Robotics Engineering Manager

AFL · Dallas, TX

Level: Manager
Team: Controls
Travel: 100%
Degree: Required (or equivalent experience)
Experience asked: 8+ years
Industry: Industrial
Posted: 30+ days ago

The role in 30 seconds

A management controls role at AFL (industrial) in Dallas, TX. Hands-on experience with industrial or mobile robotics in material handling/logistics.

They ask for: 8+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience)
Tools it names: Lean, Six Sigma, PLC, Robotics, Automation, MES
Day to day: about 100% travel

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026

Controls Engineer roles in Texas: typical posted base $98k–$158k.

Median of the low and high ends of 14 live postings that list pay, out of 92 controls engineer openings in Texas, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.

Texas plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →

How this role compares

Against 91 other live controls postings in Texas.

Base pay: Not listed in this posting
Experience asked: More than usual (8+ vs 4+)

Skills these teams ask for most

✓ PLC 78%
✓ Automation 77%
✓ Robotics 41%
EHS / safety 27%
Python 26%
Root cause 25%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for Lean, Six Sigma, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 8+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone doing this work there first.

At a glance

Promotion path mentioned

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at AFL
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- The posting says about 100% travel. Between which sites?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

This plant: AFL in Dallas

1 other open role at this site.

Fiber Optic Process Technician · Process · Technician

Full description from AFLAs posted on their careers site.Show

Required Qualifications

✓Bachelor’s degree in Robotics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
✓Minimum 8+ years of experience in robotics, automation, or material handling system implementation, including at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role overseeing engineering teams.
✓Hands-on experience with industrial or mobile robotics in material handling/logistics.
✓Strong understanding of automation systems, PLCs, HMIs, sensors, actuators, and safety systems.
✓Experience with robotic simulation tools and offline programming preferred.
✓Familiarity with warehouse automation concepts such as WMS/MES interfaces.

Preferred Qualifications

✓Experience with AMRs, AGVs, or fleet management systems.
✓Knowledge of industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, OPC UA).
✓Exposure to lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
✓Willingness to travel as required.
✓Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
✓Effective communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
✓Ability to manage multiple priorities and support projects across different stages.

Show full description ↓

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $4B in revenue, and employ approximately 12,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.

What We Offer

•A hybrid in office schedule for qualifying employees
•Flexible time off policy
•401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)
•Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
•Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
•Opportunities for career advancement with an industry leading company!

We are seeking a Robotics Engineering Manager based in our Dallas Business Center in Dallas, TX. A fter gaining knowledge of our environment, there is the opportunity for this position to work under our Hybrid schedule working both in the office and remotely.There will be times that travel or periodic 100% onsite work may be required.

The Robotics Engineering Manager – Material Handling Systems leads the design, integration, deployment, and optimization of robotic and automated solutions in material handling environments. This management role is responsible for overseeing a team of 2-3 robotics engineers, ensuring project delivery, technical excellence, and continuous improvement in throughput, accuracy, safety, and operational efficiency.

Team Leadership & Management

•Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of 2-3 robotics engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
•Provide technical guidance, set priorities, and conduct regular performance reviews.
•Allocate resources and manage workloads to ensure timely project completion.
•Facilitate professional development and training for team members.
•System Design and Integration
•Oversee the design of robotic solutions for material handling applications such as palletizing, picking, sorting, and autonomous transport.
•Ensure integration of industrial robots, AMRs, conveyors, sensors, vision systems, and safety components.

Programming and Controls

•Guide the team in programming and configuring robotic systems using OEM platforms (e.g., FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa).
•Oversee development and troubleshooting of PLC and motion control logic.
•Deployment and Commissioning
•Lead on-site installation, commissioning, and acceptance testing of robotic material handling systems.
•Ensure compliance with safety standards and internal engineering guidelines.

Continuous Improvement and Optimization

•Analyze system performance data and drive initiatives for reliability, uptime, scalability, and maintainability.
•Support retrofits and upgrades to existing systems.
•Cross-Functional Collaboration
•Collaborate with operations, maintenance, IT, and safety teams to align solutions with business needs.
•Provide technical documentation and training to stakeholders.

Working Conditions

•Combination of office-based engineering work and on-site support in warehouse or manufacturing environments.
•May require occasional off-hours or weekend support during system go-lives or critical upgrades.