Senior Automation & Industrial Engineering (IE) Engineer

About Company

Interplex is a pioneer in custom interconnect and mechanical solutions for the world's leading data centers.

We customize high-performance busbars, enclosures and custom components for servers, network switches, enterprise storage and data center racks. Our 50 years of precision expertise and in-house R&D drive faster innovation, optimal thermal and electrical performance, and scalable designs that keep customers ahead of what's next.

Our extensive technical expertise, vertically integrated manufacturing and global footprint allow us to quickly and cost-effectively solve complex customer problems, on schedule and within budget.

Sustainability and innovation are Interplex's drivers to develop and produce products responsibly to minimize our environmental footprint and foster our approach in giving back to society. Learn more at www.interplex.com.

Why Join Us

We believe that our employees are our greatest assets. We create opportunities for you to grow your skills and unleash your potential to advance your career. Our dynamic, collaborative, and inclusive culture encourages continuous learning, professional growth, and a sense of purpose. Together, we can make a sustainable contribution while shaping the future. At Interplex, we recognize our inquisitive workforce for challenging conventions and developing transformative solutions. When you immerse yourself in the unconventional, the possibilities are endless. Whether you are starting your career or planning your next move, Interplex offers opportunities to innovate, improve, and create a positive impact while learning new skills and sharing your knowledge within a purpose-driven, sustainable business.

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Job Summary

The Senior Automation & Industrial Engineering (IE) Engineer is responsible for leading automation, digitalization, productivity improvement, and manufacturing optimization initiatives across the organization. The role drives operational excellence through advanced automation technologies, Industrial Engineering methodologies, Lean Manufacturing principles, and continuous improvement programs. This position is responsible for leading automation projects, developing manufacturing technology roadmaps, improving equipment reliability and production efficiency, managing capital investments, and providing technical leadership to support business growth and operational objectives.

Main Responsibilities

Automation Engineering

1. Lead the design, development, implementation, and support of automation systems for manufacturing operations.
2. Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC, HMI, robotics, vision systems, servo systems, and motion control applications.
3. Lead automation projects from concept, design, procurement, installation, commissioning, validation, and production handover.
4. Troubleshoot machine, electrical, control system, robotics, sensor, servo, and pneumatic issues to minimize downtime and improve reliability.
5. Develop automation standards, SOPs, preventive maintenance plans, and technical documentation.
6. Collaborate with equipment suppliers, automation integrators, contractors, and customers on automation initiatives.
7. Ensure compliance with machine safety standards, risk assessments, safety circuits, and safeguarding requirements.
8. Drive Smart Manufacturing, IIoT, machine connectivity, data analytics, and factory digitalization initiatives.
9. Lead implementation of new automation technologies to improve productivity, quality, safety, and cost competitiveness.

Industrial Engineering (IE)

1. Lead time studies, line balancing, capacity planning, labour productivity analysis, and manpower optimization activities.
2. Analyse manufacturing processes and identify opportunities for productivity, efficiency, and cost improvements.
3. Drive labour efficiency, cycle time reduction, and manufacturing cost reduction initiatives.
4. Develop and implement standard work methods and process optimization programs.
5. Conduct OEE analysis and develop action plans to improve equipment utilization and operational effectiveness.
6. Optimize production layouts, material flow, workstation ergonomics, and space utilization.
7. Develop operational KPIs, dashboards, and performance monitoring systems.
8. Lead value stream mapping and workflow improvement activities to eliminate waste and increase efficiency.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

1. Lead Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and Operational Excellence initiatives.
2. Apply problem-solving methodologies including 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone Diagram, PFMEA, and Root Cause Analysis.
3. Identify and implement automation opportunities to improve quality, delivery performance, safety, and productivity.
4. Lead continuous improvement projects and ensure sustainable results are achieved.
5. Support cost reduction, efficiency improvement, and manufacturing excellence programs across the plant.

Project Management & Leadership

1. Lead automation, digitalization, and manufacturing improvement projects.
2. Manage project budgets, timelines, resources, risks, and vendor performance.
3. Prepare CAPEX proposals, business cases, cost-benefit analysis, and ROI calculations.
4. Establish engineering standards, best practices, and technology roadmaps.
5. Mentor and coach engineers, technicians, and operations personnel.
6. Develop technical competencies and support workforce capability development.
7. Drive strategic manufacturing technology initiatives aligned with business objectives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

1. Work closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Program Management, Finance, and EHS teams.
2. Support New Product Introduction (NPI), process transfers, equipment qualification, validation, and production ramp-up activities.
3. Provide technical training and guidance to operations and engineering teams.
4. Participate in customer visits, audits, management reviews, and operational meetings.
5. Collaborate with stakeholders to achieve quality, delivery, productivity, cost, and safety targets.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

1. Perform any other duties, responsibilities, special projects, or assignments as delegated by Management from time to time in support of departmental, operational, and organizational objectives.
2. Support cross-functional teams and actively participate in continuous improvement, productivity enhancement, cost reduction, quality improvement, automation implementation, and operational excellence initiatives.
3. Contribute to strategic business initiatives, equipment capacity planning, factory digitalization, automation roadmaps, manufacturing optimization projects, and organizational improvement programs as required.
4. Ensure compliance with all company policies, procedures, Code of Conduct, Quality Management System (QMS) requirements, customer-specific requirements, environmental regulations, machine safety standards, and Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) requirements.
5. Support New Product Introduction (NPI), process transfers, equipment qualifications, validation activities, and production ramp-up activities as required.

Qualifications

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.

Experience

• Minimum 5–8 years of experience in Automation Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience leading automation projects, productivity improvement programs, and factory optimization initiatives.
• Experience managing capital equipment projects and cross-functional teams.

Technical Skills

• PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen Bradley, Omron, Siemens, Mitsubishi, or equivalent).
• Robotics programming and integration (Epson, ABB, Fanuc, Yaskawa, Omron, or equivalent).
• Motion control systems, servo motors, VFDs, sensors, machine vision systems, and pneumatics.
• SolidWorks, Creo, Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, or equivalent CAD software.
• Machine wiring, control panel design, and electrical troubleshooting.
• Strong understanding of machine safety requirements and safety-rated control systems.
• Experience with Industry 4.0, Smart Manufacturing, MES, IIoT, and factory digitalization.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Time Study, OEE, Capacity Planning, Value Stream Mapping, and Continuous Improvement methodologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certification.
• Project Management certification is an advantage.
• Experience in EMS, Metal Stamping, Electronics Manufacturing, Automotive, Semiconductor, Medical Device, or highly automated manufacturing environments.