Automation Applications Engineer

Automation Applications Engineer

The Automation Applications Engineer leads the installation and launch of automation projects in assembly plants, with a focus on JIT and seat structure operations. This role will coordinate closely with plant technical and automation teams, the central automation team, and external automation vendors to ensure automation systems are installed safely, on schedule, and in alignment with Adient standards. The Automation Engineer will manage project timelines, coordinate internal and external resources, support installation readiness, provide hands-on technical support during installation and launch, and help resolve technical issues related to robotics, controls, networks, PLCs, and automated assembly equipment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the installation and launch of automation projects in assembly plants, including robot cells, automated assembly equipment, test systems, vision systems, and supporting controls equipment.
• Coordinate installation activities between plant technical/automation teams, the central automation team, automation vendors, equipment suppliers, maintenance teams, IT, and operations leadership.
• Develop and manage project installation timelines, resource plans, launch readiness actions, open issue lists, and escalation plans to support successful execution.
• Develop, maintain, and ensure compliance to equipment and process standards including specifications, purchasing support, design reviews, validation, installation, run-off, and qualification.
• Serve as the technical interface with Adient central and Business Unit IT teams to support controls networks, equipment connectivity, cybersecurity requirements, and plant integration needs.
• Provide hands-on technical support and troubleshooting during equipment installation, debug, commissioning, launch, and early production support.
• Support robot installation, basic robot programming, path verification, safety validation, controls checkout, PLC troubleshooting, and equipment handoff to plant teams.
• Identify, qualify, and develop automation equipment suppliers and installation partners; build relationships to ensure a fundamental understanding and consistent execution of Adient standards.
• Drive the process to evaluate supplier performance, provide feedback, resolve installation issues, and improve execution on future automation projects.
• Coach plant and AME teams through the equipment installation process, including standards, launch expectations, troubleshooting methods, and handoff requirements.
• Define requirements for refurbishment, redeployment, relocation, installation, and recommissioning of used automation equipment.
• Provide equipment cost estimating for new program quoting and strategic projects.

Qualification Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or equivalent technical experience.
• Minimum 5 years of industry experience supporting manufacturing automation, equipment installation, launch, maintenance, or controls engineering; automotive interiors or assembly plant experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading automation projects from planning through installation, debug, commissioning, launch, and plant handoff.
• Hands-on experience installing automated equipment such as robot assembly cells, conveyors, end-of-arm tooling, test systems, vision systems, safety systems, and plant-floor controls equipment.
• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders, including plant teams, central engineering, vendors, integrators, maintenance, IT, operations, and safety teams.
• Working knowledge of robot programming, controls systems, industrial networks, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, safety circuits, and equipment troubleshooting.

Technical Skills:

• Project management - installation planning, resource coordination, timeline management, launch readiness, issue tracking, and execution.
• Knowledge of Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC programming and troubleshooting, including Studio 5000/RSLogix, I/O checkout, fault recovery, and equipment debug.
• Robot installation, basic programming, path verification, teaching, troubleshooting, safety validation, and production support.
• Industrial controls networks, including Ethernet/IP, managed switches, IP addressing, device communication, and plant network integration.
• System specification, ordering, supplier build, run-off, shipment, installation, debug, commissioning, qualification, and plant handoff.
• Ability to troubleshoot automation systems across mechanical, electrical, controls, pneumatic, safety, network, and process-related issues.
• 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.

Other: Ability to travel to assembly plants and supplier locations to support automation installation, run-off, launch readiness, commissioning, troubleshooting, and key product launches.

PRIMARY LOCATION Central Tech Unit Plymouth MI