Automation Engineer

JOB DESCRIPTION We are a global leader in automotive seating because of our people — a team of adventurous thinkers and passionate high performers who make it all possible. We pride ourselves on being at the vanguard of new industry trends and technologies. When you join Adient, you’ll play an important role in helping us improve the experience of a world in motion. Summary   The Automation   Engineer   provides plant-level strategic and technical leadership for automated manufacturing systems. The   role   owns automation standards,   design   governance , capital execution, launch   readiness, performance improvement, and lifecycle management. Acting as the   approval   authority for new systems and significant modifications, the A utoma tion Engineer   ensures automation solutions are safe , standardized,   maintainable, financially justified, and capable of   stable   production   performance before   transfer   to operations.   Responsibilities   Define,   maintain , and enforce plant automation standards, design specifications,   controls   architecture, documentation requirements, and risk-mitigation protocols.   Review and approve automation concepts, detailed designs, software architectures, safety solutions, modifications, and production launches.   Lead   automation   capital planning and execution, including business cases, ROI analysis, scope development, vendor selection, technical bid evaluation, schedule and budget control, installation, commissioning, and final acceptance.   Coordinate internal stakeholders, equipment suppliers, system integrators, maintenance, operations, IT/OT, quality, and safety teams to deliver compliant and production-ready systems.   Establish launch-readiness criteria and verify that equipment meets safety, quality, cycle-time, reliability, maintainability, documentation, training, and spare-parts requirements before release to production.   Monitor automated-cell performance using OEE, mean time between failures, downtime, throughput, quality, and 30/60/90-day launch-stability metrics; lead corrective actions and escalation for significant performance events.   Own automation lifecycle governance from concept through sustainment, ensuring systems are not transferred to operations until defined stability criteria are   achieved   and no unsupported or “orphaned” systems   remain .   Drive root-cause analysis, continuous improvement, standardization, and replication of proven automation solutions across the plant.   Maintain awareness of emerging automation technologies and recommend practical applications that improve safety, quality, productivity, flexibility, or cost.   ​ Qualifications   Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, industrial, manufacturing, mechatronics, controls, or   a related   engineering discipline.   Seven or more years of progressive experience in manufacturing automation,   controls   engineering, systems integration, or advanced manufacturing engineering.   Demonstrated experience leading automation capital projects valued at $500,000 or more, including technical scope, supplier management, schedule, budget, commissioning, and acceptance.   Working knowledge of lean manufacturing, OEE improvement, structured problem-solving, risk assessment, and equipment-launch processes.   Ability to interpret electrical schematics, mechanical layouts, control narratives, network drawings, safety documentation, and supplier technical proposals.   Strong leadership, decision-making, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to   establish   technical direction and hold stakeholders accountable to standards.   ​ Specific Technical Requirements   PLC and controls:   Advanced understanding of Rockwell Automation ControlLogix and CompactLogix architectures; ability to review ladder logic, structured text, and function block diagrams;   proficiency   navigating and managing projects in   RSLogix   5000 and Studio 5000.   HMI systems:   Ability to review and approve FactoryTalk View SE and ME applications, alarm strategies, operator interfaces, security, and system integration.   Robotics:   Working knowledge of FANUC robot programming and system integration, including Teach Pendant programs, logic validation,   iRVision , Dual Check Safety, CR-series collaborative robot safety concepts, and   Roboguide   simulation.   Vision systems:   Ability to review Keyence CV-X and Cognex In-Sight or   VisionPro   applications, including lighting, inspection criteria, pass/fail thresholds, and vision-to-PLC or vision-to-robot communications.   Industrial networks:   Strong understanding of   EtherNet /IP architecture, device addressing, managed-switch configuration, bandwidth considerations, diagnostics, I/O mapping, tag structures, and communication handshaking.   Industrial cybersecurity:   Working knowledge of OT network segmentation, access control, secure remote support, asset management, backup and recovery, and baseline industrial cybersecurity practices.   Machine safety:   Knowledge of machinery risk assessment and safeguarding principles, including ISO 12100 concepts, safety PLC applications, robot safety, and validation expectations.   ​ Software, Certifications, and Training   Proficiency   with Microsoft Project or equivalent project-tracking software.   Ability to review layouts and technical drawings using AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent software.   Advanced capability with Microsoft Excel and experience with Power BI, Tableau, or comparable data-visualization tools.   PMP, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, or equivalent   project-management   or   continuous-improvement   certification preferred.   OSHA 30-Hour General Industry and   machinery   risk-assessment   training   preferred.   Rockwell Automation and FANUC platform training, including FANUC   HandlingTool   Operations or equivalent, preferre