Sr. Automation Engineer, Paint
Leading the future in luxury electric and mobility
At Lucid, we set out to introduce the most captivating, luxury electric vehicles that elevate the human experience and transcend the perceived limitations of space, performance, and intelligence. Vehicles that are intuitive, liberating, and designed for the future of mobility.
We plan to lead in this new era of luxury electric by returning to the fundamentals of great design – where every decision we make is in service of the individual and environment. Because when you are no longer bound by convention, you are free to define your own experience.
Come work alongside some of the most accomplished minds in the industry. Beyond providing competitive salaries, we’re providing a community for innovators who want to make an immediate and significant impact. If you are driven to create a better, more sustainable future, then this is the right place for you.
The Sr. Paint Automation Engineer is responsible for the full lifecycle engineering, optimization, and technical oversight of automotive paint processes. This includes managing a skilled team to ensure the implementation of Class A surface finish standards, high first-time quality (FTQ), environmental compliance, and robust process controls across pretreatment, electrocoat, primer, basecoat, and clearcoat stages. The manager interfaces with design, production, quality, maintenance, and external suppliers to deliver a world-class, efficient, and defect-free painted bodies.
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 roles
Technical Skills:
- In-depth knowledge of electrical power systems, PLCs (Siemens, Allen-Bradley), industrial robotics, HMI systems./SCADA
- Experience with automated conveyor systems, paint robots, ovens, electrostatic painting equipment, and air handling systems
- Proficiency in reading electrical schematics and troubleshooting using diagnostic tools
- Familiarity with software (e.g., SAP PM, Maximo)
Soft Skills:
- Strong problem-solving ability under production pressure
- Leadership in cross-functional environments
- Clear and professional communication skills, including technical writing
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated
- Passionate about automation, innovation, and continuous improvement
Certifications:
- Electrical safety certifications and training (NFPA 70E, OSHA standards, etc.)
Additional Compensation and Benefits: Lucid offers a wide range of competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, vacation, and 401k. The successful candidate may also be eligible to participate in Lucid’s equity program and/or a discretionary annual incentive program, subject to the rules governing such programs. (Cash or equity incentive awards, if any, will depend on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and company performance.)
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