Automation Engineer – Warehouse Automation

Adient plc; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Adient plc is seeking an experienced automation leader for their Central Tech Unit. The role involves overseeing automation projects, developing standards, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and at least 5 years of experience in the automotive industry.

The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying automation opportunities, ensuring compliance with standards, and supporting product launches.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of automotive interiors industry experience.
• Expertise in identifying automation opportunities and leading projects.
• Experience installing automated equipment, such as robot assembly cells.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop automation opportunities across processes.
• Support automation industrialization strategy with internal and external resources.
• Provide cost estimates for equipment for new programs.

Skills

Automation project leadership

PLC programming

Robot programming

Project management

Analytical problem solving

CAD software proficiency

Strong computer skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science

Tools

Allen Bradley PLC

C++

Job description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Identify automation opportunities that can be applied across multiple processes/plants.
• Determine technical feasibility of proposed automation projects.
• Support industrialization strategy for automation considering internal and external resources.
• Develop, maintain and ensure compliance to equipment and process standards including specification, purchasing, design reviews, validation and installation.
• Direct interface with Adient central and Business Unit IT teams.
• First responder for automation related issues at JIT and Seat structures plants.
• Identify, qualify and develop new equipment suppliers.
• Build relationships to ensure fundamental understanding and consistent execution of standards.
• Drive process to evaluate supplier performance, provide feedback and improve execution.
• Coach AME teams through equipment process to train on standards and expectations for execution.
• Define requirements for refurbishment and redeployment of used equipment.
• Provide equipment cost estimating for new program quoting and strategic projects.
• Identify, evaluate and test new technologies for assembly application including robotics, vision systems, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of industry experience – automotive interiors experience preferred.
• Expertise in identifying automation opportunities and leading projects from idea to implementation.
• Experience installing automated equipment such as robot assembly cells and testing equipment.
• Software or application development desired.

Technical Skills

• Project management – plan development and execution.
• Knowledge of PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen Bradley preferred).
• Familiarity with controls systems and other programming languages such as C++ HMI programming.
• Robot cell design and programming.
• Industrial networking.
• System specification, ordering, run‑off, installation, and qualification.
• 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.

Business Skills

• Ability to effectively influence and work in cooperation with a cross‑functional team.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills – ability to work in a matrix organization and effectively lead without direct positional authority.
• Strong communication, presentation and teamwork skills.
• Ability to write clear, concise technical documentation.

Leadership Skills

• Thinks Analytically – Break down problems to make effective decisions.
• Drives for Results – Set and meet high standards of performance.
• Influences Others – Persuade others to support your agenda/objectives.
• Drives Accountability – Establish clear, measurable goals and deliver on commitments.

Other

• Ability to travel 50% in the US to support key initiatives as well as product launches.

Primary Location

• Central Tech Unit, Plymouth, MI

Adient (NYSE: ADNT) is a global leader in automotive seating. With more than 65,000 employees in 29 countries, Adient operates ~200 manufacturing/assembly plants worldwide. We produce and deliver automotive seating for all major OEMs. From complete seating systems to individual components, our expertise spans every step of the automotive seat‑making process. We take our products from research and design to engineering and manufacturing — and into millions of vehicles every year. For more information, please visit www.adient.com.