Controls & Automation Engineer

Controls & Automation Engineer

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.

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

The Controls & Automation Engineer will support the deployment and integration of Factory of the Future automation initiatives across manufacturing operations. This role will focus on executing and scaling automation solutions including robotics, vision systems, industrial controls, and advanced manufacturing technologies within production environments.

This individual will work closely with operations, engineering, vendors, integrators, and regional teams to ensure automation systems are deployed to standard, integrated effectively, and capable of scaling across multiple divisions.

In addition to execution, this role will help drive collaboration, standardization, and best practice sharing across the region while acting as a key point of contact for automation support, clarity, and removal of execution friction within divisions.

What Success Looks Like

• Automation solutions deployed successfully and to standard
• Strong collaboration and alignment across plant teams, vendors, integrators, and regional stakeholders
• Reduced execution friction and improved deployment consistency across divisions
• Standardized, repeatable automation solutions scaled across the region
• Improved operational performance, uptime, and execution speed

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Support deployment, commissioning, and integration of automation systems within manufacturing environments
• Program, troubleshoot, and modify PLC, HMI, and industrial control systems
• Support implementation of robotics, cobots, vision systems, and advanced manufacturing technologies
• Collaborate with automation vendors, integrators, plant teams, and regional resources to ensure successful execution of projects
• Act as a regional point of contact for automation support, helping drive clarity, alignment, and removal of execution barriers
• Support development, standardization, and scaling of automation best practices across divisions
• Assist in troubleshooting system, integration, and startup issues within production environments
• Contribute to improving manufacturing performance, uptime, and operational efficiency through automation initiatives
• Ensure automation systems align with Factory of the Future objectives and operational requirements

The above is intended to describe the general content of and the requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience with PLC programming and industrial control systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent)
• Hands-on experience supporting automation deployment and commissioning within manufacturing environments
• Experience with robotics, cobots, Autonomous Mobile Robots and vision systems preferred
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in fast-paced production environments
• Ability to collaborate effectively across operations, engineering, vendors, and integrators
• Strong communication, coordination, and execution mindset with willingness to work hands-on when required
• Ability to travel as needed to support implementation and commissioning activities.

Education/Special Knowledge - Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or equivalent hands-on industry experience

Experience – 8 + years of experience in industrial automation, with proven leadership.

Physical Demands/Work Environment - Normal amount of sitting or standing, average mobility to move around an office environment, able to conduct normal amount of work at a computer, may require local, domestic and international travel. This position will be located out of Troy MI, or remote with a travel requirement.

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