Automation Engineer (LAP)

Ford • Louisville, KY

2d • $84,480 - $141,360 • Onsite

About The Position

The Automation Engineer at Louisville Assembly Plant applies designs, implements, and optimizes automated control systems, robotics, and industrial machinery to maximize manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and operational safety. The plant is undergoing a transformation as the future home of the Ford Fathom, described as the first truck built on Ford's Universal Electric Vehicle platform.

The role focuses on advanced material-handling technologies such as AMRs, AGVs, automated dock systems, and ASRS. It involves evaluating and implementing new logistics technologies; integrating automation with ERP, WMS, and MES systems; and supporting automation, digitalization, and smart factory initiatives. The engineer also applies Lean/continuous improvement principles and supports plant launches, new line installations, technology ramp-ups, and automation project performance validation.

The position is day shift, with the ability to work alternate shifts as business needs dictate. It is salary grade 7, with a stated range of $84,480–$141,360. Visa sponsorship is not available, and candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation, or related experience.
• At least 3 years of experience in automation or manufacturing operations; related internship or co-op experience is included.
• Experience in high-volume manufacturing or automotive environments.
• Validated experience managing a unionized workforce.
• Hands-on experience with AMRs, AGVs, and automated dock systems.
• Experience defining requirements, layouts, and traffic logic for AMR/AGV systems.
• Understanding of fleet management systems, task orchestration, and exception handling.
• Experience with ASRS material storage and retrieval systems.
• PLC experience and working knowledge of PLC interfaces, sensors, scanners, and safety systems.
• Strong data analysis skills using Excel, Power BI, SQL, or similar tools.
• Must be able to work alternate shifts as business needs dictate.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of Allen-Bradley and Siemens systems.

Responsibilities

• Apply designs, implement, and optimize automated control systems, robotics, and industrial machinery to maximize manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and operational safety.
• Evaluate, pilot, implement, and optimize new logistics technologies.
• Define functional requirements, layouts, and traffic logic for AMR/AGV systems.
• Coordinate with automation vendors and system integrators.
• Integrate AMR/AGV systems with ERP, WMS, and MES.
• Use data analysis to monitor system performance and KPIs.
• Lead or support automation, digitalization, and smart factory initiatives.
• Apply Lean and continuous improvement principles to automated material flows.
• Support plant launches, new line installations, and technology ramp-ups.
• Conduct capacity analysis, ROI justification, and performance validation for automation projects.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized back-up childcare.
• Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and other family-building benefits.
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases.
• Tuition assistance.
• Established and active employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level