Controls & Automation Engineer

About the role

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What we offer

• At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies.
• We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed.
• As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects.
• Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.

Group Summary

The Magna Exteriors portfolio of products includes access systems such as liftgates, exterior trim, modular systems, front-end modules including fascia, active aerodynamic systems and other lightweight structural components for automotive, commercial truck and other industrial markets.

Recognized globally as an innovator in all aspects of vehicle exteriors, Magna provides everything needed, from materials development and design through manufacturing and assembly, to help automakers create sleek, state-of-the-art vehicles across the world.

Position Summary

The Controls & Automation Engineer designs, develops, and implements control systems for automated manufacturing processes. The responsibility includes programming PLCs, robotics, ensuring safety, troubleshooting issues and optimizing productions.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Function as a development specialist and Subject Matter Expert with expertise in PLC control systems design, robotics, and other control hardware and software, and related technologies.
• Identify and lead new development projects focusing on new technology concepts, cost savings, global activities and obtaining new business.
• Create & execute goals, timing and cost for project(s).
• Track & evaluate emerging technologies. Monitor and benchmark competitors.
• Communicate/coordinate projects between divisions, sales, targeted programs, customer needs and corporate representative on behalf of the Manufacturing strategy department.
• Assist with the selection, installation, and testing of manufacturing equipment.
• Support Exteriors and Sales group in pursuing new business including planning of Greenfields and Brownfield.
• Participate as a lead member of the Global Expert Team to coordinate development activities across all of Exteriors and Magna worldwide.
• Research, support, and implement new technologies for Magna Exteriors Manufacturing Processes.
• Identify design improvements and create design specifications for a variety of complex product components to obtain operational, cost, quality, and/or manufacturing feasibility improvements.
• Analyze highly complex design and process problems and formulates engineering conclusions by the application of engineering and/or mathematical principles.
• Consult with cross functional groups in various engineering activities relative to the design, prototype, and experimental construction of product components.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, MP&L operations, IT/OT, and advanced robotics to align virtual models with real-world conditions.
• Troubleshooting complex situations involving multiple variables and conditions with minimum supervision.
• Contribute to the standardization, provide technical documentation, present findings, and assist in the development of global assembly best practices and standards.
• Follow operational procedures, work-standards, and divisional guidelines with minimum supervision
• Implement Industry 4.0, IoT, machine learning, MES, and data analytics solutions.

Technical Skills

• Bachelor's or master's degree in industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, computer science, or a related field.
• Over 7 years of experience in assembly equipment, secondary equipment controls, and automation.
• Proficiency in PLC and robotics programming, along with related hardware component knowledge.
• Programming or scripting skills (e.g., Python, Java, SCL, or SQL) are a significant plus.
• Experience in automotive or high-volume manufacturing is preferred.
• The ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues during the assembly process is essential.
• Knowledge of assembly solutions, machines, systems, and operations (such as AI vision inspection, AGV/AMRs, Poka Yoke, welding, milling, bonding, punching, etc.) is a strong asset.
• Ability to work within cross-functional and cross-regional teams and manage multiple priorities.

Other Job Elements

• Represent our company professionally, and with a high level of integrity and enthusiasm.
• Develop customer relationships that support our ability to be successful.
• Effectively network and communicate to utilize resources within the company.
• Effective Communication with Employees, Managers, Divisions and Customers globally.
• Keen to learn new and state of the art technologies and processes for mass production applications.
• Ability to learn and utilize new software.
• Other job duties as required and/or assigned.

Qualifications

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability and/or physical demands required.
• Education/Skills/Special Knowledge - University degree related to Manufacturing or Engineering. Equivalent job experience also acceptable.

Physical Demands/Work Environment - Normal amount of sitting or standing, average mobility to move around office and manufacturing environments, ability to perform a normal amount of work at a computer, and regular presence on the shop floor to support operations and projects. Domestic and international travel may be required and may last several weeks at a time.

Awareness, Unity, Empowerment

• At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success.
• Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously.
• We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.

AI-Assisted Screening Disclosure

As part of our commitment to a fair, consistent, and efficient recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system. These tools help identify qualifications and experience that align with the role requirements. Please note that AI is used solely to support our recruiters.

• Final decisions are always made by the hiring manager and the hiring team.
• Importantly, no applicant data is shared externally through these AI tools.
• All information remains securely within our systems and is handled in accordance with our privacy and data protection policies.

• Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to request an explanation of how AI is used to support decision-making.
• If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact our Talent Attraction team.
• Worker Type: Regular / Permanent
• Group: Magna Exteriors