Sr. Paint Automation Engineer

The Sr. Paint Automation Engineer plays a vital role in the development, commissioning, and support of fully automated painting systems within a high-volume automotive manufacturing facility. This professional is responsible for ensuring the integration and performance of robotic, PLC, and SCADA systems involved in processes such as pre-treatment, e-coating, primer application, base and clear coat, oven curing, and final inspection. 

This role supports production readiness, quality, and uptime by overseeing the entire life cycle of automation systems—from specification through implementation to continuous improvement. Working cross-functionally with maintenance, quality, controls, and production teams, the Automation Engineer guarantees that automation solutions meet performance targets, OEM standards, and regulatory compliance. 

You Will

Automation System Design & Programming

• Design, develop, and implement control strategies for robotic and automation systems in paint booth, sealer, and utility areas 
• Develop and modify PLC logic (Siemens S7/TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff) for paint shop systems such as material conveyors, ovens, elevators, turntables, and skids 
• Configure and program robot paths and paint parameters for systems such as ABB IRB5500, Fanuc R-2000iC, KUKA KR series, or Dürr EcoRP
• Design and integrate HMI/SCADA interfaces for operator interaction, alarms, diagnostics, and data logging

Commissioning and Project Execution

• Participate in new plant installations, upgrades, and expansions—leading automation commissioning for the paint shop 
• Support Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) for automation hardware and software 
• Conduct I/O validation, functional testing, and interlock verifications for safety and process controls 
• Optimize line balancing, takt time, and cycle times during the commissioning and ramp-up phase

Integration & Data Systems

• Interface with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Quality Management Systems (QMS), and Plant SCADA to enable data capture, recipe control, and traceability 
• Support integration of vision systems for defect detection and robotic path adjustments
• Deploy and maintain IoT edge devices or OPC-UA/MQTT-based systems for real-time monitoring and diagnostics 

Process Monitoring and Optimization

• Continuously analyze process KPIs (e.g., FTQ, uptime, overspray, paint usage, rework rates) and implement automation-based corrective actions
• Improve energy efficiency and resource consumption (compressed air, power, paint, deionized water) through automated optimization
• Implement predictive maintenance algorithms using historical automation data to minimize unplanned downtimes

Safety, Quality, and Compliance

• Ensure all automation systems comply with local and international safety standards (e.g., CE, ISO 13849, OSHA, NFPA 79)
• Conduct risk assessments for new automation setups and update safety circuits (e.g., Pilz, Siemens SICK) accordingly
• Implement error-proofing (poka-yoke) features using automation to prevent human error and improve quality
• Support audits and certifications related to paint operations and automation controls 

Documentation and Training

• Create detailed documentation: electrical and pneumatic schematics (EPLAN preferred), PLC/HMI code backups, FMEA reports, and robot backup routines 
• Develop SOPs and training modules for maintenance and production operators on automated systems and troubleshooting
• Establish automation change management logs and version control procedures

You Bring 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or a related field
• Master’s degree or PMP certification is a plus
• Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of automation maintenance experience in an automotive paint shop or similar industrial environment, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role 

Certifications:  

• Electrical safety certifications and training (NFPA 70E, OSHA standards, etc.)

Join Lucid Motors and be a part of the luxury electric vehicle revolution in the region! Apply now and contribute to the sustainable future of mobility while offering customers an unparalleled driving experience.