Plant Engineering Automation

This role acts as the key technical link between maintenance and production floor staff at Ford's Hermosillo plant in Mexico, providing direct support to Process Coaches, technicians, and Skilled Trades/Automation personnel.

The engineer will ensure operational continuity, maximize equipment efficiency, implement automation and process improvement projects, resolve failures through root cause analysis methodologies, and coordinate area safety strategies.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical point of contact on the floor (Gemba), supporting Process Coaches during process deviations or equipment failures.
• Respond to unplanned downtime/Andon events, restoring operations under strict safety and quality standards.
• Coordinate and follow up on technical/maintenance staff activities (Skilled Trades: Automation) assigned to the area.
• Monitor, diagnose, and reprogram automated control systems (PLCs, servo motors, VFDs, HMI/PanelView).
• Support and adjust automated equipment, HVAC, chillers, pumps, and drives.
• Maintain updated, backed-up control programs and electrical/pneumatic/hydraulic diagrams under change control.
• Lead structured problem-solving sessions and apply Lean tools to remove bottlenecks and improve equipment availability.
• Participate in FMEA and control plan updates for the area.
• Lead retooling/automation projects from design through commissioning and handoff to production.
• Plan and manage technical resources, critical spare parts, and contractor/vendor support.
• Coordinate with Preventive/Predictive Maintenance teams on planned downtime windows.
• Propose and implement innovation projects to optimize equipment performance.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, energy lockout, and machine risk assessments.
• Ensure equipment modifications meet corporate quality standards and local technical regulations.
• Coordinate area safety strategies and metrics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics, Electronics, Control & Automation, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in automated manufacturing environments (automotive or high-volume manufacturing preferred).
• Proven experience leading root cause analysis (8Ds, FMEA, DMAIC).
• Full flexibility for rotating shifts, weekends, and emergency operational support.

Must Have Skills

• PLC programming and troubleshooting (RSLogix 5000 / Studio 5000 / TIA Portal).
• Industrial network knowledge (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, DeviceNet, remote I/O).
• Advanced reading/interpretation of electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic diagrams (AutoCAD/ePlan).
• Proven root cause problem-solving leadership (8Ds, FMEA, DMAIC).
• Full availability for shift rotation, weekends, and emergency response.

Highly Desirable Skills

• Experience coordinating with Process Coaches and technical/unionized crews.
• Industrial integration and automation knowledge.
• Familiarity with plant floor monitoring systems (FIS, VisPlant, MES/SCADA).
• Industry 4.0 experience (IIoT, data acquisition, advanced machine vision).
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green/Black Belt) or Kaizen methodology.
• Intermediate-advanced English for technical communication with global teams and suppliers.