Summary
We are seeking an Automation Engineer to support the implementation, commissioning, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the whole fab automation systems, including AGV fleets, Overhead Hoist Transport (OHT), Smart Inventory, robotics, and other related automation technologies within the Optical Module Department. In this role, you will collaborate with automation vendors and cross-functional teams to configure, test, validate, and maintain automated material handling systems, equipment interfaces, and hardware-to-tool communications, ensuring reliable operation, high system uptime, smooth production ramp-up, and effective training for operations and maintenance personnel.
Job Duties
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Oversee preventive maintenance, wheel/drive calibration, mechanical troubleshooting, battery health management, and emergency repairs on OHT, AGV vehicles, automated charging docks, and other automated systems.
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Develop comprehensive training programs and lead hands-on technical training for new automation technicians.
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Troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, or software-related vehicle routing faults and drive root-cause corrective actions to minimize assembly floor downtime and safeguard sensitive optoelectronic components.
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Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions, and safety training documentations, emergency recovery protocols, and hardware maintenance.
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Perform and document Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) for newly acquired vendor OHTs, AGVs, charging stations, and other automated systems.
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Support cleanroom floor layout design, travel aisle marking, and fleet routing flow optimization to improve material handling efficiency, eliminate traffic bottlenecks, and enhance operator safety.
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Expect 5% to 10% international travel for automation supplier visits, equipment qualification, or line setup activities.
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Overtime may be required during fleet ramp-up, major software deployments, or new line setup activities.
Qualifications
Required:
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Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Automation, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
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Experience or strong technical familiarity with industrial automated material handling systems (AMHS), mobile robotics, OHT, AGV/AMR hardware, or other automated electronics assembly systems.
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Ability to read mechanical and electrical schematics, understand automation hardware logic, and troubleshoot mechanical systems.
Preferred:
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3+ years of experience in automation engineering, robotics, or high-tech manufacturing equipment validation.
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Solid knowledge of optical transceiver or optical module assembly and testing processes.
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Bilingual in Chinese (Mandarin) is a plus.
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Working experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks or equivalent 3D modeling software. Familiarity with fleet management software, or common programming language environments is beneficial.
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Experience with PLC programming or industrial automation controls is beneficial
Location
This position will be on-site based in Sugar Land, Texas.
WHY AOI?
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Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual needs
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Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals
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Unused PTO payout at end of the year
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Relocation package available within US
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Immigration sponsorships (Must be currently authorized to work in the US)
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Automation, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, or a related field
- Experience or strong technical familiarity with industrial automated material handling systems, mobile robotics, OHT, AGV/AMR hardware, or automated electronics assembly systems
- Ability to read mechanical and electrical schematics
- Understanding of automation hardware logic
- Ability to troubleshoot mechanical systems
- 3+ years of experience in automation engineering, robotics, or high-tech manufacturing equipment validation
- Knowledge of optical transceiver or optical module assembly and testing processes
- Bilingual Chinese Mandarin language skills
- Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent 3D modeling software
- Familiarity with fleet management software
- Experience with PLC programming or industrial automation controls
What We Do
Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. | NASDAQ: AAOI AOI is a leading designer and manufacturer of fiber optic networking products. We primarily serve three growing end-markets: cable television broadband, fiber-to-the-home, and internet data centers. We are vertically integrated with a product portfolio from laser chips, components, sub-assemblies and modules, to complete turn-key equipment. All three of our end-markets are driven by bandwidth demand fueled by the growth of network connected devices, such as video traffic, cloud computing and online social networking. To address this increased demand, CATV and telecommunications service providers are investing to improve their networks in competition to deliver voice, video, and data services to their subscribers. Rising bandwidth consumption is also driving demand for higher speed server connections in the internet data center market. As a result of these trends, fiber optic networking technology has become fundamental in all three of our target markets to meet these needs. Our vertical integration, broad product lines, and in-house design capability uniquely position AOI to serve these markets and offer us the flexibility to address tomorrow's fiber optic applications. To learn more about our company and products, we invite you to visit our website. Website www.ao-inc.com Facebook tinyurl.com/ycxcsbwx Instagram tinyurl.com/rqsbpk5 Twitter tinyurl.com/rd6dtvn
