Automation Engineer

Who is Yum! Brands? Ready to make your mark at an iconic global powerhouse? Join Yum! Brands - the parent company behind KFC, Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill - be a part of our reinvention for Greater Growth. We are a culture-driven company where innovation, collaboration, and passion fuel everything we do. We’re seeking talented individuals to make a difference across our global business. Whether you’re just starting out or stepping into leadership, you’ll help shape our future by delivering results that matter and bringing your smart, heart, and courage to the table. If you’re ready to grow with a company that values curiosity, high performance, and meaningful work—join us. Let’s build the future of Yum! together! 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. 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 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. At Yum!, one of our core values is to Believe in ALL People. This means seeing the value in everyone and unlocking their full potential to be their best self. YUM! Brands, Inc. (including its subsidiaries Yum Restaurant Services Group, LLC (“YRSG”) and Yum Connect, LLC (“Yum Digital and Technology”) (collectively, “Yum”) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging for all dimensions of diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other protected characteristic. Yum! is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities or special needs. US Job Seekers/Employees - Click here to view the “Know Your Rights” poster and supplement and the Pay Transparency Policy Statement. This posting will be open for a minimum of two weeks. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until a candidate is selected. Beware of fake job postings using Yum! and/or our brand logos -- KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill -- on fraudulent sites. Yum! Brands only posts jobs on official career pages and never asks for money during onboarding. Avoid unsolicited contacts via Telegram, WhatsApp or similar social apps.