Automation Systems Engineer (Entry-Level / Robotics Focus)

General Overview

Functional Area:  Engineering        
Career Stream:  Equipment Engineering Manufacturing    
SAP Short Name:  AST-ENG-EQM
Job Level:  Level 06
IC/MGR:  Individual Contributor        
Direct/Indirect Indicator:  Indirect

Summary

As part of the Celestica Global Automation (CGA) team, you are an entry-level Developing Controls Engineer with a strong technical foundation, structural logic, and high learning agility. Celestica is committed to empowering early-career engineering talent through a structured developmental pathway designed to cultivate technical mechanics, baseline software logic, and problem abstraction capabilities. Our core goal is to accelerate your professional growth toward becoming a Senior Automation Engineer capable of high-level solution conceptualization and global engineering execution.

In this role, you will operate across a balanced operational model comprising 60% Turn-Key projects with external automation integrators and 40% In-House control developments. You will bridge basic engineering mechanics with hands-on project accompaniment, defined requirements gathering, supplier technical evaluations, component procurement tracking, and shop-floor commissioning.

You will report directly to the Senior Manager of Automation Engineering. This position is based at Celestica's primary automation engineering center in Monterrey, Mexico.

Detailed Description

Performs tasks such as, but not limited to, the following:

• Technical Process Gathering & Scoping: Conduct shop-floor process audits and technical data gathering on existing manufacturing lines to baseline cycle times, identify automation bottlenecks, and define physical and electrical interface boundaries.

• Requirements Documentation & Validation: Author and maintain foundational project documentation—including User Requirement Specifications (URS) and Statement of Work (SOW) protocols—to validate new automation concepts and ensure technical alignment across sites.

• Supplier Proposal Evaluation & Bidding: Participate in RFQ processes by evaluating vendor technical proposals, reviewing component selections, and benchmarking proposed Turn-Key solutions (60% operational scope) against Celestica standards.

• In-House Controls Development & Engineering Support: Assist senior architects in designing and programming basic control architectures (40% operational scope), structuring PLC logic routines, configuring HMI layouts, and setting up industrial communication protocols.

• Procurement & Import Logistics Tracking: Track the technical supply chain lifecycle for control hardware, sensors, and automation tooling—monitoring Purchase Order (PO) creation, vendor execution, material arrival, and customs logistics.

• Equipment Release & Shop-Floor Commissioning: Support the hands-on verification and validation of automated machinery through signal continuity testing, control panel wiring audits (timbrado de tableros), and execution of Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) protocols.

• Project Planning & Data Analysis: Maintain structured project tracking schedules, cost tracking, forecasts, and executive status updates using Excel and Smartsheet tools to ensure project execution remains on time and on budget.

• Cross-Site Communication & Reporting: Participate in weekly global team calls and cross-site engineering syncs, creating status update decks and executive summaries to share progress with executive leadership. (English 100%)

• Continuous Engineering Development: Actively engage in technical mentorship, learning programs, and cross-functional collaborations to build advanced competencies in systems architecture and problem abstraction.

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Knowledge/Skills/Competencies

• Programming & Logic Fundamentals: Strong baseline structural logic, clean programming mechanics, and familiarity with structured logic concepts (e.g., PLCs, C/C++, Python, or ladder logic).

• Schematic & Diagram Reading: Proven ability to read, interpret, and trace industrial electrical schematics, control cabinet layouts, and pneumatic circuit diagrams.

• Control Panel & Hardware Verification: Basic hands-on familiarity with shop-floor signal tracing, sensor wiring, and control panel continuity testing (timbrado de tableros).

• Organized Project Tracking & Data Analysis: Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Smartsheet for tracking project milestones, organizing datasets, structuring tables, and updating progress schedules.

• Bilingual Communication: Professional written and verbal communication skills in both English and Spanish (minimum B2 level) to coordinate effectively with global teams and site managers.

• Learning Agility & Abstract Reasoning: High personal hunger to learn, strong problem-solving orientation, and adaptability in fast-changing manufacturing environments.

• Team Integration & Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work productively within cross-functional teams, participate actively in group problem-solving, and align with safety regulations.

Nice to have skills:

• Control Hardware & Software Exposure: Exposure to major industrial PLC environments (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley Studio 5000) or HMI/SCADA configurations.

• Robotics & Industrial Vision: Baseline exposure to industrial robots (e.g., Fanuc, Kuka, ABB, Universal Robots) or 2D machine vision sensors (e.g., Cognex, Keyence).

• Advanced Perception & Specialty Processes: Familiarity with advanced perception algorithms (e.g., computer vision frameworks), precision fluid dispensing, or automated functional testing principles.

• CAD & Engineering Design: Experience with SolidWorks or AutoCAD Electrical for basic 3D model viewing and electrical drawing modifications.

• Financial & Commercial Basics: Foundational understanding of project CapEx tracking, Purchase Order workflows, vendor negotiations, or financial payback metrics (ROI).

• Manufacturing & ERP Systems: Basic exposure to corporate ERP systems (such as SAP) and standard quality methodologies (8D, FMEA, SPC).

Physical Demands

• Expectation of travel to vendor/supplier locations and other Celestica sites is less than 10% of the time. However, travel may temporarily increase during critical project life cycle phases, such as on-site FAT buy-offs, equipment commissioning, and line transfers.

Typical Experience

• Entry Level: 0 to 2 years of relevant experience or solid academic project background in industrial automation, control systems, or mechanical design.

Typical Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Electronic, Computer, or Robotics Engineering.

Notes

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Job duties and the % of time identified for any function are subject to change at any time.