
Senior Engineer - Automation
Flex · Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, India
- On site
- Full-time
- $120,000 / year
- Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, India
Job highlights
- Identify and evaluate automation opportunities in manufacturing.
- Develop and implement automation concepts and system architecture.
- Collaborate with vendors for equipment selection and technical evaluation.
- Deploy, support, and ensure safety of automated systems.
- Requires 6+ years of experience in automation.
About the role
About Flex
Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world. A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary.To support our extraordinary teams who build great products and contribute to our growth, we’re looking to add a Senior Engineer– Automation located in Sriperumbudur.
What a typical day looks like:
- Project Identification & Feasibility Analysis: Observe and study existing manufacturing and assembly processes to identify automation opportunities. Conduct time studies, bottleneck analysis, and ergonomic assessments. Evaluate technical feasibility, cost implications, and resource requirements. Prepare concept proposals and business cases, including cost–benefit analysis, ROI, and payback period. Prioritize automation projects aligned with factory goals, customer demand, and business strategy. Must have MS Office experience to prepare daily reports to present. Prepare design inputs, functional specifications, and control logic requirements. Ensure that solutions meet safety standards, operator ergonomics, and quality requirements.
- Vendor Selection & Technical Evaluation: Prepare RFQs with clear scope, deliverables, and specifications. Evaluate proposals based on cost, capability, technology, lead time, and track record. Conduct supplier assessments and technical reviews. Collaborate closely with suppliers during design, build, and commissioning. Maintain transparent, professional communication and escalate issues as necessary.
- Deployment, Handover & Production Support: Release automated equipment into production with handover documentation. Develop work instructions, SOPs, and troubleshooting guides. Train operators, technicians, and maintenance teams. Provide ongoing support during initial ramp-up and stabilize performance. Monitor equipment uptime, OEE, cycle time, and process capability.
- Safety, Ergonomics & Quality Control: Ensure automation systems meet safety regulations and fail-safe requirements. Minimize physical load and ergonomic risks to operators. Implement poka-yoke systems to eliminate assembly errors. Validate quality at every stage using sensors, torque control, and vision tools. Drive safe working habits and ensure EHS compliance.
The experience we’re looking to add to our team:
- Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience and training.
- Typically requires 6+ years of experience.
- Experience in Automation Build, Programming & Integration: Support mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic fabrication. Assist or lead programming, including PLC logic development, HMI screen design, Motion control integration, Networking of devices (IO, sensors, actuators). Integrate vision inspection, barcode reading, poka-yoke logic, and safety systems. Ensure all components function cohesively as a single system.
- Programming languages: SQL, Matlab, Python, and PLC.
- Concept Design & System Architecture: Convert process needs into automation concepts such as Jigs and fixtures, Semi-automated or fully automated assemblies, Robots or cobots, Vision systems and poka-yoke sensors, Material handling systems (conveyors, feeders, pick-to-light). Define automation system architecture (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation).
- FAT, SAT, and Validation: Define testing criteria and validation plans. Lead FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) at vendor location including Functionality, Safety verification, Cycle time achievement, Repeatability. Lead SAT (Site Acceptance Test) in plant Integration with shop floor utilities Debugging and finetuning Performance confirmation with real parts Document punch points, track closure, and validate against specifications.
What you’ll receive for the great work you provide
- Medical insurance
- PTO
Key skills/competency
- Automation Engineering
- PLC Programming
- HMI Design
- Robotics
- Vision Systems
- SQL
- Matlab
- Python
- Manufacturing Processes
- System Integration
Skills & topics
- Automation Engineer
- Senior Engineer
- Manufacturing
- Automation
- PLC Programming
- HMI
- Robotics
- System Integration
- Python
- Matlab
- SQL
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 6+ years of experience in automation build, programming, and integration, emphasizing skills in PLC, HMI, SQL, Matlab, and Python.
- Showcase project experience: Detail your involvement in concept design, system architecture, FAT, and SAT, quantifying achievements where possible.
- Understand Flex's values: Research Flex's mission to 'create the extraordinary' and their commitment to innovation, respect, and inclusivity.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss your experience with various automation technologies and problem-solving approaches for manufacturing challenges.
- Express your passion: Articulate your excitement for making a difference and contributing to Flex's growth in a collaborative environment.
Technical preparation
Master PLC programming and HMI design.,Practice Python, SQL, and Matlab scripting.,Study robotics and vision system integration.,Review jigs, fixtures, and material handling concepts.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex automation project you led.,How do you handle vendor technical disagreements?,Share an experience ensuring safety in automation.,How do you prioritize automation projects?
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key programming languages for the Senior Automation Engineer role at Flex?
- For the Senior Automation Engineer position at Flex, proficiency in SQL, Matlab, Python, and PLC programming is essential. Demonstrating experience in these languages will be crucial for your application.
- How much experience is typically required for the Senior Automation Engineer role at Flex?
- Flex typically requires around 6+ years of experience for the Senior Automation Engineer role. This experience should encompass automation build, programming, and integration.
- What is the work arrangement for the Senior Automation Engineer position at Flex in Sriperumbudur?
- The Senior Automation Engineer position in Sriperumbudur is listed as 'Site', indicating an on-site work arrangement at the Flex facility.
- What kind of automation concepts does Flex look for in a Senior Automation Engineer?
- Flex seeks Senior Automation Engineers who can convert process needs into automation concepts such as jigs and fixtures, semi-automated or fully automated assemblies, robots or cobots, vision systems, poka-yoke sensors, and material handling systems.
- What are the key responsibilities in the deployment phase for a Senior Automation Engineer at Flex?
- In the deployment phase, a Senior Automation Engineer at Flex is responsible for releasing automated equipment into production, developing handover documentation, work instructions, SOPs, and troubleshooting guides, and training operational teams.
- Does Flex consider candidates who don't meet every requirement for the Senior Automation Engineer role?
- Yes, Flex encourages individuals excited about a role but who may not meet every bullet point to apply. They value potential and encourage applications to join their extraordinary teams.
- What role does safety play in the Senior Automation Engineer position at Flex?
- Safety is a critical aspect of the Senior Automation Engineer role at Flex. You will ensure automation systems meet safety regulations, minimize ergonomic risks, and drive safe working habits, ensuring EHS compliance.