Operational Technology Engineer

Magna International Limited (Hong Kong); Shepherdsville (KY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Magna Seating in the United States (Kentucky) seeks a Plant Automation Engineer to lead manufacturing automation initiatives from concept through implementation. You will design, program, and optimize PLC, HMI, SCADA, and motion control systems while integrating new equipment into production lines and driving continuous improvements.

Experience with robotics, vision systems, AGVs/AMRs, and Industry 4.0 initiatives is required, along with a strong background in manufacturing processes and project

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Electrical, Mechatronic, Automation, or Controls) or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
• Preferred 5+ years of manufacturing automation experience.
• Experience with PLC programing and troubleshooting, robotics and industrial automation equipment required.
• Must have knowledge of manufacturing systems and production processes as well as strong project management capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation initiatives from concept to implementation, driving labor reduction, quality improvement, throughput gains, ROI justification, equipment and supplier management, and capital project execution.
• Design, program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC, HMI, SCADA, industrial network, and motion control systems while establishing control standards and integrating new equipment into manufacturing operations.
• Program and optimize robotic, vision, and advanced automation systems, including collaborative robots and AGV/AMR technologies, to enhance error-proofing, equipment reliability, and overall operational efficiency.
• Lead Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing initiatives by integrating connected factory technologies, production data systems, real-time analytics, and predictive maintenance solutions to drive digital transformation and operational performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing production losses, applying structured problem-solving methodologies, and implementing automation solutions to enhance cycle time, labor efficiency, process capability, and operational excellence.
• Ensure automation systems meet all safety, regulatory, and environmental requirements by supporting risk assessments, audits, equipment validation, machine safeguarding, and fostering a strong culture of workplace safety and compliance.
• Support quality system compliance by managing automation-related documentation and change controls, contributing to PFMEA, control plans, audits, and error-proofing initiatives while ensuring adherence to ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards.
• Serve as the plant automation subject matter expert by establishing standards and best practices, mentoring and training personnel, supporting global automation initiatives, and evaluating emerging technologies to drive technical excellence and innovation.

Job description

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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:

Education and/or Experience:

• Undergraduate degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Electrical, Mechatronic, Automation, or Controls) or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
• Preferred 5+ years of manufacturing automation experience.
• Experience with PLC programing and troubleshooting, robotics and industrial automation equipment required.
• Must have knowledge of manufacturing systems and production processes as well as strong project management capability.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Automotive manufacturing experience
• Industry 4.0/smart factory experience
• Experience with ignition, MES systems, OPC-UA, MQTT, SQL database, Power BI, Vision sensors/systems, AGVs/AMRs
• Six sigma green belt
• Experience leading multi-site automation deployments

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead automation initiatives from concept to implementation, driving labor reduction, quality improvement, throughput gains, ROI justification, equipment and supplier management, and capital project execution.
• Design, program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC, HMI, SCADA, industrial network, and motion control systems while establishing control standards and integrating new equipment into manufacturing operations.
• Program and optimize robotic, vision, and advanced automation systems, including collaborative robots and AGV/AMR technologies, to enhance error-proofing, equipment reliability, and overall operational efficiency.
• Lead Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing initiatives by integrating connected factory technologies, production data systems, real-time analytics, and predictive maintenance solutions to drive digital transformation and operational performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing production losses, applying structured problem-solving methodologies, and implementing automation solutions to enhance cycle time, labor efficiency, process capability, and operational excellence.
• Ensure automation systems meet all safety, regulatory, and environmental requirements by supporting risk assessments, audits, equipment validation, machine safeguarding, and fostering a strong culture of workplace safety and compliance.
• Support quality system compliance by managing automation-related documentation and change controls, contributing to PFMEA, control plans, audits, and error-proofing initiatives while ensuring adherence to ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 standards.
• Serve as the plant automation subject matter expert by establishing standards and best practices, mentoring and training personnel, supporting global automation initiatives, and evaluating emerging technologies to drive technical excellence and innovation.

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