Maintenance Engineer, Automation, Body in White

Lucid Motors

The Maintenance Automation Engineer is responsible for maintaining and optimizing automated systems and equipment within the BIW lines. This role ensures high equipment availability and performance through effective troubleshooting, programming, and preventive maintenance of PLCs, and other automation technologies. The engineer works closely with cross-functional teams and reports directly to the Maintenance Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on automated systems including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and robotic arms.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation-related issues to minimize production downtime.
• Modify and optimize PLC programs and robotic routines to improve equipment performance.
• Support the installation and commissioning of new automated equipment in the BIW line.
• Maintain documentation of automation systems, including wiring diagrams, program backups, and change logs.
• Collaborate with production and engineering teams to implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and support root cause analysis for recurring issues.
• Train maintenance technicians on automation systems and troubleshooting techniques.
• Identify spares requirements for control system.
• Keep up with current and developing control system trends regarding maintenance.
• Strong foundation with PLC programming (e.g., ladder logic, structured text) and control systems.
• Must be able to adjust work schedules to meet production requirements.
• Must perform other task as assigned, permanent or temporary to support efficiency in operations.
• Architect, write and debug PLC ladder logic with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable and reusable. PLC code will interact with subsystems such as conveyors, robots, Manufacturing Execution System (MES), LabView, machine vision, and 3rd party equipment.
• Enforce application of Lucid Motors standards, Manage external integrators during specification, design review, design approval.

Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Siemens, Allen-Bradley).
• Experience with industrial robotics (e.g., ABB, FANUC, KUKA).
• Strong understanding of automation networks (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Can-bus, Modbus).
• Familiarity with SCADA systems and HMI development.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and control schematics.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Proficiency selecting appropriate circuit protectors, wire and cable, sensors, safety hardware, PLC hardware, remote I/O, VFD and servo systems.
• Experience or knowledge of incoming power distribution networks is a plus.
• In depth knowledge of maintenance activities, TPM scheduling and the production / manufacturing industry.
• Ethernet communications between machine PLCs and database systems.
• Proficiency selecting appropriate circuit protectors, wire and cable, sensors, safety hardware, PLC hardware, remote I/O, VFD and servo systems.