Automation & Controls Engineer for AI‑Driven Metallurgical Research

About the role

The Automation & Controls Engineer will lead the integration of metallurgical processing equipment into a closed‑loop, AI‑orchestrated experimental platform. Working within the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, you will translate algorithmic directives into coordinated machine actions and feed structured results back to the decision‑making system.

Key responsibilities

• Automate vacuum arc melting operations, including electrode positioning, chamber sequencing, power profile control, and ingot extraction.
• Develop and execute automated hot‑rolling workflows with pass‑schedule control, temperature monitoring, thickness feedback, and inter‑pass timing.
• Automate mechanical testing routines on universal testing machines and hardness testers, handling specimen loading, test execution, and data capture.
• Design, build, and commission robotic sample‑transfer systems to move specimens between processing, characterization, and testing stations without manual intervention.
• Create Python‑based middleware that receives experimental directives from a Bayesian optimization engine and translates them into coordinated equipment actions.

Required profile

• Proven experience automating laboratory‑scale metallurgical equipment.
• Ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Strong problem‑solving skills applied to control‑system integration.

Required skills

• Python programming
• Bayesian optimization techniques
• Robotics and automated sample handling
• Control systems and instrumentation
• Data acquisition and structured result reporting
• Vacuum arc melting operation
• Hot‑rolling process automation
• Mechanical testing automation