Paint Automation Engineer - SATX

JCB North America; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

JCB North America in San Antonio, TX, is seeking a Paint Shop Controls Engineer to design, maintain, and optimize automation for paint operations. You will ensure PLC, SCADA, and industrial network reliability while driving data visibility and efficiency across manufacturing processes.

The role requires hands-on programming, instrumentation, and integration of control systems with MES/ERP data, plus collaboration with manufacturing teams to reduce downtime and improve throughput.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering or industrial automation.
• Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of industrial control systems, instrumentation, and networking.
• Experience in paint shop, surface finishing, or similar industrial processes preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, program, and troubleshoot PLC systems (Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, Beckhoff).
• Create and maintain control logic using Ladder Logic, Function Block, and Structured Text.
• Design and support SCADA systems using Ignition (dashboards, alarms, historian trends, reporting).
• Integrate PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and third-party devices using EtherNet/IP, OPC UA, and MQTT.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA development

Industrial networking

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Electrical controls

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Rockwell Studio 5000

Beckhoff

Ignition

EtherNet/IP

OPC UA

Job description

With over 80 years of innovation, JCB is the world’s largest privately owned manufacturer of construction and agricultural equipment. Operating 23 manufacturing facilities across four continents—including the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and Brazil—JCB produces a diverse portfolio of more than 300 products. These include telescopic handlers, backhoe loaders, excavators, wheel loaders, compact excavators, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, access aerial work platforms, rough terrain forklifts, and tractors. At the heart of JCB’s success are its people. As a family-owned business, we are accountable to our customers—not shareholders—which gives us the flexibility to focus on long-term innovation and delivering real value. This independence allows us to continuously develop advanced technologies and integrate them into equipment designed to perform in the toughest environments while maximizing customer productivity. At JCB, we stand behind our products—and our name—with pride and commitment to quality.

Position Purpose

The Paint Shop Controls Engineer is responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing automation systems that support paint shop operations. This role ensures reliable performance of PLC, SCADA, and industrial control systems while driving efficiency, data visibility, and continuous improvement across manufacturing processes.

Position Type

Full Time, FLSA Exempt

Location

13210 Palo Alto Rd., San Antonio, TX., 78264

Benefits And Other Compensation

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401 (k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays

Major Tasks, Responsibilities & Key Accountabilities

• Develop, program, and troubleshoot PLC systems (Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, Beckhoff)
• Create and maintain control logic using Ladder Logic, Function Block, and Structured Text
• Design and support SCADA systems using Ignition (dashboards, alarms, historian trends, reporting)
• Integrate PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and third-party devices using EtherNet/IP, OPC UA, and MQTT
• Configure and maintain industrial networks, instrumentation, and drive systems
• Support plant commissioning, startup, and system upgrades
• Analyze production data, KPIs, and historian trends to improve efficiency and throughput
• Optimize control strategies, including PID loops and automation sequences
• Develop OEE, downtime, and predictive maintenance dashboards
• Implement fault diagnostics, alarm rationalization, and predictive alerts
• Standardize PLC code, naming conventions, and HMI design practices
• Support MES/ERP data integration and automation data visibility
• Monitor and improve energy usage and process sustainability
• Troubleshoot automation and network issues to minimize downtime
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering or industrial automation
• Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of industrial control systems, instrumentation, and networking
• Experience in paint shop, surface finishing, or similar industrial processes preferred
• Familiarity with safety and environmental regulations in manufacturing
• Must pass required background check, drug screening, and pre-employment assessments

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field
• Rockwell Automation ControlLogix/CompactLogix certification
• Ignition (Inductive Automation) certification
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience with MES/ERP system integration

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Competencies

• Proficient with PLC platforms (Rockwell, Beckhoff) and Studio 5000
• Strong SCADA development experience (Ignition platform)
• Experience with Ladder Logic, Function Block, and Structured Text programming
• Knowledge of EtherNet/IP, OPC UA, and industrial communication protocols
• Electrical controls design, panel troubleshooting, and diagnostics
• Data analysis and visualization skills for manufacturing performance metrics
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis capabilities
• Effective communication and ability to present technical solutions
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Continuous improvement mindset with strong attention to detail
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Microsoft Project

Job Conditions

• Both office environment and occasionally manufacturing/factory environment.
• Subject to noise and temperature changes.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Must be able to work flexible schedule, including Friday - Sunday 6am -6pm
• Must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 10lbs, frequently and/or move up to 35lbs, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50lbs.
• Must be able to perform continuous, repetitious physical activities. These activities may involve fine movements or large motions.
• Must be able to grasp/pinch small items, reach out and up, and turn wrist.
• Must be capable of keeping pace with current production speed.
• Must be able to push/pull with reasonable force.
• Must be able to perform the following requirements of bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, and standing for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to work in multiple climates including hot/cold temperatures, and dusty environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

JCB is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. JCB complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment at every location where the company has facilities. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability statute, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and local laws.

EEO EMPLOYER/VET/DISABLED.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

JCB complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the JCB Human Resources team at [e-mail].

JCB Inc. is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status; however, as a global company, JCB offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S., which can be found through our website at https://www.jcb.com/en-gb/about/careers.

Disclaimer: This job description is general in nature and is not designed to contain or to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.