form I-9 and proof of authorization to work in the United States.

Nice to have

• Experience with PLC programming, including Allen-Bradley or Siemens, and HMI development.
• Experience interfacing with scientific, industrial, or manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with industrial robots, motion control, ROS/ROS2, LabVIEW, or data-acquisition frameworks.
• Research laboratory, national laboratory, metals-processing, computer-vision, or high-temperature/high-force equipment experience.
• Familiarity with AI/ML workflow integration, APIs, data pipelines, digital twins, or simulation-based testing.

Culture & Benefits

• Medical, prescription, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options.
• Defined-benefit retirement plan with an 8.25% employer contribution, plus voluntary retirement programs.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• LinkedIn Learning, professional development opportunities, tuition assistance, and educational release time.
• Wellness programs and release time supporting health and work-life balance.

Hiring process

• Submit a resume or CV, three work references including at least one supervisor or former supervisor, and a letter of interest if requested.
• Employment is subject to credential verification, a criminal history investigation, and required federal employment-eligibility verification.