Operational Technology Engineer

Magna International•Shepherdsville, KY

About The Position

The Operational Technology Engineer leads manufacturing automation and operational technology initiatives from concept through implementation. The role drives labor reduction, quality improvement, throughput gains, return-on-investment justification, equipment and supplier management, and capital project execution. It designs, programs, troubleshoots, and optimizes PLC, HMI, SCADA, industrial network, and motion control systems, establishes control standards, and integrates new equipment into manufacturing operations. The engineer programs and optimizes robotic, vision, and advanced automation systems, including collaborative robots and AGV/AMR technologies. The role also leads Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing efforts by integrating connected factory technologies, production data systems, real-time analytics, and predictive maintenance solutions. It supports continuous improvement, safety and regulatory compliance, quality-system requirements, and global automation initiatives, and serves as the plant automation subject matter expert by establishing best practices and mentoring and training personnel.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Electrical, Mechatronic, Automation, or Controls) or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting, robotics, and industrial automation equipment.
Knowledge of manufacturing systems and production processes.
Strong project management capability.

Nice To Haves

Preferred 5+ years of manufacturing automation experience.
Automotive manufacturing experience.
Industry 4.0/smart factory experience.
Experience with Ignition, MES systems, OPC-UA, MQTT, SQL databases, Power BI, vision sensors/systems, and AGVs/AMRs.
Six Sigma Green Belt.
Experience leading multi-site automation deployments.

Responsibilities

Lead automation initiatives from concept to implementation, including labor reduction, quality improvement, throughput gains, ROI justification, equipment and supplier management, and capital project execution.
Design, program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC, HMI, SCADA, industrial network, and motion control systems; establish control standards and integrate new equipment into manufacturing operations.
Program and optimize robotic, vision, and advanced automation systems, including collaborative robots and AGV/AMR technologies, to improve error-proofing, equipment reliability, and operational efficiency.
Lead Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing initiatives involving connected factory technologies, production data systems, real-time analytics, and predictive maintenance.
Drive continuous improvement by analyzing production losses, applying structured problem-solving methodologies, and implementing automation solutions to improve cycle time, labor efficiency, process capability, and operational excellence.
Ensure automation systems meet safety, regulatory, and environmental requirements; support risk assessments, audits, equipment validation, and machine safeguarding, and promote workplace safety and compliance.
Manage automation-related documentation and change controls; contribute to PFMEA, control plans, audits, and error-proofing initiatives, ensuring adherence to ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards.
Serve as the plant automation subject matter expert by establishing standards and best practices, mentoring and training personnel, supporting global automation initiatives, and evaluating emerging technologies.