Research & Development Lab Automation Engineer

Location: Onsite, 5 days a week in Houston, Texas

Bray’s Research and Development Lab is looking for a highly motivated and hands-on R& D Lab Automation Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will design, build, and program automated data acquisition systems to validate Bray’s products, including valves, actuators, and control accessories. As a member of the R& D Lab team, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring the quality, accuracy, and efficiency of our testing processes, contributing to the ongoing success of Bray’s growing product portfolio.

This position offers a unique opportunity to make an immediate impact on Bray’s operations, improve testing methodologies, and introduce innovation into the product validation process.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and Develop Test Systems: Build and program automated data acquisition systems using LabVIEW to validate Bray products, such as valves, actuators, and control accessories.
• Sensor and Instrumentation: Specify and integrate sensors (e.g., load cells, strain gauges, thermocouples, pressure transducers) and other instrumentation for comprehensive testing.
• Test Plan Development: Create detailed test plans to validate product functionality and communicate results clearly to technicians, engineers, and management.
• Automation and Process Improvement: Identify and implement automation opportunities to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of R& D Lab operations.
• Troubleshooting & Maintenance: Resolve issues in automated test systems to ensure minimal downtime and optimal performance.
• Inventory & System Management: Manage inventory for automated test systems and maintain systems such as SharePoint, Teams Sites, Work Request System, and Safety Reporting System.
• Database Management: Develop and maintain the Global R& D Lab Database (Azure CosmosDB) for centralized data access and reporting.
• Team Training: Provide training and guidance to team members on automation tools and best practices.
• Safety Compliance: Ensure adherence to all safety protocols and procedures within the R& D Lab, maintaining a safe working environment.

Qualifications & Core Competencies:

• Work Authorization: Permanent work authorization in the USA required.
• Education: Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Computer, or related field) or equivalent experience.
• Certification: Certified LabVIEW Developer (CLD) certification preferred.
• Experience: 2-5 years of experience as an Automation Engineer or in a similar role.
• Programming Skills: Proficient in LabVIEW (Required), Python (Preferred), # & .NET Framework (Preferred).
• Data Acquisition & Control: Strong experience with real-time data acquisition and instrument control, specifically with the National Instruments DAQmx ecosystem (cDAQ, cRIO, c-Series Modules).
• Cloud & Database Knowledge: Experience with cloud-based services (Azure, etc.), DevOps repository management, and SQL/NoSQL databases.
• Communication Protocols: Knowledge of communication protocols such as Ethernet, MODBUS, RS-485, etc.
• PLC Experience: Familiarity with PLC programming (Siemens, Rockwell) is a plus.

Performance Standards:

• High-quality output with attention to detail.
• Strict adherence to safety procedures and protocols.
• Strong attendance and punctuality.
• Productive and effective team collaboration.

Why Work for Us?

At Bray International, we are the leading provider of industrial valves, actuators, and related control products, renowned for our innovative flow control solutions worldwide. Joining our team means becoming part of a company that values excellence, integrity, and collaboration.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Pay Plans
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy industry-leading benefits effective the first of the month after you have worked 30 days, including:
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Paid holidays and vacation
• 401(k) plan with matching contributions
• Healthy Work Environment: We provide a smoke-free, drug-free workplace to ensure a safe and productive atmosphere for all employees.
• Career Growth: We are committed to your professional development, offering numerous opportunities for advancement within the organization.
• An Exceptional Company Culture: Bray is a Family-owned and operated business with over 30 Years of Engineered Excellence

Immigration sponsorship not offered for this position

Staffing and recruiting agencies are not invited to submit unsolicited candidates for this job posting

Join Bray International and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to shaping the future of flow control solutions!

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)