Advanced Automation Engineer

Magna International•Northwood, OH

About The Position

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. Job Responsibilities: Specific Job Duties: Site Automation Leadership (Norplas Assembly) · Partner with the MEHP/MEBT Automation Lead to ensure consistent automation standards and best practices across all three facilities. · Serve as the primary automation technical lead for the Norplas facility, supporting molding, paint, and assembly operations. · Coordinate automation strategies, upgrades, and issue resolution with production automation teams and cross-shift technical staff. Equipment Development & Engineering Collaboration · Partner with Equipment Project Engineers during concept development, vendor RFQs, design reviews, commissioning, and launch of new automated machinery. · Support Industrial Engineers by evaluating automation needs based on part and process characteristics, cycle time targets, and capacity requirements. · Review automation packages from integrators for logic quality, safety compliance, HMI usability, robotic programming, and data connectivity. Testing, Validation & Launch Support · Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) to validate automation functionality, cycle times, safety systems, and data exchanges. · Ensure all new equipment meets manufacturing and automation performance criteria prior to handoff to production. OT Standardization & System Integration · Implement and maintain OT and automation standards related to PLC programming, HMI development, robotic systems, safety controls, and industrial networking. · Work with the OT Architect to ensure Norplas equipment meets corporate connectivity, cybersecurity, and MES/SCADA integration requirements. · Standardize data structures, tag naming conventions, and communication protocols to support performance monitoring and real-time analytics. Controls, Robotics & Vision Systems · Develop, test, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC logic, HMI interfaces, robotic programs, and process control systems as required. · Lead AI-based vision deployments for paint inspection, molding quality verification, assembly validation, traceability, and predictive quality solutions. · Support maintenance and production by resolving complex electromechanical, controls, and software issues impacting uptime. Factory of the Future (FoF) Initiatives · Lead FoF automation projects at Norplas, introducing advanced robotics, AI-based vision solutions, connected machinery, automated quality systems, and digital manufacturing tools. · Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, throughput, and manufacturing reliability through strategic automation enhancements. Cross-Functional Collaboration · Work closely with production automation teams to align improvements, provide technical training, and ensure adherence to best practices. · Collaborate with the MEHP/MEBT Automation Lead, OT/FoF teams, Industrial Engineering, and Project Engineering to drive cross-site standardization. Awareness, Unity, Empowerment: At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That’s why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. 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 We see a future where everyone can live and move without limitations. That’s why we are developing technologies, systems and concepts that make vehicles safer and cleaner, while serving our communities, the planet and, above all, people. In the right environment, your ideas can turn into industry-changing automotive technologies and improve the lives of people around the world. Let's create the future of mobility, together. Learn more about us: Sustainability Innovation Interview-Tips

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or related field.
3+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls, robotics, or advanced manufacturing systems.
Proficiency with PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley, Siemens), HMI development, robotic programming (Fanuc/ABB/etc.), and vision systems (traditional and AI-based).
Knowledge of OT networking, MES/SCADA integration, secure connectivity standards, and industrial communication protocols.
Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and leadership skills in fast-paced manufacturing environments.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate across engineering, production, maintenance, and IT/OT teams.

Responsibilities

Partner with the MEHP/MEBT Automation Lead to ensure consistent automation standards and best practices across all three facilities.
Serve as the primary automation technical lead for the Norplas facility, supporting molding, paint, and assembly operations.
Coordinate automation strategies, upgrades, and issue resolution with production automation teams and cross-shift technical staff.
Partner with Equipment Project Engineers during concept development, vendor RFQs, design reviews, commissioning, and launch of new automated machinery.
Support Industrial Engineers by evaluating automation needs based on part and process characteristics, cycle time targets, and capacity requirements.
Review automation packages from integrators for logic quality, safety compliance, HMI usability, robotic programming, and data connectivity.
Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) to validate automation functionality, cycle times, safety systems, and data exchanges.
Ensure all new equipment meets manufacturing and automation performance criteria prior to handoff to production.
Implement and maintain OT and automation standards related to PLC programming, HMI development, robotic systems, safety controls, and industrial networking.
Work with the OT Architect to ensure Norplas equipment meets corporate connectivity, cybersecurity, and MES/SCADA integration requirements.
Standardize data structures, tag naming conventions, and communication protocols to support performance monitoring and real-time analytics.
Develop, test, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC logic, HMI interfaces, robotic programs, and process control systems as required.
Lead AI-based vision deployments for paint inspection, molding quality verification, assembly validation, traceability, and predictive quality solutions.
Support maintenance and production by resolving complex electromechanical, controls, and software issues impacting uptime.
Lead FoF automation projects at Norplas, introducing advanced robotics, AI-based vision solutions, connected machinery, automated quality systems, and digital manufacturing tools.
Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, throughput, and manufacturing reliability through strategic automation enhancements.
Work closely with production automation teams to align improvements, provide technical training, and ensure adherence to best practices.
Collaborate with the MEHP/MEBT Automation Lead, OT/FoF teams, Industrial Engineering, and Project Engineering to drive cross-site standardization.