Autonomous Industrial Automation Engineer: WELDING SHOP

Overview

Expleo is a trusted partner for end-to-end, integrated engineering, quality services and management consulting for digital transformation. We are a talent incubator. The time you spend at Expleo will turbo-charge your career, allowing you to work on complex technical challenges, enjoy opportunities to expand your skills and take part in inspiring, multi-disciplinary collaborations with your colleagues. Whether working on autonomous vehicles, green planes, the factories of tomorrow or cutting-edge banking technology, you will have the opportunity to become a bolder version of yourself. Let’s change the game together.

We are looking for an Autonomous Industrial Automation Engineer with Welding Shop experience to join our dynamic team, onsite in Coega, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

Responsibilities

Designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining autonomous industrial automation systems to optimize manufacturing processes and improve efficiency in automotive production facilities.

• Design and develop autonomous industrial automation systems for various stages of the automotive manufacturing process, including assembly, welding, painting, and quality control.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing engineers, software engineers, and robotics specialists, to integrate autonomous automation solutions into existing production lines.
• Conduct feasibility studies, risk assessments, and cost-benefit analyses to evaluate the potential impact and viability of autonomous automation projects.
• Program and configure robotic systems, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces), and other automation equipment to perform specific tasks autonomously.
• Implement advanced sensors, machine vision systems, AI algorithms, and machine learning techniques to enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and adaptive control of autonomous automation systems.
• Optimize the performance, reliability, and safety of autonomous automation systems through continuous testing, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Provide training, technical support, and guidance to production personnel and maintenance technicians on the operation and maintenance of autonomous automation systems.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices in autonomous industrial automation to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related field. Master's degree preferred.

Skills

• Strong proficiency in robotics programming, PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), HMI development, and industrial communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profibus).
• Experience with advanced sensors (e.g., LiDAR, vision systems), machine learning algorithms, and AI technologies applied to industrial automation.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes, quality standards, and safety regulations is a plus.
• Customer specific training may be required and will be conducted remote online or onsite which might require overseas travelling.

Desired Skills

• Computer tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Design analysis methods (FMECA, Functional analysis, risk analysis)

Experience

• Proven experience (5+ years) in designing, developing, and implementing autonomous industrial automation systems, preferably in the automotive manufacturing industry.

Benefits

We are guided by shared values in all things we do: Courage, Excellence, Collaboration, Respect and Accountability.

• Courage – We are bold thinkers and doers, always ready to take on new challenges. We think of ourselves as entrepreneurs, matching creativity with vigilance.
• Excellence – We are united by a shared ambition: change the game, together. Continuous performance is both an objective and a mindset.
• Collaboration –Teamwork and emotional intelligence are what makes us stand out in a crowd. We stand shoulder to shoulder, with our clients and our peers, through good times and setbacks.
• Respect – We are a hive of different profiles, and we place a high value on openness and transparency. We show respect, always.
• Accountability – We are reliable. We celebrate our successes, we take responsibility and learn from our failures. This is why we protect our “right to fail” as an opportunity to bounce back and progress.