Job Description
We solve the world's toughest and most important thermal problems. As a world-class industrial technology and thermal products leader, Watlow designs and manufactures heating solutions consisting primarily of electric resistive heaters, temperature sensors, temperature and power controllers and supporting software – all the components of a thermal system. We partner with our customers to optimize thermal performance, decrease design time, and improve the efficiency of products and applications. Watlow brings 100 years of experience to numerous industries, including semiconductor processing, clean environment technology, energy generation, diesel emissions, medical and food service equipment.
** Location: Kulim Hi-Tech Park, Kedah. Malaysia.
** Welcome those currently are holding the position of Senior Automation Engineer / Automation Project Engineer
Job Summary
We are seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to lead the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automation solutions for manufacturing operations. This role will cover automation projects ranging from standalone machines to fully integrated assembly production lines. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on automation experience, solid mechanical and controls understanding, excellent problem-solving ability, and proven project management skills.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead automation projects from concept development through design, build, debug, qualification, installation, and production release.
- Develop automation solutions for single machines, work cells, semi-automated processes, and integrated assembly lines.
- Work with production, process engineering, quality, maintenance, and external suppliers to define automation requirements and project scope.
- Create or review mechanical concepts, layouts, fixtures, tooling, machine guarding, and equipment designs using 3D solid modeling software.
- Support equipment specification, supplier selection, technical reviews, factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing, and final handover.
- Troubleshoot automation equipment issues related to mechanical systems, electrical controls, sensors, motion, pneumatics, robotics, PLCs, HMIs, and vision systems.
- Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for equipment downtime, quality issues, cycle time losses, and process instability.
- Improve automation reliability, safety, maintainability, productivity, and manufacturability.
- Develop financial justification for capital investments related to automation
- Manage project schedules, budgets, risks, action plans, documentation, and stakeholder communication.
- Develop and maintain equipment documentation, including URS, FMEA, drawings, control logic notes, spare parts lists, validation documents, and work instructions.
- Support machine safety assessments, risk reduction, guarding design, and compliance with applicable safety standards.
- Mentor junior engineers and technicians in automation design, troubleshooting, and project execution.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Typically 7+ years of automation engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated experience automating both standalone machines and multi-station assembly production lines.
- Fluent in Mandarin and English, including technical discussion, documentation review, and supplier communication. ** Preferable have ability to speak in Mandarin as the job responsibilities and business communication needs, candidates with Mandarin proficiency are required for this role;
- Proficient in 3D solid modeling software such as SolidWorks, Inventor, Creo, NX, or equivalent.
- Strong problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis, structured troubleshooting, and data-driven decision making.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to simultaneously manage multiple automation projects from concept to production release.
- Good understanding of mechanical design, machine design, tooling, fixtures, pneumatics, sensors, actuators, and motion systems.
- Working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, servo systems, robotics, machine vision, electrical controls, and industrial communication networks.
- Experience working with automation suppliers, machine builders, and cross-functional manufacturing teams.
- Critical Skills and Competencies
- Machine and line automation concept development
- PLC, HMI, servo, robotics, and vision system understanding
- Mechanical design and 3D modeling capability
- Fixture, tooling, and poka-yoke design
- Equipment troubleshooting and root cause analysis
- Cycle time, OEE, yield, and productivity improvement
- Lean manufacturing principles
- Machine safety and risk assessment
- Design for manufacturability, maintainability, and reliability
- Supplier technical management
- Project planning, execution, and stakeholder communication
- Documentation discipline and change control
- Hands-on shop floor problem solving
- Strong communication across engineering, production, quality, maintenance, and suppliers.
Personal Attributes
- Hands-on, practical, and comfortable working directly on the production floor.
- Able to move between big-picture system design and detailed technical troubleshooting.
- Strong ownership mindset with the ability to drive projects to completion.
- Clear communicator who can align technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Curious, disciplined, and continuously looking for better ways to automate and improve manufacturing processes.
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