About this role
PLC Programmer / Automation Project Engineer
Mission
Position Overview
We are looking for a highly skilled PLC Programmer / Automation Project Engineer to join our team in San Luis Potosí. In this dual technical and project support role, you will lead PLC software development (Siemens / TIA Portal) while working closely with our sales and engineering teams to scope new automotive projects. You will be instrumental in defining technical specifications, cost estimations, and deliverables for sales proposals, as well as providing technical guidance during execution to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Key Responsibilities & Deliverables
- Sales Support & Proposal Development (Pre-Engineering)
- Analyze client specifications and RFQs (Requests for Quotation) for new automotive projects.
- Define technical scope, hardware/software requirements, deliverables, and engineering hour estimations for sales proposals.
- Provide accurate cost estimates and technical justifications to support the commercial team during negotiations.
- PLC Programming & Technical Execution
- Program, configure, and troubleshoot Siemens PLCs using TIA Portal for automated automotive assembly lines and cells.
- Design and implement control logic, HMI interfaces, safety routines, and fieldbus communications (Profinet, Profibus).
- Conduct hardware/software testing, virtual commissioning, and on-site commissioning at client facilities.
- Project Oversight & Technical Governance
- Provide expert technical recommendations across all project phases (design, integration, testing, and commissioning).
- Monitor technical milestones to guarantee project delivery according to strict time, cost, and quality KPIs.
- Interface directly with client engineering teams to resolve technical conflicts and manage scope changes smoothly.
- Maintenance & On-Site Support
- Apply hands-on electrical and mechanical maintenance knowledge during integration phases to resolve shop-floor integration issues.
- Assist in root-cause analysis for automation downtime during client acceptance testing.
Profile
Qualifications & Requirements
- Education: Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Automation Engineering, or an equivalent technical field.
- Experience: 4+ years of hands-on experience as a PLC Programmer, specifically within the automotive industry.
- Software Expertise: Expert proficiency in Siemens PLC programming / TIA Portal (Step 7, WinCC, Safety).
- Language: Advanced English (written and spoken) is required to interface with international clients and stakeholders.
- Location & Mobility: Based in San Luis Potosí, México, with availability for sporadic travel to customer sites.
Technical & Additional Skills
- Strong practical knowledge of electrical schematics, mechanical maintenance, pneumatic controls, and industrial networks.
- Experience with OEM automotive standards (e.g., VW, BMW, GM, Stellantis standards) is a strong plus.
- Strong problem-solving abilities, project planning skills, and commercial awareness.