Group Automation Engineer

Magna International•Novi, MI

11d

About The Position

The Group Automation Engineer serves as a North America robotics technical expert, developing, standardizing, and supporting robotic systems across manufacturing operations. The role focuses on industrial robots, collaborative robots (cobots), and automation solutions that enable scalable, reliable, and cost-effective manufacturing. It supports project development and shopfloor implementation, leads the standardization of robotic systems and programming methodologies, and advances robotics through proof-of-concept projects and deployment of new technologies across divisions. The position provides hands-on support for robotics concepts, simulations, feasibility studies, project design and execution, commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimization. It also guides divisional engineering teams, supports digital tools such as offline programming and virtual commissioning, ensures compliance with safety and quality requirements, and identifies opportunities to improve cost, efficiency, quality, throughput, and reliability. Travel of up to 30% is expected to support divisions and project needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Robotics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 5 years of experience with industrial robotics, automation integration, and manufacturing processes.
Hands-on experience with major robotics platforms such as FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Universal Robots, or equivalent.
Experience with collaborative robots (cobots) and human-robot interaction applications.
Proficiency in robot programming, simulation, and troubleshooting in production environments.
Strong understanding of integration between robotics and PLC systems, sensors, and vision systems such as Cognex or Keyence.
Experience with EOAT design and robotic cell optimization.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, including the ability to support complex automation systems.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-site manufacturing environment and support shopfloor activities.
Strong communication and collaboration skills to work across engineering and operations teams.
Ability to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities; reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with offline programming (OLP), simulation tools, and virtual commissioning.
Knowledge of Industry 4.0 concepts, including smart manufacturing, data collection, and connected equipment.

Responsibilities

Support development of robotic concepts, simulations, feasibility studies, cycle-time analyses, and system designs.
Lead standardization of robotics platforms, programming methodologies, end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), and integration approaches across facilities.
Develop, document, and maintain robotics standards, best practices, and reusable programming structures.
Support automation project development and execution, including design reviews, equipment specifications, and integration requirements.
Provide hands-on shopfloor support for implementation, commissioning, and debugging of robotic systems.
Program, troubleshoot, and optimize industrial robots and cobots, including FANUC, ABB, KUKA, and Universal Robots platforms.
Integrate robotics systems with PLC controls, vision systems, and manufacturing equipment.
Lead the development and deployment of cobot applications, supporting safe and efficient human-robot interaction.
Drive continuous improvement to optimize cycle time, throughput, quality, and equipment reliability.
Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for robotics- and automation-related downtime.
Develop and execute proof-of-concept projects involving advanced robotics, including AI-enabled robotics, flexible automation, and adaptive systems.
Identify and evaluate emerging robotics technologies and support scaling successful innovations across plants.
Collaborate with Automation, Controls, Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Safety teams on system improvements and deployments.
Provide technical support and guidance to divisional engineering teams, including training on robotic systems, programming, and safety procedures.
Support development of offline programming, simulation, and virtual commissioning tools for robotics applications.
Ensure robotic systems comply with applicable OSHA, MIOSHA, and RIA safety standards and corporate requirements.
Support internal and external audits related to ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949, ensuring robotics systems meet quality system requirements.
Support and comply with Standard Operating Procedure 8000 (Quality Management System).
Identify and implement cost reductions, standardization, and efficiency improvements using robotics technologies.
Promote a strong safety culture in robotic system design and implementation and ensure applications meet regulatory and corporate safety standards.
Travel up to 30% to provide divisional support according to project needs.