Automation Lead

What We Offer

• Engaging and dynamic environment to develop industry-leading automotive technologies
• Support and resources for employee success
• Exciting, varied responsibilities
• Wide range of development prospects

Group Summary

• Magna Exteriors portfolio includes liftgates, exterior trim, modular systems, front-end modules, active aerodynamic systems, and lightweight structural components
• Provides materials development, design, manufacturing, and assembly for automotive, commercial truck, and industrial markets
• Recognized globally as an innovator in vehicle exteriors

Job Responsibilities

Position Summary

• Support execution of Factory of the Future transformation in Toronto manufacturing division
• Lead automation deployment activities and coordinate across internal and external teams
• Ensure solutions meet Factory of the Future standards
• Work closely with operations, engineering, vendors, integrators, and plant leadership
• Provide hands-on technical support during commissioning, integration, troubleshooting, and startup

What Success Looks Like

• Automation initiatives delivered on time and to standard
• Strong coordination and alignment across vendors, integrators, and plant teams
• Reduced execution delays, rework, and deployment friction
• Standardized, scalable automation solutions implemented
• Improved operational performance, system stability, and deployment efficiency

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead execution and coordination of automation initiatives
• Act as primary contact between vendors, integrators, plant teams, and leadership
• Drive alignment to standards, priorities, and timelines
• Support installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and integration
• Provide leadership to resolve execution risks and technical issues
• Drive standardization and sharing of best practices
• Support scalability and repeatability of solutions
• Collaborate with operations and engineering for readiness and outcomes
• Improve manufacturing performance and efficiency through automation

Qualifications

• Strong experience with PLC programming and industrial control systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent)
• Proven experience leading or coordinating automation deployments in manufacturing
• Hands-on experience with commissioning, troubleshooting, and startup
• Experience working with vendors, integrators, and cross-functional teams
• Strong troubleshooting, coordination, and execution skills in fast-paced environments
• Ability to provide leadership while remaining hands-on

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field preferred, or equivalent hands-on experience
• 8+ years in industrial automation, controls engineering, or manufacturing systems
• Preferred experience with large-scale automation or manufacturing transformations
• Preferred experience in automotive or high-volume manufacturing
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols and automation integration preferred

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Normal sitting or standing, average mobility in office environment
• Work at computer
• May require local, domestic, and international travel
• Location: Troy MI or remote with travel requirement

Awareness, Unity, Empowerment

• Magna is an equal opportunity employer
• Hiring based on experience and qualifications regardless of protected characteristics
• Privacy of personal information is taken seriously

AI-Assisted Screening Disclosure

• AI tools may be used for initial screening
• AI supports recruiters; final decisions by hiring team
• No external sharing of applicant data
• Information handled per privacy policies
• Applicants may request explanation of AI use
• Contact Talent Attraction team for questions

Worker Type

• Regular / Permanent

Group

• Magna Exteriors