Automation Specialist

adient· 1001 Avanzar Interior Technolgy LTD
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📍 San Antonio, TXFull time

About this role

JOB DESCRIPTION

Automation / Robot Specialist - Position Summary

The Automation / Robot Specialist serves as the technical owner of automation performance within manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for developing, integrating, optimizing, and troubleshooting PLCs, robotics, vision systems, motion controls, safety systems, and industrial communication networks to achieve production targets related to cycle time, throughput, quality, and uptime. The specialist will provide hands-on support during equipment installation, commissioning, production launches, and stabilization efforts while driving continuous improvement and eliminating recurring equipment failures through structured root-cause analysis.

This position is ideal for an engineer with a strong controls and automation background who enjoys troubleshooting complex manufacturing systems, improving automation performance, and supporting production in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own automation system performance and drive continuous improvements in cycle time, throughput, quality, and equipment uptime.
  • Develop, modify, test, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, robot, vision, motion-control, safety, and supporting automation programs.
  • Optimize robot paths, motion profiles, process sequencing, alarms, interlocks, and recovery routines.
  • Perform root-cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions for chronic equipment and process issues.
  • Configure, validate, calibrate, and maintain vision systems, sensors, servo systems, and error-proofing devices.
  • Support equipment installation, commissioning, launch activities, and post-launch stabilization.
  • Conduct offline programming, reach studies, cycle-time simulations, risk assessments, and system validation.
  • Maintain technical documentation, network diagrams, backups, and version-control practices.
  • Train maintenance and production personnel and provide a smooth transition to sustainment teams.
  • Track performance metrics including cycle-time achievement, uptime, labor reduction, and repeat-failure elimination.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 2-3+ years of experience as a Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer, Automation Specialist, or similar role.
  • Hands-on experience in industrial automation and manufacturing environments.
  • Experience with machine vision systems and FANUC robots.
  • Strong troubleshooting and programming experience with FANUC Robotics and Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation PLCs. This is a must-have requirement.
  • Experience developing and troubleshooting PLC, HMI, motion control, safety, and automation systems.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose complex automation issues.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Automotive manufacturing experience is preferred but not required.
  • Experience supporting production launches, commissioning activities, and equipment stabilization.
  • Experience working with industrial networking protocols and system integration.
  • Familiarity with version control systems such as Git or SVN.
  • Experience with Factory I/O, FlexSim, or similar simulation tools.

Technical Requirements

PLC, HMI, Motion & Safety Controls

  • Rockwell Automation ControlLogix
  • Studio 5000
  • Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and Function Block Diagrams
  • FactoryTalk View HMI
  • RSLinx Communications
  • Add-On Instructions
  • Produced/Consumed Tags
  • Kinetix Motion Control
  • GuardLogix Safety Programming

Industrial Robotics

  • Expert-level FANUC Robot Programming
  • TP Programming
  • KAREL Programming
  • Robot Calibration and Mastering
  • Motion Optimization
  • FANUC Roboguide
  • WinOLPC
  • Collaborative Robots (CR Series)
  • Force Sensing and Synchronized Motion

Vision Systems

  • FANUC iRVision (2D/3D)
  • Keyence CV-X
  • Cognex In-Sight / VisionPro
  • OCR, Pattern Matching, Edge Detection, Blob Analysis
  • Multi-Camera Inspection Systems
  • Error-Proofing and Validation Systems

Industrial Networking

  • EtherNet/IP
  • Profinet
  • Profibus
  • Modbus RTU
  • RS-232
  • OPC UA

PRIMARY LOCATION

Avanzar San Antonio Facility

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the salary disclosed for the Automation Specialist position at adient?
The salary for this Automation Specialist role at adient is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Where is the Automation Specialist position at adient located?
This Automation Specialist role at adient is based in San Antonio, TX. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Automation Specialist role at adient full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Full time position. It is posted as a Automation Specialist role in the 1001 Avanzar Interior Technolgy LTD department at adient.
Which team or department does the Automation Specialist at adient belong to?
This Automation Specialist position is part of the 1001 Avanzar Interior Technolgy LTD department at adient. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Automation Specialist position at adient?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to adient's official application portal hosted on workday where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Automation Specialist job at adient posted?
This Automation Specialist position at adient was posted on Sep 14, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Automation Specialist
adient
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