AI/ML Automation Engineer

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world. A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary.

To support our extraordinary teams who build great products and contribute to our growth, we’re looking to add an Automation and AI/ML engineer located onsite in Austin, TX.

Reporting to the Sr Director, Operations Engineering the AI/ML Automation engineer is responsible for specifying, designing and maintaining automation equipment, tooling and applications as required to meet specifications.

What a typical day looks like:

• Design, program, and support automation equipment using PLCs, robotics, IIoT devices, sensors, and electrical systems.
• Provide hands-on engineering support from concept through implementation and ramp.
• Serve as a subject matter expert, identifying new automation opportunities and ensuring ROI-driven, capex-backed initiatives.
• Develop and maintain documentation, troubleshoot and optimize systems
• Lead the development and execution of CEC-wide AI/ML and automation strategy, driving scalable solutions aligned with business and data goals.
• Design, build, and deploy AI-enabled automation systems (including data pipelines, vision systems, edge/cloud architectures, and MLOps)
• Provide hands-on engineering support from concept through implementation and ramp.
• Standardize automation and AI/ML platforms across sites, and lead cross-functional forums to promote knowledge sharing and solution reuse.
• Collaborate with vendors and operations to ensure reliability, spare parts readiness, and preventive maintenance.
• Support system deployment at customer sites and ongoing service needs.
• Travel within the US up to 10%.

The experience we’re looking to add to our team

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related discipline
• 5+ years of relevant experience
• PLC programming (structured text, ladder logic)
• Electrical design & CAD schematics experience
• Lean Six Sigma/DRM Green Belt preferred
• Automation equipment design/build for manufacturing
• Vision systems experience (Cognex, Keyence) and imaging fundamentals
• Familiarity with industrial protocols (Modbus TCP, PROFINET, SLMP, EtherNet/IP)
• Component evaluation and qualification experience
• Knowledge of regulated documentation practices
• Strong multitasking, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to quickly learn new technologies

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Flex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email [email protected] and we'll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance. To be considered for a position at Flex, you must complete the application process first).