Automation Engineer, AME Powertrain

About Lucid

At Lucid, we are pioneering the future of mobility by delivering exceptional experiences through relentless innovation. Our mission is to redefine the automotive industry by creating vehicles that embody our "Compromise Nothing™" philosophy—where performance, sustainability, design, and engineering converge seamlessly. Built on proprietary technology and a software-defined vehicle architecture, our award-winning vehicles, including the Lucid Air and Lucid Gravity, set new benchmarks in range, performance, and luxury. By maintaining deep vertical integration, we design, engineer, and produce our vehicles in-house across global facilities, uniting diverse talent under a shared commitment to excellence. If you thrive in an environment that challenges the status quo, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of mobility and drive transformative change.

Your Role as an Automation Engineer, Powertrain

As an Automation Engineer specializing in Powertrain, you will play a pivotal role in the development, deployment, and optimization of automated manufacturing equipment critical to our production processes. Your expertise will be instrumental in implementing, debugging, and enhancing control systems to meet stringent throughput, safety, and quality standards. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Manufacturing, Controls, Quality, Maintenance, and external equipment partners, to ensure seamless integration and continuous improvement of automation systems. This role offers the chance to contribute to the transition of cutting-edge equipment from development to full-scale production, driving efficiency and innovation in our operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Control Systems Implementation and Maintenance: Develop and maintain equipment control systems, including I/Os and foundational machine logic, to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Layout Engineering Support: Assist in optimizing Powertrain line layouts, material flow, and equipment integration to enhance production efficiency and reduce bottlenecks.
• Automation Systems Expertise: Support a wide range of automation technologies, including robotics, end-of-arm tooling, pick-and-place systems, position sensors, material handling systems, fluid dispensing, vision systems, conveyors, and laser cleaning or welding equipment.
• Adherence to Standards: Apply company, factory, and line-level controls standards and specifications to ensure consistency, safety, and compliance in all automation projects.
• Data Connectivity and Traceability: Facilitate data collection and connectivity between machines and plant systems to enable real-time traceability, machine status reporting, and process monitoring.
• PLC Programming and Debugging: Write, modify, and debug PLC code in alignment with established architectures and standards, emphasizing structured, well-documented, and maintainable solutions.
• System Integration: Support the integration of PLCs with subsystems such as conveyors, robots, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), machine vision systems, and third-party equipment to ensure cohesive operation.
• Safety Compliance: Implement and maintain safety-related control functions in accordance with ANSI/RIA15.06 and OSHA requirements, ensuring a secure working environment for all personnel.
• Human Machine Interface (HMI) Development: Design and update HMI screens to support equipment operation, alarm management, and basic troubleshooting capabilities.
• Vendor Collaboration: Work closely with external equipment integrators during build, installation, and commissioning phases, providing design reviews and resolving technical issues.
• Equipment Testing and Commissioning: Participate in equipment testing, installation, and buy-off activities at vendor sites and Lucid facilities to ensure seamless deployment.
• Training and Support: Assist in training Maintenance and Production teams on automated equipment operation and basic troubleshooting techniques to enhance operational readiness.
• Performance Optimization: Troubleshoot and optimize automated equipment to improve cycle time, uptime, and yield, escalating complex issues to senior engineers as needed.
• MES Integration: Support machine-to-MES interactions to communicate machine status, process parameters, and product acceptability, ensuring data-driven decision-making.

Your Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in Automation Engineering or Controls Engineering within a manufacturing environment, with a preference for roles in the automotive or high-volume production sectors.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of electromechanical and mechatronic systems, including their integration into automated equipment.
• Safety Standards: Familiarity with industrial safety standards and regulations, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation in all automation projects.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex automation systems and implement effective solutions to enhance performance and reliability.
• Collaboration: Proven track record of working effectively in cross-functional teams to achieve common goals and drive continuous improvement.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment where adaptability and a commitment to excellence are paramount.