Automation Engineer

The Automation Engineer is responsible for the design, programming, optimization, and sustainment of automated manufacturing systems at the GSP Reynosa facility. This role spans multiple production areas — including Plating Lines, Machine Shop operations, and Glass to Metal Seal (GTMS) processes — ensuring reliable, repeatable, and high-quality automated manufacturing across all supported areas.
The Automation Engineer will advance automation maturity at the Reynosa site, resolve complex system issues, and partner with engineering, production, maintenance, and external vendors to deliver robust and scalable manufacturing solutions. The Automation Engineer will directly improve process consistency, reduce manual dependence, and support product transfer and production ramp activities — making this a high-impact, highly visible role at the site.
Key Responsibilities
Program and maintain PLC-based automation systems for plating lines, machine shop equipment, and related material handling processes.
Optimize automated process controls to improve yield consistency, dwell timing, sequencing, chemical cycle repeatability, cycle time, and overall throughput.
Troubleshoot PLC, motion control, sensor, drive, and equipment integration issues to minimize downtime and improve system reliability.
Manage recipe-based manufacturing parameters and validate process outputs against specifications.
Lead the development and implementation of automation solutions for Glass-to-Metal Seal (GTMS) processes, including assembly, inspection, and furnace/heat treat systems where applicable.
Collaborate with engineering, production, maintenance, machinists, vendors, and internal teams to implement automation upgrades, capital equipment commissioning, and new technologies.
Champion automation projects, identifying opportunities to implement advanced manufacturing technologies, robotics, and PLC-controlled systems to streamline operations and enhance productivity.
Establish and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and automation documentation for all areas of responsibility.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing principles and structured problem-solving methodologies to identify bottlenecks, reduce costs, improve throughput, and reduce manual intervention.
Ensure all automated systems operate safely and comply with plant safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
Requirements
Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or closely related field (required).
Minimum 3+ years of experience in automation engineering within a manufacturing environment.
Strong hands-on experience with PLC programming.
Strong knowledge of Allen Bradley PLC (Studio 5000 and factory talk), LabVIEW, and Python.
Demonstrated experience with automated process environments; background in electroplating, chemical processing, precision machining, or hermetic sealing processes strongly preferred.
Knowledge of HMI/SCADA systems, industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, Profibus, etc.), and control architectures.
Experience troubleshooting automated equipment including sensors, servo drives, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and control systems.
Understanding of process control concepts: sequencing logic, dwell/timing control, recipe-based manufacturing, and process parameter management.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, pneumatic diagrams, and mechanical drawings.
Demonstrated ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and to reduce costs. The successful candidate must be able to identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Knowledge of robotics, collaborative robots (cobots), vision systems, and advanced automation technologies.
Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma Green Belt, or equivalent certification.