Automation Applications Engineer

JOB DESCRIPTION

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify automation opportunities that can be applied across multiple processes/plants.
• Determine technical feasibility of proposed automation projects.
• Support industrialization strategy for automation considering internal and external resources.
• Develop, maintain and ensure compliance to equipment and process standards including specification, purchasing, design reviews, validation and installation.
• Direct interface with Adient central and Business Unit IT teams
• First responder for automation related issues at JIT and Seat structures plants
• Identify, qualify and develop new equipment suppliers.  Build relationships to ensure fundamental understanding and consistent execution of standards.
• Drive process to evaluate supplier performance, provide feedback and improve execution.
• Coach AME teams through equipment process to train on standards and expectations for execution.
• Define requirements for refurbishment and redeployment of used equipment.
• Provide equipment cost estimating for new program quoting and strategic projects.
• Identify, evaluate and test new technologies for assembly application including robotics, vision systems, augmented reality, artificial intelligence.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of industry experience – automotive interiors experience preferred
• Expertise in identifying automation opportunities and leading projects from idea to implementation
• Experience installing automated equipment such as robot assembly cells and testing equipment.
• Software or application development desired.

Technical Skills:

• Project management - plan development and execution
• Knowledge of PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen Bradley preferred)
• Familiarity with controls systems and other programming languages such as C++
• HMI programming
• Robot cell design and programming
• Industrial networking
• System specification, ordering, run-off, installation, and qualification
• Capital equipment budget planning and tracking.
• Strong computer skills with ability to quickly learn new software/applications.
• Ability to draw two-dimensional layouts in CAD software.
• Analytical problem solving
• Ability to interact with the equipment controls team and IT groups to understand network topology.

Business Skills:

• Ability to effectively influence and work in cooperation with a cross functional team.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills - ability to work in a matrix organization and effectively lead without direct positional authority is required.
• Strong communication, presentation and teamwork skills. Ability to write clear, concise technical documentation.

Leadership Skills:

• Thinks Analytically - The ability to break down problems and gain understanding to make effective decisions.
• Drives for Results - The passion to set and meet high standards of performance.
• Influences Others - The ability to persuade others to support your agenda / Objectives.
• Drives Accountability - The ability to establish clear, measurable goals and deliver on commitments.

Other: Ability to travel 50% in the US to support key initiatives as well as product launches

PRIMARY LOCATION

Central Tech Unit Plymouth MI