Position Overview

The Sr Automation Engineer, Powertrain owns PLC architecture, SCADA, historian, MES-OT integration, OT cybersecurity, and Industry 4.0 deployment across AMP-2 Powertrain equipment — covering both Drive Unit and HV Battery assembly shops. Joining a greenfield facility, this engineer builds the automation stack from first commissioning through volume ramp to June 2027 SOP, ensuring standards, uptime, cybersecurity, and data integration for a Factory-4.0-ready plant. The role operates through disciplined change control, objective launch evidence, cross-functional problem solving, and structured transfer of technical ownership to the Saudi workforce.

Key Responsibilities

• PLC Architecture & Standards
• Define and enforce PLC architecture and coding standards across Siemens TIA Portal and Rockwell Studio 5000
• Own safety PLC deployment (Siemens F, Rockwell GuardLogix, Beckhoff TwinSAFE) and functional safety compliance
• Maintain PLC program library, version-control repository, and control-system change management
• Lead FAT / SAT for all automated Powertrain equipment

SCADA, Historian & MES Integration

• Own SCADA architecture and standards (Ignition, WinCC, or FactoryTalk View SE)
• Deploy and maintain historian systems (OSIsoft PI, Ignition Historian, or equivalent) for machine performance data
• Own MES integration for production tracking, quality traceability, and machine-signal integration (OPC-UA, SQL)

OT Cybersecurity

• Enforce OT cybersecurity standards
• Implement network segmentation, secure remote access, and patch management for OT assets
• Coordinate with IT/OT security team on vulnerability management and incident response

IIoT & Industry 4.0 Deployment

• Drive IIoT deployment: machine connectivity, digital dashboards, predictive analytics, and OEE monitoring
• Partner with Data Engineering on data pipelines, tags, and analytics use cases
• Sponsor Industry 4.0 use cases: predictive maintenance, digital SPC, and closed-loop process control

Vision Systems & Robotics Integration Support

• Deploy and maintain machine vision systems (like Cognex and Keyence) for inspection, verification, and traceability
• Support robot - PLC integration for FANUC and ABB cells (safety, HMI, and I/O interfaces)

HV Safety & Compliance

• Enforce HV LOTO, HVIL continuity, and mandatory HV PPE for all work on or near EV Powertrain equipment
• Comply with SASO, Saudi MOI, and functional safety standards
• Support HV emergency response including thermal runaway isolation and battery-related incident procedures
• Achieve and maintain HV safety competency appropriate to scope of work

Controls Engineering Depth & Lifecycle Governance

• Architect PLC/HMI code, state machines, alarms, diagnostics, recipes and recovery sequences; conduct peer review and enforce modular coding standards.
• Own industrial networks, managed switches, addressing, interfaces, time synchronization and end-to-end MES handshakes, etc
• Validate functional safety changes, safety requirement traceability and proof-test evidence under formal authorization.

Launch Governance, Change Control & Operational Readiness

• Support FAT/SAT, commissioning, equipment acceptance, Safe Launch, run-at-rate and capacity verification with objective evidence and disciplined punch-list closure.
• Control production, process, software and test changes through documented risk assessment, approvals, validation, revision history and rollback or containment planning.
• Participate in readiness reviews, Layered Process Audits, Process Confirmation, etc.
• Support AMP-2 Safe Launch activities, run-at-rate events, and capacity verification within scope
• Contribute to Launch Readiness Reviews, Layered Process Audits, and Process Confirmation routines
• Collaborate across Production, Quality, Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, EHS, IT/OT, MES, Supply Chain, Product Engineering and suppliers.

Safety, Quality, Data Integrity & Compliance

• Apply role-specific HV LOTO/HVIL, machine safety, stored-energy isolation, electrical safe-work and PPE requirements; never bypass safety devices or product protections.
• Protect product genealogy, calibrated-tool status, test/measurement integrity, document control and audit-ready objective evidence.
• Comply with applicable AMP-2, SASO, Saudi labor/EHS, IATF 16949, IEC 60204 and functional-safety requirements within assigned scope.

Saudization, Capability Transfer & Collaboration

• Build Saudi national capability through structured OJT, ILU/skills matrices, practical assessment, certification, cross-training and documented knowledge transfer.

Skills

• Deep PLC expertise across at least two of Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000
• Strong SCADA and historian experience (Ignition preferred)
• MES integration
• OT cybersecurity experience
• Machine vision and robotics-integration experience
• Strong analytical and structured troubleshooting mindset
• Technical standards, structured problem solving, risk-based decision making and controlled documentation
• Data literacy: KPI definition, trend analysis, evidence-based validation and clear executive/shop-floor communication
• Cross-functional influence, supplier coordination and disciplined ownership in a greenfield launch environment
• Coaching, competency assessment and knowledge transfer in a multicultural English/Arabic workplace

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Control, or Mechatronics Engineering
• 5-8 years in PLC-based industrial automation; 3+ years in greenfield launch environments
• Demonstrated experience with MES integration, and safety PLC deployment
• Fluent in English; Arabic strongly preferred
• Preferred EV Powertrain equipment experience
• Demonstrated experience with commissioning, FAT/SAT, launch, production readiness or high-volume manufacturing ramp within the role discipline
• Working knowledge of IATF 16949, APQP/change control, machine/HV safety and traceability requirements applicable to the role