Group Automation Engineer

Magna International; Novi (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Magna International is seeking a North America robotics engineer to develop, standardize, and support robotic systems across manufacturing operations. You will drive automation initiatives, lead platform standardization, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize cycle time and reliability.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in industrial robotics, hands-on experience with FANUC/ABB/KUKA/UR, and strong PLC-vision integration skills. Travel up to 30% is expected across divisions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of experience with industrial robotics, automation integration, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong hands-on experience with major robotics platforms (FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Universal Robots or equivalent).
• Experience with collaborative robots (cobots) and human-robot interaction applications.
• Proficiency in robot programming, simulation, and troubleshooting in production environments.
• Strong understanding of robotics integration with PLC systems, sensors, and vision systems (Cognex, Keyence or similar).
• Experience with end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) design and robotic cell optimization.
• Familiarity with offline programming (OLP), simulation tools, and virtual commissioning is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of Industry 4.0 concepts, including smart manufacturing, data collection, and connected equipment.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to support complex automation systems.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-site manufacturing environment and support shopfloor activities.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work across engineering and operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop, standardize, and support robotic systems across manufacturing operations.
• Focus on industrial robotics, cobots, and automated solutions for scalable processes.
• Lead standardization of robot platforms, EOAT, and integration methods.
• Develop, document, and maintain robotics standards and reusable programming structures.
• Support automation project development, design reviews, and integration requirements.
• Provide hands-on shopfloor support during implementation, commissioning, and debugging.
• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize robots and cobots (FANUC, ABB, KUKA, UR).
• Ensure seamless integration with PLCs, vision systems, and equipment.
• Lead cobot applications and safe human-robot interaction.
• Drive continuous improvement to cycle time, throughput, quality, reliability.
• Perform root cause analysis and corrective actions for downtime.
• Develop and execute POC projects for advanced robotics and AI-enabled systems.
• Identify and evaluate emerging robotics tech and scale successful innovations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support improvements.
• Provide technical training on robotic systems, programming, and safety.
• Support development of digital tools like offline programming, simulation, and virtual commissioning.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, MIOSHA, RIA and corporate requirements.
• Support audits related to ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949.
• Assist with SOP 8000 (QMS).
• Identify cost reductions and efficiency through robotics.
• Promote strong safety culture in robot design and implementation.
• Travel up to 30% as needed.

Skills

Industrial robotics

Automation integration

Robot programming

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Robotics Engineering

Tools

FANUC

ABB

KUKA

Universal Robots

Cognex

Keyence

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

Magna is an innovative leader in the development and manufacturing of high quality complete seating systems. Our solution includes seating structures, mechanisms and hardware, as well as foam and trim products for global automotive, heavy truck and bus industries. Our capabilities include market and consumer research; full concept development; design and engineering capabilities; testing, validation and world-class manufacturing. Our award-winning seating solutions are developed from consumer research, finding the ease of operation to be comfortable, convenient and connected.

Job Responsibilities

Serves as a North America robotics technical expert, responsible for developing, standardizing, and supporting robotic systems across manufacturing operations. Focuses on industrial robotics, collaborative robots (cobots), and robotic automation solutions to enable scalable, reliable, and cost-effective manufacturing processes. Supports project development and shopfloor implementation while leading the standardization of robotic systems, programming methodologies, and integration approaches. Drives innovation through development of proof‑of‑concept (POC) solutions and deployment of advanced robotics technologies across divisions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support development of robotic concepts, simulations, and feasibility studies, including cycle time analysis and system design.
• Lead standardization of robotics platforms, programming methodologies, end‑of‑arm tooling (EOAT), and integration approaches across all facilities.
• Develop, document, and maintain robotics standards, best practices, and reusable programming structures to ensure scalability and consistency.
• Support automation project development and execution, including design reviews, equipment specifications, and integration requirements.
• Provide hands‑on support during shopfloor implementation, commissioning, and debugging of robotic systems.
• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize industrial robots and cobots (e.g., FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Universal Robots), ensuring reliability and performance.
• Ensure seamless integration of robotics systems with PLC controls, vision systems, and manufacturing equipment.
• Lead development and deployment of collaborative robot (cobot) applications, ensuring safe and efficient human‑robot interaction.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize cycle time, throughput, quality, and equipment reliability.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for robotics and automation‑related downtime.
• Develop and execute proof‑of‑concept (POC) projects for advanced robotics technologies, including AI‑enabled robotics, flexible automation, and adaptive systems.
• Identify and evaluate emerging robotics technologies and support scaling of successful innovations across multiple plants.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including Automation, Controls, Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Safety to support system improvements and deployments.
• Provide technical support and guidance to divisional engineering teams, including training on robotic systems, programming, and safety procedures.
• Support development of digital tools such as offline programming (OLP), simulation, and virtual commissioning for robotics applications.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards (OSHA, MIOSHA, RIA) and corporate requirements for robotic systems.
• Support internal and external audits related to ISO 9001:2015 and IATF 16949, ensuring robotics systems meet quality system requirements.
• Support and comply with Standard Operating Procedure 8000 (Quality Management System).
• Identify and implement cost reduction, standardization, and efficiency improvements through robotics technologies.
• Promote a strong safety culture in robotic system design and implementation, ensuring all applications meet regulatory and corporate safety standards.
• Expected to travel up to 30% for divisional support according to project needs.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in Robotics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience/Special Knowledge/Skills: Minimum 5+ years of experience with industrial robotics, automation integration, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong hands‑on experience with major robotics platforms (FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Universal Robots or equivalent).
• Experience with collaborative robots (cobots) and human‑robot interaction applications.
• Proficiency in robot programming, simulation, and troubleshooting in production environments.
• Strong understanding of robotics integration with PLC systems, sensors, and vision systems (Cognex, Keyence or similar).
• Experience with end‑of‑arm tooling (EOAT) design and robotic cell optimization.
• Familiarity with offline programming (OLP), simulation tools, and virtual commissioning is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of Industry 4.0 concepts, including smart manufacturing, data collection, and connected equipment.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills with the ability to support complex automation systems.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, multi‑site manufacturing environment and support shopfloor activities.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work across engineering and operations teams.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

Normal amount of sitting, standing, and walking. Average mobility to move around an office and manufacturing environment, able to conduct work at a computer, with travel required to support plant integration and project implementation.

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 Seating

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