Lead Automotive Controls & Automation Engineer
Slate Auto
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Job summary
Slate is seeking a seasoned Controls & Automation Engineer to build and refine automated production systems in a fast-paced startup environment in the USA. You will lead PLC, robotics, vision, and safety system work across General Assembly operations, while driving uptime, quality, and cost improvements.
Ideal candidates bring 8+ years in automotive or high-volume manufacturing, hands-on launch experience, and strong leadership.
Qualifications
- 8+ years of controls, automation, or mechatronics engineering in automotive/high-volume manufacturing.
- Proven success supporting General Assembly automation, including equipment launch, commissioning, and process optimization.
- Experience in start-up or greenfield environments is a plus.
- BS or MS in Electrical Eng, Mechatronics, Controls Eng, or related field.
- Expert knowledge of PLC programming (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, or similar).
Responsibilities
- Lead development, integration, and optimization of automated systems within the Slate Production System (SPS).
- Design, program, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision systems, and safety circuits for General Assembly operations.
- Drive root‑cause analysis and resolution of automation issues from plant, field, or suppliers.
- Support layout development, equipment selection, tooling integration, and material-flow automation to improve throughput and reliability.
- Lead or support CI initiatives focused on cycle-time reduction, uptime improvement, and cost savings.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Production, and Supply Chain to align automation strategies with product/process needs.
- Support NPI by developing automated process flows, control plans, PFMEAs, and workstation logic.
- Develop and maintain system documentation including electrical schematics and troubleshooting guides.
- Monitor automation KPIs and build dashboards and action plans for improvement.
- Train and mentor technicians, operators, and engineers on automation systems and safety.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Slate is seeking a seasoned Controls & Automation Engineer to build and refine automated production systems in a fast-paced startup environment in the USA. You will lead PLC, robotics, vision, and safety system work across General Assembly operations, while driving uptime, quality, and cost improvements.
Ideal candidates bring 8+ years in automotive or high-volume manufacturing, hands-on launch experience, and strong leadership.
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