The Maintenance Automation Engineer is responsible for maintaining and optimizing automated systems and equipment within the General Assembly (GA) line. This role ensures high equipment availability and performance through effective troubleshooting, programming, and preventive maintenance of PLCs, robotics, and other automation technologies. The engineer works closely with cross-functional teams and reports directly to the Maintenance Manager.
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Key Responsibilities
- Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on automated systems including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and robotic arms.
- Troubleshoot and resolve automation-related issues to minimize production downtime.
- Modify and optimize PLC programs and robotic routines to improve equipment performance.
- Support the installation and commissioning of new automated equipment in the GA line.
- Maintain documentation of automation systems, including wiring diagrams, program backups, and change logs.
- Collaborate with production and engineering teams to implement continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with safety standards and support root cause analysis for recurring issues.
- Train maintenance technicians on automation systems and troubleshooting techniques.
- Identify spares requirements for control system.
- Keep up with current and developing control system trends regarding maintenance.
- Architect, write and debug PLC ladder logic with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable, and reusable.
- Enforce application of the company standards, manage external integrators during specification, design review, and design approval.
Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Proficiency in PLC programming; must have Rockwell Studio 5000, FT, Siemens, Allen-Bradley.
- Experience with industrial robotics (e.g., ABB, FANUC, KUKA).
- Strong understanding of automation networks (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Can-bus, Modbus).
- Familiarity with SCADA systems and HMI development.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical and control schematics.
- Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
- Proficiency selecting appropriate circuit protectors, wire and cable, sensors, safety hardware, PLC hardware, remote I/O, VFD, and servo systems.
- Experience or knowledge of incoming power distribution networks is a plus.
- In-depth knowledge of maintenance activities, TPM scheduling, and the production/manufacturing industry.
- Ethernet communications between machine PLCs and database systems.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Instrumentation and Control, Mechatronics, or Automation Engineering.
- 5+ years of experience in automation maintenance within the automotive industry, preferably in General Assembly.
- Hands-on experience with PLCs, robotics, and automated assembly systems.
- Knowledge of TPM, lean manufacturing, and safety standards.
- Proficiency in English; Arabic is an advantage.
