Engineer - Automation

Magna International; Michigan; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Magna Mechatronics, Mirrors & Lighting seeks a Manufacturing Automation Engineer to design, develop, implement and continuously improve automation systems used in injection molding and related operations. You will work with production, maintenance, tooling, quality, and controls personnel to identify opportunities for improvements and assist in developing automated manufacturing solutions.

The ideal candidate brings 5+ years in manufacturing engineering, automation or related fields, with

Qualifications

• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering, automation, controls, or related experience.
• Strong background in injection molding operations and manufacturing processes.
• Experience supporting automation projects in a production environment.
• Experience troubleshooting manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Industrial robotics and automation systems.
• Machine vision systems.
• Electrical and controls fundamentals preferred.
• Root cause analysis and problem solving.
• Manufacturing data analysis.
• Ability to flex schedule around project and production needs.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and implementation of automation systems for injection molding and secondary operations.
• Support integration of robotics, vision systems, material handling equipment, and automated inspection systems.
• Participate in equipment upgrades, process improvements, and new equipment installations.
• Support PLC, HMI, robot, and vision system development and troubleshooting activities.
• Assist with commissioning, testing, and startup of automated equipment.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, drawings, and system records.
• Identify manufacturing improvement opportunities in injection molding processes.
• Support process development, mold trials, and production launches.
• Troubleshoot molding and automation issues with operations and maintenance.
• Recommend process and equipment improvements that enhance quality, cycle time, and operational performance.
• Support validation of process changes and equipment modifications.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (scrap reduction, downtime, cycle time, labor efficiency, equipment reliability).
• Analyze production data to identify trends and improvements.
• Support implementation of solutions to improve performance.
• Provide technical support for automated manufacturing equipment.
• Assist maintenance with troubleshooting complex controls.
• Support preventive maintenance and reliability improvements.
• Participate in root cause investigations.
• Help maintain automation backups and recovery documentation.
• Work with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Tooling, and Engineering teams.
• Communicate updates to stakeholders.
• Assist in development of operating and troubleshooting procedures.
• Provide training and support for end users when new equipment is implemented.

Skills

Manufacturing engineering

Root cause analysis

Manufacturing data analysis

Industrial robotics

Machine vision

Troubleshooting equipment

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

ABB/Fanuc robotics

RJG Process monitoring systems

RJG data collection systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job descriptions may display in multiple languages based 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 Mechatronics, Mirrors and Lighting group specializes in automotive technologies that are driving the future of mobility. Combining a deep systems knowledge to develop unique vehicle access experiences, intelligent visions systems and advanced automotive lighting technologies, MML's expertise light the path to innovation, safety and styling.

Job Responsibilities:

JOB SUMMARY: The Manufacturing Automation Engineer supports the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automation systems used within injection molding and secondary manufacturing operations. This role combines practical injection molding process knowledge with automation and controls engineering to improve safety, quality, productivity, and equipment reliability. The engineer works closely with production, maintenance, tooling, quality, and controls personnel to identify opportunities for improvement, support equipment upgrades, and assist in the development of automated manufacturing solutions.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Automation Design & Development

• Assist in the design and implementation of automation systems for injection molding and secondary operations.
• Support integration of robotics, vision systems, material handling equipment, and automated inspection systems.
• Participate in equipment upgrades, process improvements, and new equipment installations.
• Support PLC, HMI, robot, and vision system development and troubleshooting activities.
• Assist with commissioning, testing, and startup of automated equipment.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, drawings, and system records.

Injection Molding Process Support

• Utilize injection molding process knowledge to identify manufacturing improvement opportunities.
• Support process development, mold trials, and production launches.
• Assist operations and maintenance personnel in troubleshooting molding and automation issues.
• Recommend process and equipment improvements that enhance quality, cycle time, and operational performance.
• Support validation of process changes and equipment modifications.

Manufacturing Improvement

• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on: Scrap reduction Downtime reduction Cycle time improvement Labor efficiency Equipment reliability
• Analyze production and equipment data to identify trends and potential improvements.
• Support implementation of solutions that improve manufacturing performance.

Equipment & Systems Support

• Provide technical support for automated manufacturing equipment.
• Assist maintenance personnel with troubleshooting complex controls and automation issues.
• Support preventive maintenance and reliability improvement activities.
• Participate in root cause investigations for recurring equipment and process issues.
• Help maintain automation backups and system recovery documentation.

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Tooling, and Engineering teams.
• Communicate technical information and project updates to stakeholders.
• Assist in development of operating and troubleshooting procedures.
• Provide training and support for end users when new equipment or automation solutions are implemented.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support division goals and growth in technical skills.

ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Performs all work in compliance with Magna Mirrors Lowell’s Safety and Environmental policies and procedures as well as all Federal, State, and local laws. Understand the importance of conformance with all safety and environmental procedures of the environmental and safety management systems, including emergency response. Report any unsafe condition or action to his or her supervisor. Report any work-related injury to his or her supervisor within 8 hours. Never operate a machine or equipment until trained in the operating procedures, hazards, and safeguards and has been assigned to do so by the employer. Never remove, displace, destroy, or carry off any safeguard or interfere with the use by any other person. Use required personal protective equipment or devices where required. Understand your responsibility to the environmental programs, including ISO14001. Understand the actual or potential environmental consequences, when deviating from specified work instructions. Attend Environmental, Health and Safety training as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering, automation, controls, or related experience.
• Strong background in injection molding operations and manufacturing processes.
• Experience supporting automation projects in a production environment.
• Experience troubleshooting manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Industrial robotics and automation systems.
• Machine vision systems.
• Electrical and controls fundamentals preferred.
• Root cause analysis and problem solving.
• Manufacturing data analysis.
• Ability to flex schedule around project and production needs.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's Degree in one of the following fields: Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related technical field.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Experience with ABB/Fanuc robotics.
• Experience with RJG Process monitoring systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to determine customer needs to develop project specifications and scope.
• Ability to interpret and implement specifications.
• Experience with RJG, data collection systems and the Microsoft Office Suite.

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.

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 Mechatronics, Mirrors & Lighting

We see a future where everyone can live and move without limitations. That’s why we are developing technologies, systems and concepts that make vehicles safer and cleaner, while serving our communities, the planet and, above all, people. In the right environment, your ideas can turn into industry-changing automotive technologies and improve the lives of people around the world. Let's create the future of mobility, together.

Learn more about us: Sustainability Innovation Interview-Tips