Lead Automotive Controls & Automation Engineer

Slate Auto LLC; Warsaw (IN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Slate is seeking a seasoned Controls & Automation Engineer to design, program, and optimize automated systems in the startup automotive environment in the USA. You will lead development, integration, and improvement of SPS, work with cross-functional teams, and drive uptime, quality, and cost performance.

The role requires 8+ years in automotive controls, expertise in PLCs, robotics, vision systems, and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of controls, automation or mechatronics engineering experience in automotive or high‑volume manufacturing.
• Experience supporting General Assembly automation, including equipment launch, commissioning, and process optimization.
• Experience in start‑up or greenfield environments is a plus.

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‑related issues originating from the plant, field, or suppliers.
• Support layout development, equipment selection, tooling integration, and material‑flow automation to improve throughput and reliability.
• Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle‑time reduction, error‑proofing, uptime improvement, and cost savings.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Quality, Production, and Supply Chain to ensure automation strategies align with product and process requirements.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) by developing automated process flows, control plans, PFMEAs, and workstation logic.
• Develop and maintain system documentation, including electrical schematics, software standards, and troubleshooting guides.
• Monitor automation KPIs (uptime, MTTR, MTBF, cycle time) and build dashboards and action plans to drive improvement.
• Train and mentor technicians, operators, and engineers on automation systems, safety protocols, and best practices.

Job description

Slate is seeking a seasoned Controls & Automation Engineer to design, program, and optimize automated systems in the startup automotive environment in the USA. You will lead development, integration, and improvement of SPS, work with cross-functional teams, and drive uptime, quality, and cost performance.

The role requires 8+ years in automotive controls, expertise in PLCs, robotics, vision systems, and strong leadership.