Sr Automation Engineers, PWT

About the Role
The Sr Automation Engineer, Powertrain owns PLC architecture, SCADA, historian, MES-OT integration, OT cybersecurity, and Industry 4.0 deployment across AMP-2 Powertrain equipment — covering both Drive Unit and HV Battery assembly shops. Joining a greenfield facility, this engineer builds the automation stack from first commissioning through volume ramp to June 2027 SOP, ensuring standards, uptime, cybersecurity, and data integration for a Factory-4.0-ready plant. The role operates through disciplined change control, objective launch evidence, cross-functional problem solving, and structured transfer of technical ownership to the Saudi workforce.

Key Responsibilities
• PLC Architecture & Standards

• Define and enforce PLC architecture and coding standards across Siemens TIA Portal and Rockwell Studio 5000
• Own safety PLC deployment (Siemens F, Rockwell GuardLogix, Beckhoff TwinSAFE) and functional safety compliance
• Maintain PLC program library, version-control repository, and control-system change management
• Lead FAT / SAT for all automated Powertrain equipment

• SCADA, Historian & MES Integration

• Own SCADA architecture and standards (Ignition, WinCC, or FactoryTalk View SE)
• Deploy and maintain historian systems (OSIsoft PI, Ignition Historian, or equivalent) for machine performance data
• Own MES integration for production tracking, quality traceability, and machine-signal integration (OPC-UA, SQL)

• OT Cybersecurity

• Enforce OT cybersecurity standards
• Implement network segmentation, secure remote access, and patch management for OT assets
• Coordinate with IT/OT security team on vulnerability management and incident response

• IIoT & Industry 4.0 Deployment

• Drive IIoT deployment: machine connectivity, digital dashboards, predictive analytics, and OEE monitoring
• Partner with Data Engineering on data pipelines, tags, and analytics use cases
• Sponsor Industry 4.0 use cases: predictive maintenance, digital SPC, and closed-loop process control

• Vision Systems & Robotics Integration Support

• Deploy and maintain machine vision systems (like Cognex and Keyence) for inspection, verification, and traceability
• Support robot - PLC integration for FANUC and ABB cells (safety, HMI, and I/O interfaces)

• HV Safety & Compliance

• Enforce HV LOTO, HVIL continuity, and mandatory HV PPE for all work on or near EV Powertrain equipment
• Comply with SASO, Saudi MOI, and functional safety standards
• Support HV emergency response including thermal runaway isolation and battery-related incident procedures
• Achieve and maintain HV safety competency appropriate to scope of work

• Controls Engineering Depth & Lifecycle Governance

• Architect PLC/HMI code, state machines, alarms, diagnostics, recipes and recovery sequences; conduct peer review and enforce modular coding standards.
• Own industrial networks, managed switches, addressing, interfaces, time synchronization and end-to-end MES handshakes, etc
• Validate functional safety changes, safety requirement traceability and proof-test evidence under formal authorization.

• Launch Governance, Change Control & Operational Readiness

• Support FAT/SAT, commissioning, equipment acceptance, Safe Launch, run-at-rate and capacity verification with objective evidence and disciplined punch-list closure.
• Control production, process, software and test changes through documented risk assessment, approvals, validation, revision history and rollback or containment planning.
• Participate in readiness reviews, Layered Process Audits, Process Confirmation, etc.
• Support AMP-2 Safe Launch activities, run-at-rate events, and capacity verification within scope
• Contribute to Launch Readiness Reviews, Layered Process Audits, and Process Confirmation routines
• Collaborate across Production, Quality, Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, EHS, IT/OT, MES, Supply Chain, Product Engineering and suppliers.

• Safety, Quality, Data Integrity & Compliance

• Apply role-specific HV LOTO/HVIL, machine safety, stored-energy isolation, electrical safe-work and PPE requirements; never bypass safety devices or product protections.
• Protect product genealogy, calibrated-tool status, test/measurement integrity, document control and audit-ready objective evidence.
• Comply with applicable AMP-2, SASO, Saudi labor/EHS, IATF 16949, IEC 60204 and functional-safety requirements within assigned scope.

• Saudization, Capability Transfer & Collaboration

• Build Saudi national capability through structured OJT, ILU/skills matrices, practical assessment, certification, cross-training and documented knowledge transfer.

Skills
• Deep PLC expertise across at least two of Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000
• Strong SCADA and historian experience (Ignition preferred)
• MES integration
• OT cybersecurity experience
• Machine vision and robotics-integration experience
• Strong analytical and structured troubleshooting mindset
• Technical standards, structured problem solving, risk-based decision making and controlled documentation
• Data literacy: KPI definition, trend analysis, evidence-based validation and clear executive/shop-floor communication
• Cross-functional influence, supplier coordination and disciplined ownership in a greenfield launch environment
• Coaching, competency assessment and knowledge transfer in a multicultural English/Arabic workplace

Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Control, or Mechatronics Engineering
• 5-8 years in PLC-based industrial automation; 3+ years in greenfield launch environments
• Demonstrated experience with MES integration, and safety PLC deployment
• Fluent in English; Arabic strongly preferred
• Preferred EV Powertrain equipment experience
• Demonstrated experience with commissioning, FAT/SAT, launch, production readiness or high-volume manufacturing ramp within the role discipline
• Working knowledge of IATF 16949, APQP/change control, machine/HV safety and traceability requirements applicable to the role

Compensation & Benefits
A comprehensive and competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and disability coverage; paid time off; paid holidays, paid sick leave; and a 401(k) retirement plan. Hourly/non-exempt employees accrue up to 120 hours paid time off, and salaried/exempt employees accrue up to 160 hours paid time off. Eligible employees may also participate in the company’s equity program and/or a discretionary annual cash incentive program. Incentive and equity awards, if applicable, are determined based on individual performance, role scope, market considerations, and overall company results, in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Equal Opportunity
We believe diversity strengthens everything we build. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace for all. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal laws and regulations.

Accessibility
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

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