Manufacturing Equipment Development Engineer

Location: Austin, Texas

Job ID: 51696HID Global is seeking a Manufacturing Equipment Development Engineer to be an integral member of the Manufacturing Engineering team in Austin. This role is responsible for identifying manufacturing equipment needs, developing equipment strategies, evaluating technologies and suppliers, and leading the implementation of manufacturing equipment solutions that improve safety, quality, capacity, and operational performance. The Manufacturing Equipment Development Engineer serves as the technical lead throughout the equipment lifecycle, from opportunity identification and requirements development through supplier evaluation, equipment acquisition, installation, validation, training, optimization, and lifecycle management. The role requires a blend of equipment engineering expertise, project leadership, supplier management, and manufacturing process knowledge to successfully deploy equipment solutions across HID manufacturing operations. While capable of developing custom automation and equipment solutions when required, the primary focus of this role is evaluating, specifying, and implementing manufacturing equipment that supports HID's strategic manufacturing objectives. The engineer will collaborate globally with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Product Engineering, Quality, Procurement, and external equipment suppliers to deliver robust and scalable manufacturing solutions. As our Manufacturing Equipment Development Engineer, you'll support HID's success by: Identifying manufacturing equipment opportunities that improve safety, quality, productivity, throughput, and cost. Partnering with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Product Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to define equipment requirements and business needs. Developing equipment specifications, user requirement documents, statements of work, and technical procurement packages. Researching and evaluating manufacturing technologies, automation solutions, and equipment suppliers to identify the best technical and commercial solutions. Leading RFQ, RFI, and supplier evaluation activities including technical reviews, quotation analysis, and supplier selection. Developing equipment roadmaps and technology strategies that support current and future manufacturing requirements. Leading capital equipment projects from concept through commissioning, validation, and production release. Coordinating factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), installation, startup, and production qualification activities. Providing technical leadership during equipment implementation, troubleshooting, optimization, and continuous improvement activities. Developing equipment standards, spare parts strategies, maintenance recommendations, and lifecycle management plans. Collaborating with global manufacturing sites to support equipment deployment, standardization, and best-practice sharing. Evaluating opportunities for custom equipment development, automation, machine modifications, and productivity improvements when commercially available solutions do not fully meet business requirements. Maintaining technical documentation including specifications, validation records, equipment standards, supplier information, and operating procedures. Observing and evaluating manufacturing processes to identify equipment, automation, and process improvement opportunities. Translating manufacturing needs into clear technical requirements and equipment specifications. Leading equipment feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses, ROI evaluations, and technology assessments. Working directly with suppliers to develop equipment concepts, quotations, layouts, implementation plans, and delivery schedules. Managing equipment procurement activities including technical negotiations and supplier performance reviews. Serving as project manager for equipment implementation projects, including budget, schedule, risk, and stakeholder management. Coordinating installation and startup activities with Production, Facilities, Quality, IT, EHS, and supplier teams. Developing training plans and ensuring successful knowledge transfer to operators, technicians, and support personnel. Supporting new product introductions through equipment selection, process development, and manufacturing readiness activities. Troubleshooting equipment issues and driving corrective actions to improve reliability and performance. Support global manufacturing initiatives involving equipment modernization, capacity expansion, and technology upgrades. Developing custom mechanical, electrical, controls, or software enhancements when required to improve equipment functionality or performance. Your Experience and Background include: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field.7+ years of manufacturing equipment engineering, capital equipment implementation, automation engineering, or related technical experience. Demonstrated experience leading equipment projects from concept through production implementation. Strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Proven ability to work independently and within cross-functional global teams. Experience specifying, sourcing, purchasing, installing, and qualifying manufacturing equipment. Knowledge of capital project management, supplier management, and manufacturing technology assessments. Experience with manufacturing technologies including automation, robotics, vision systems, material handling, printing, assembly, inspection, converting, programming, or similar industrial equipment. Familiarity with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), IQ/OQ/PQ validation methodologies, and production qualification processes. Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement methodologies. Experience supporting global manufacturing operations and multi-site equipment deployments. Experience with automation controls, PLCs, motion systems, industrial networking, and machine vision systems. Ability to develop custom equipment modifications and automation solutions when required. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project management experience preferred. What we can offer you: Competitive salary and rewards package Competitive benefits and annual leave offering, allowing for work-life balance A vibrant, welcoming & inclusive culture Extensive career development opportunities and resources to maximize your potential To be a part of a global organization that is pioneering the hardware, software and services that allow people to confidently navigate the physical and digital worldsHID does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. We are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. HID is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce that reflects the global communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Our goal is to create a workplace that empowers everyone to thrive and be their authentic selves, fostering an environment of mutual respect and inclusivity.