Automation Engineering Co-Op

Magna International Limited; Northwood (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Magna Exteriors in Iowa is seeking a Manufacturing Automation Support co-op to gain hands-on experience in automation, robotics, PLCs, and Industry 4.0 in a dynamic manufacturing setting. You will support Automation Engineers, troubleshoot equipment, assist with FAT/SAT, and participate in Kaizen and continuous improvement initiatives; the role emphasizes safety, quality, and teamwork.

This student/co-op position offers exposure to factory of the future projects and cross-functional

Responsibilities

• Support Automation Engineers with day-to-day production activities.
• Assist in troubleshooting equipment-related issues.
• Learn operation of PLC-controlled equipment, robotics, vision systems, HMIs, and industrial networks.
• Assist with equipment monitoring and performance analysis.
• Gain experience with industrial robotics systems and PLC troubleshooting.
• Assist with controls system verification and testing activities.
• Support backup management and equipment documentation efforts.
• Participate in automation upgrades and improvement projects.
• Assist with factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), runoff, and startup activities.
• Participate in Factory of the Future projects and technology deployments.
• Observe and support equipment handoff between project teams and production operations.
• Gain exposure to Industry 4.0 initiatives.
• Participate in problem-solving and root cause analysis activities.
• Support data collection and improvement projects.
• Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and equipment performance.
• Participate in kaizen and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with maintaining equipment documentation, backups, troubleshooting procedures, network documentation, and engineering records.
• Support standardization efforts throughout the facility.

Job description

Job descriptions may display in multiple languagesbased on your language selection.

What we offer:

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.

Group Summary:

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:

Specific Job Duties

Manufacturing Automation Support

• Support Automation Engineers and Technicians with day-to-day production support activities.
• Assist in troubleshooting equipment-related issues.
• Learn the operation and support of PLC-controlled equipment, robotics, vision systems, HMIs, industrial networks, and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Assist with equipment monitoring and performance analysis

Robotics & Controls Exposure

• Gain experience with industrial robotics systems.
• Learn basic PLC troubleshooting and diagnostics.
• Assist with controls system verification and testing activities.
• Support backup management and equipment documentation efforts.
• Participate in automation upgrades and improvement projects.

Equipment Launch & Factory of the Future Support

• Support new equipment installations and commissioning activities.
• Assist with factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), runoff, and startup activities.
• Participate in Factory of the Future projects and technology deployments.
• Observe and support equipment handoff activities between project teams and production operations.
• Gain exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

Continuous Improvement

• Participate in problem-solving and root cause analysis activities.
• Support data collection and improvement projects.
• Assist with identifying opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and equipment performance.
• Participate in kaizen and continuous improvement initiatives.

Documentation & Standards

• Assist with maintaining equipment documentation, controls backups, troubleshooting procedures, network documentation, and engineering records.
• Support standardization efforts throughout the facility.

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.

Worker Type:

Student / Co-Op

Group:

Magna Exteriors