Senior Controls & Automation Engineer

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:
The Magna Exteriors portfolio of products includes access systems such as liftgates, exterior trim, modular systems, front-end modules including fascia, active aerodynamic systems and other lightweight structural components for automotive, commercial truck and other industrial markets.
Recognized globally as an innovator in all aspects of vehicle exteriors, Magna provides everything needed, from materials development and design through manufacturing and assembly, to help automakers create sleek, state-of-the-art vehicles across the world.
Job Responsibilities:
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Senior Controls & Automation Engineer will serve as the technical authority for smart factory automation and advanced control systems within our Factory of the Future team. This role is critical to scaling next-generation manufacturing capabilities across our global facilities, including deployment of collaborative robots (co-bots), AGVs/AMRs, condition-based monitoring systems, and Industry 4.0 solutions like edge computing, smart sensors, and digital twins.
This senior-level engineer will lead the architecture, integration, and commissioning of complex automation systems, working cross-functionally with engineering, IT, data science, and operations teams. They will ensure alignment between automation strategy and digital transformation objectives, driving connectivity, performance, and innovation across our factories.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, program, and commission advanced PLC, SCADA, HMI, and industrial control systems using platforms such as Rockwell, Siemens, or similar.
• Lead deployment and integration of collaborative robots, AGVs/AMRs, and smart material handling systems.
• Implement condition-based monitoring systems using real-time sensor data, vibration, thermal, acoustic, and other types of monitoring.
• Lead integration of Industry 4.0 technologies including digital twins, edge computing, and smart sensor networks.
• Provide technical leadership and vendor oversight for automation project execution, from design through commissioning.
• Modernize legacy automation systems, industrial network upgrades, and OT cybersecurity improvements.
• Ensure seamless data integration from automation assets to cloud platforms via OPC UA, MQTT, Sparkplug B or edge gateways.
• Collaborate with IoT and Data Engineering teams to optimize automation data flow and support predictive analytics.
• Serve as SME for global manufacturing teams on advanced automation practices and Industry 4.0 implementation.
• Standardize and document automation practices to enable scale across multiple global sites.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and the requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability and/or physical demands required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Demonstrated expertise in PLC/HMI programming, robotic integration, and control system architecture.
• Experience deploying collaborative robotics, AGV/AMR systems, and condition-based monitoring solutions.
• Hands-on experience with Industry 4.0 technologies including digital twins, IoT, edge devices, and smart sensors.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols, networking, and OT cybersecurity.
• Familiarity with data integration frameworks and industrial cloud connectivity.
• Excellent problem-solving, leadership, and cross-functional communication skills.
• Ability to travel as needed to support implementation and commissioning activities.

Education/Special Knowledge - Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field.
Experience - 10+ years of experience in industrial automation, with 3+ years in a leadership or senior-level engineering role.
Physical Demands/Work Environment - Normal amount of sitting or standing, average mobility to move around an office environment, able to conduct normal amount of work at a computer, may require local, domestic and international travel. This position will be located out of Troy MI, or remote with a travel requirement.
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 to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.
Worker Type:
Regular / Permanent
Group:
Magna Exteriors