Automation Engineer

I. General Summary: Plan, organize, oversee design, and supervise smart factory automation projects to improve plant operating performance, quality, productivity, and profitability within North American operations. Plan, coordinate, and direct automation projects which support major/minor model introduction. Support with planned and unplanned scope to maximize effectiveness during implementation.

Essential Job Functions:
A. Develop electrical and controls system design solutions based on engineering principles and involvement.
B. Presentation of solutions to multifunctional groups.
C. Provide technical support to external and internal customers in time of need.
D. Resolve operational problems related to projects and minimize delays as well as incurred costing.
E. Responsible for project success as project leader or as part of a project team.
F. Ensure all relevant safety objectives and legal requirements are observed for all work completed.
G. Support sales team in pre-sales technical concept and budgeting activities.
H. Interpret client requirements, identify and address design parameters, engineering problems, and
ensure solutions are implemented accurately/within budget.
I. Analyze project requirements and perform technical calculations supporting design to meet ANSI, OSHA, and NEC standards.
J. Create and finalize designs to meet project requirements.
K. Ensure creation of Bill of Materials.
L. Define equipment and parts from external suppliers.
M. Conduct costing and time estimation of projects.
N. Oversee project workflow and support internal/external resources to ensure timely delivery of
projects, expected quality, and allotted budget.
O. Utilization of offline simulation software to ensure machine performance prior to implementation.
P. Support manufacture builds and validation of systems.
Q. Support/understanding of various communication protocols.
R. Create customer documentation such as user manuals, programming diagrams, network diagrams, electrical drawings, and technical WIS.
S. Ability to architect programs that are simple to test, well documented and versatile.

II. Project Completion:
A. Maintain accurate records and filing according to quality standard.
B. Commission smart systems remotely and onsite.
C. Service of machines and systems.
D. Modification of systems upon customer's request and documentation of amendments accordingly. (Change point management)
E. Provide high quality design-in and post-implementation technical support to customers.
F. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

III. Minimum Qualifications/Requirements:
Education:
* Bachelor's degree in engineering required, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Experience in the following:

* Minimum 8 years of diversified and progressively responsible experience in a world class
manufacturing environment required.
* Minimum 4 years of leadership experience in a professional environment required.
* Prefer manufacturing experience in automotive interior components (e.g. Frame Welding, Assembly, Urethane, Injection, with ability to cross over into other processes)
* Managing projects from design to production.
* Previous budget management experience required.
* Experience with cost structure, cost reduction, and return on investment strategies.
* Experience with PFMEA (Process Failure Mode Analysis)
* Experience in Smart factory technologies (AMR, ASRS, Robotic palletizing, Robotic pick and place systems, laser etching)

IV. Personal/Technical Skills:
* Effective leadership skills and strong communication skills
* Ability to work with a dynamic team and a demanding customer
* Ability to present financial information in support of the company's goals
* Excellent time management skills
* PLC programming/support experience of 10 years: Allen Bradley, Keyence, Mitsubishi, Omron, Siemens, and various safety controllers.
* HMI's programming/support experience of 10 years - Panelview plus, Keyence, GOT, Proface
* AMR's and fleet software installation- MIR, Otto
* ASRS (Automated storage retrieval systems) and smart racking.
* Basic fundamentals of networking and switch configuration
* Knowledgeable with Device net, control net, various serial communication protocols, ethernet IP, TCP/IP.
* Vision system integration and support. (e.g. Keyence, Cognex)
* Thorough knowledge of the principles/theories of world class manufacturing and engineering
practices.
* Must be knowledgeable of company products, terminology, design specifications, quality standards,
manufacturing processes, procedures, and equipment.
* Technical knowledge related to assigned product line.
* Must be creative and innovative.
* Analytical thinking, judgment and problem solving skills are required.
* Close mental concentration and attention to detail are required.
* General understanding and working knowledge of manufacturing, assembly, and welding equipment
and tooling including design, automation, robotics, or manufacturing processes (and all secondary
related processes) relating to automotive interiors.
* Basic understanding and working knowledge of the industrial equipment and manufacturing processes
relating to seat assembly.
* Ability to read component, assembly, equipment drawings, and have an understanding of Geometric
Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).Practical experience applying Toyota Production System
(TPS) principles in an automotive environment.
* Advanced math skills.
* Show and maintain professionalism.
* Effective project management skills.
* Proven managerial and leadership ability.
* Ability to adopt a self-directed work style.
* Excellent problem solving and people skills.
* Able to work in a fast paced, multicultural work environment.
* Ability to be a team leader and maintain composure in stressful situations.
* Active listener with effective leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to function both independently and with good judgment in a team environment.
* Ability to communicate and work well with all levels inside and outside of the organization.
* Ability to multitask and work efficiently within time constraints/deadlines.
* Ability to work effectively in both strategic and tactical roles.

Language Skills:
* Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
* Japanese or Spanish would be helpful but are not required.

Computer/Software:
* Solid proficient in Microsoft office software (e.g. Excel, Word, Powerpoint, One note, visio)
* Solid works, AutoCAD, and CATIA experience is preferred.

V. Work Environment/Conditions:
Office: Open Office Environment, moderate noise level.
Plant: Standard automotive plant environment with moderate noise level. PPE (Personal Protective
Equipment) such as safety glasses, steel toe shoes, hearing protection, etc. may be required in engineering, manufacturing, or industrial areas. Personal attire standards may apply.

VI. Travel: Must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South America, and Japan

VII. Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the team member is required to talk, see, and hear. The team member must be capable of walking, sitting, and standing for extended periods of time. May be occasionally required to lift up to 30 lbs. Ability to sit and work on a computer for extensive periods of time is required.

VIII. Disclaimer: This job description is intended to identify the general nature and level of work performed by team members within this classification, as well as certain essential job functions. It is not intended, and should not be interpreted, as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of team members assigned to this job. To qualify for this job, however, a team member must be able to perform its essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Under no circumstances may this job description be construed as altering the at-will nature of the employment relationship between TBA and any team member.

EOE