Manufacturing Automation Specialist

Company Description

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2024, Continental generated sales of €39.7 billion and currently employs around 190,000 people in 55 countries and markets.

Guided by the vision of being the customer's first choice for material-driven solutions, the ContiTech group sector focuses on development competence and material expertise for products and systems made of rubber, plastics, metal, and fabrics. These can also be equipped with electronic components in order to optimize them functionally for individual services. ContiTech's industrial growth areas are primarily in the areas of energy, agriculture, construction, and surfaces. In addition, ContiTech serves the automotive and transportation industries as well as rail transport.

Job Description

The Manufacturing Automation Specialist serves as the plant’s technical expert for automation initiatives and is responsible for leading automation and modernization projects within manufacturing operations.

This role identifies automation opportunities in manual and semi-automated processes, particularly in legacy equipment environments, and manages assigned automation projects from concept through implementation and stabilization.

The position combines strong hands-on automation expertise with project management responsibility, ensuring technical solutions are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with plant manufacturing strategy and CAPEX roadmap.

Key Responsibilities

Automation & Technical Responsibilities

• Identify automation opportunities within manual and existing manufacturing processes.

• Develop automation concepts including controls architecture, sensors, actuators, and system integration.

• Lead retrofit and modernization initiatives for legacy equipment.

• Support PLC upgrades, HMI implementation, and automation system improvements.

• Troubleshoot automation and control system issues on the shop floor.

• Improve equipment reliability, safety, ergonomics, and productivity.

• Ensure automation solutions comply with corporate engineering and safety standards.

• Standardize automation solutions and maintain proper technical documentation.

• Act as plant subject matter expert for manufacturing automation systems.

Project Management Responsibilities

• Lead assigned automation projects from concept development through commissioning and ramp-up.

• Define technical scope, specifications, and project requirements.

• Support CAPEX justification and cost estimation for automation initiatives.

• Develop project timelines and ensure milestone tracking.

• Coordinate internal stakeholders (Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Production, Quality, ESH).

• Manage external suppliers and system integrators during implementation.

• Monitor project budget, risks, and technical performance.

• Ensure successful handover to operations and maintenance teams.

• Provide project status updates to management as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in manufacturing automation environments.

• Proven experience managing technical or industrial automation projects.

• Strong hands-on PLC programming knowledge (Siemens, Allen Bradley or equivalent).

• Experience working with manual processes and legacy manufacturing equipment.

• Experience coordinating suppliers or integrators.

• Strong troubleshooting capability in production environments.

• Understanding of industrial safety and machine standards.

Additional Information

At Continental we are committed to building an inclusive and discrimination-free ecosystem in Mexico, these principles are rooted in our corporate philosophy and culture. Therefore, it is totally forbidden to request a pregnancy or HIV test as part of our selection processes.

Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.