Who We Want:We are seeking an OT Automation Engineer to lead automation initiatives across multiple automotive plants. This role ensures high-performance, secure, and reliable OT/automation systems, including Rockwell PLCs, HMIs, and robotics systems are deployed and optimized to support high-volume production, Industry 4.0 initiatives, and new vehicle program launches.
The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in automation and robotics with multi-plant operational experience, driving efficiency, uptime, quality, and cross-functional collaboration.
What You Will Do:- Lead design, deployment, and optimization of multi-plant automation systems, including Rockwell PLCs, HMIs, and robotics.
- Develop and standardize automation and controls practices across all plants to ensure consistency, reliability, and compliance with automotive standards (IATF 16949, ISO 10218).
- Oversee integration of automation systems with MES, SCADA, IIoT, and analytics platforms for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.
- Implement Industry 4.0 initiatives, including AI/ML for predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and quality monitoring.
- Collaborate with Production, Engineering, OT, and IT teams to optimize throughput, line efficiency, uptime, and quality KPIs.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation and robotics issues across multiple sites, ensuring rapid recovery and minimal production impact.
- Support new vehicle program launches and plant expansions with robust automation integration, testing, and commissioning.
- Evaluate, recommend, and deploy emerging automation technologies, including collaborative robots (cobots), AMRs, AGVs, and digital twin solutions.
- Establish automation KPIs, monitor performance across plants, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Mentor and develop Controls & Robotics Engineers and technicians across sites.
- Ensure OT cybersecurity and secure connectivity for automation and robotics systems, in collaboration with IT/OT teams.
- Maintain detailed SOPs, technical documentation, system manuals, and disaster recovery plans for multi-plant operations.
- Participate in lean manufacturing initiatives and automation optimization projects.
Required Qualifications:- Associates degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Robotics Engineering.
- 5+ years of industrial automation experience in multi-plant automotive manufacturing.
- Hands-on experience with Rockwell PLCs, HMIs, and robotics systems (Fanuc, ABB, Kawasaki).
- Proven ability to standardize automation practices across multiple plants.
- Experience integrating automation systems with MES, SCADA, IIoT, and analytics platforms.
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, with a track record of multi-site issue resolution.
- Multi-plant project management and new vehicle launch experience.
Preferred Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technology Management, or Industrial Automation.
- 10+ years of multi-plant industrial automation and robotics experience.
- Robotics vendor certifications (Fanuc, ABB, Kawasaki).
- Experience with cobots, AMRs, AGVs, and AI/ML integration.
- Familiarity with Industry 4.0, digital twin, and predictive maintenance solutions.
- Automotive launch/change management experience in high-volume manufacturing.
- Leadership experience managing cross-functional OT and automation teams.
