Automation SME Engineer

Job Description
The Automation SME Engineer will play a critical role in accelerating automation adoption across the Austin, TX factories. This individual will define and execute automation roadmaps that support our growing product lines and evolving operational needs. The role combines strategic planning, hands on implementation, cross functional collaboration, and vendor engagement. It is an exciting opportunity to drive meaningful transformation within a rapidly expanding business area.
Key Responsibilities

• Identify and assess automation opportunities across the ATX 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 closely 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 leverage automation to enhance safety, quality, and operational performance.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Robotics Engineering, or 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 communicator with strong collaboration skills and 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

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• Secret Security Clearance
• Defense/Aerospace manufacturing experience

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems, Inc.
BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.
Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.