Job Description

About the Job:

We are seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to lead the integration, validation, and deployment of automation solutions that enhance restaurant operations. As A Senior Automation Engineer, you will serve as the bridge between product development and field execution, ensuring systems are reliable, scalable, and ready for real-world implementation.

The Senior Automation Engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams and external partners to drive automation initiatives from concept through rollout. The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer with strong technical expertise and project leadership experience. This person will be able to drive progress, solve integration challenges, and ensure automation systems perform effectively in real-world restaurant environments.

You will be required to attend the Plano, TX office three days per week (Tuesday - Thursday).

Salary Range:

$99,200 - $116,700 + bonus eligibility. This is the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining pay, we'll consider the successful candidate's location, experience, and other job-related factors.

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities:

Program Execution

• Lead day-to-day execution of automation development projects
• Coordinate across internal teams and external engineering partners
• Drive timelines, decision-making, and issue resolution to maintain project momentum

System Integration

• Ensure mechanical, controls, and software components function as an integrated system
• Identify and mitigate integration risks early in the development process
• Support system architecture decisions in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders

Testing and Validation

• Develop and execute test plans in both lab and restaurant environments
• Evaluate system performance including throughput, reliability, usability, and cleanability
• Analyze test results and provide clear recommendations for improvement

Real-World Deployment Readiness

• Translate restaurant operational needs into system requirements
• Ensure solutions are viable in real-world store environments
• Support pilot deployments and iterative improvements based on field feedback

Requirements and Specifications

• Develop functional requirements and system specifications
• Align cross-functional stakeholders on performance expectations and success criteria
• Ensure external partners are building to clearly defined requirements

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
• 5-10 years of experience in automation, robotics, or product development
• Experience working with external vendors, suppliers, or engineering partners
• Demonstrated experience supporting systems from prototype through deployment
• Hands-on experience with prototyping, testing, and system validation
• Ability to read, interpret, and work with technical documentation
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to drive execution in a fast-paced environment
• Working knowledge of CAD and 3D modeling tools (e.g., SolidWorks)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in foodservice, food manufacturing, or similar operational environments
• Familiarity with simulation tools (e.g., Simio)
• Working knowledge of CAD and 3D modeling tools (e.g., SolidWorks)
• Experience with system-level troubleshooting and integration challenges

Benefits:

Employees (and their eligible family members) may enroll in the following types of insurance coverage: medical, dental, vision, legal, and accidental death and dismemberment, as well as FSA/HSA (depending on enrolled medical plan). Yum! also provides short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance. Employees may enroll in our 401(k) plan. Yum! provides 4 weeks of vacation, paid sick leave, 10 paid holidays, a floating day off and 2 paid days for volunteer time each calendar year. To learn more about working at Yum! -Click here.

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