Sr. Automation Engineer (Drive Unit)

As a Sr. Automation Engineer (DU), you will be responsible for ensuring new and existing Drive Unit automation and control systems meet throughput, safety, quality, and reliability requirements for high‑volume production. This role focuses on the design, development, commissioning, and continuous improvement of automation solutions supporting Drive Unit assembly, sub‑assembly, and end‑of‑line operations. 

You will work closely with Operations Engineering, Controls, Quality, Product Engineering, and external integrators to deliver robust, scalable, and standards‑compliant automation solutions for Drive Unit manufacturing. 

You Will 

• Develop, commission, and support automation and control systems for Drive Unit (DU) assembly lines, sub‑assemblies, and end‑of‑line (EOL) testing equipment 
• Demonstrate strong familiarity with equipment control systems, I/O architectures, and machine logic used in DU manufacturing environments 
• Partner with layout engineering to prepare and optimize Drive Unit line layouts, material flow, and equipment interfaces 
• Support and integrate automation for DU‑specific processes including press‑fit operations, bearing installation, gearbox and housing assembly, lubrication and oil fill, leak testing, spin testing, and EOL validation 
• Work with automation equipment such as robotics, end‑of‑arm tooling, pick‑and‑place systems, position and torque sensors, material handling systems, fluid dispensing, vision systems, conveyors, and laser cleaning or welding equipment 
• Develop company‑level, factory‑level, and line/machine‑level controls standards and specifications for use by internal teams and external equipment suppliers 
• Design data management and tracking architectures to support product traceability, process control, and quality reporting for Drive Unit manufacturing 
• Architect, write, and debug PLC logic with a strong emphasis on structured, maintainable, reusable, and well‑documented code 
• Integrate PLC systems with conveyors, robots, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), machine vision, LabVIEW, and third‑party equipment 
• Implement reliable, standards‑compliant safety systems (ANSI/RIA 15.06, OSHA) for robots, presses, conveyors, and high‑volume DU manufacturing equipment 
• Design intuitive HMI screens that simplify complex Drive Unit automation while enabling effective troubleshooting and diagnostics 
• Enforce application of Lucid Motors automation and controls standards and manage external integrators through specification, design review, and buy‑off 
• Define and execute automation test plans at vendor sites and Lucid facilities, including FAT, SAT, installation, and production ramp support 
• Train Maintenance and Production teams to support Drive Unit automation systems after deployment, support production during high volume production. 
• Debug, optimize, and continuously improve automated DU processes to maximize cycle time, availability, yield, and equipment reliability 

You Bring 

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Engineering, or related field preferred 
• 5+ years of experience in an Automation or Controls Engineering role within automotive or high‑volume manufacturing environments 
• Hands‑on experience supporting automated assembly and test equipment, ideally within Drive Unit, gearbox, motor, or similar electromechanical systems 
• Strong proficiency in industrial automation and electromechanical / mechatronic systems 
• Have in-depth knowledge of electrical standards (NFPA79 / NEC / UL508a), creating layouts, creating electrical and fluid schematics that are compliant (NFPA79/NEC/UL508a). 
• Experience in electrical design software (ePlan and AutoCAD electrical) 
• Advanced experience programming industrial automation equipment, including: 
  • PLCs and Safety PLCs (Allen‑Bradley and/or Siemens) 
  • HMIs (Ignition, FactoryTalk Optix, Siemens WinCC) 
  • Industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, safety‑rated fieldbus networks) 
• Experience with serial and Ethernet‑based communications between PLCs, instruments, and database or MES systems 
• Demonstrated excellence in PLC programming with disciplined code structure, state‑machine design, error handling, and recovery strategies for complex, multi‑station automation 
• Ability to select and apply appropriate electrical components including sensors, safety devices, PLC hardware, remote I/O, VFDs, and servo systems 
• Exposure to a wide range of production equipment and industrial instrumentation (presses, torque systems, dispense systems, temperature control, pressure sensing, and power monitoring) 
• Experience interfacing with and programming Fanuc robots is a plus 
• Experience with machine vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, Fanuc) is desired 
• Experience creating technical specifications and requirements for automated manufacturing equipment 
• Experience transitioning automation solutions from prototype or pilot builds into full production 
• Familiarity with production quality metrics and manufacturing KPIs 
• Ability to use 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks or CATIA is a plus