Manufacturing Engineer-Automation - San Antonio, Texas

Work on the 1-million sq. ft.  factory is now under way on the 400-acre site. It will be the company’s second largest plant, rivalled only by JCB’s world headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire, England, and create 1,500 new jobs over five years. The factory will make Loadall telescopic handlers and aerial access equipment, with production scheduled to start in 2026. The factory will also have the capacity to expand and build other products in the future.

Company Profile

80 years and countless innovations later, JCB is the world’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of construction and agricultural equipment. At 23 plants spanning four continents—and countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, India and Brazil—JCB manufactures a range of more than 300 products including telescopic handlers, backhoe loaders, excavators, wheel loaders, compact excavators, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, Access aerial work platforms, rough terrain forklifts, and tractors.

JCB people are at the heart of our business and as a family-owned business we answer to our customers, not a group of shareholders. That freedom allows us to concentrate on developing the latest technologies and incorporating them into our equipment. We focus on what our customer needs on the jobsite – a machine that holds up in the toughest environment and increases their productivity.

At JCB, we stand behind our products – and our name.

Position Purpose

This position is responsible for leading and coordinating Manufacturing, Automation and Digital systems in the shop floor in heavy manufacturing and fabrication industry. Aims to achieve business goals through focusing on latest technology, integration of machines, connected factory, programming and leveraging efficiency in manufacturing using automated systems.  The position is responsible for overseeing the design, development, implementation and supporting all automation projects in field of metal cutting, welding, material handling, quality etc. related to the Heavy Fabrication functions.

Position Type

Full time, Exempt

Major Tasks, Responsibilities & Key Accountabilities

• Identify the latest technology suitable for the manufacturing plant
• Select right solution for improving the shop floor processes using automation
• Programming, coding and optimization of the automated system, robots, PLC etc.
• Trouble shooting of the systems and improving the efficiency
• Hands on experience on HMIs, PLC, robots etc.
• Integration of various machines, and defining key process controls
• Promote good work practices for advanced manufacturing plant
• Develop concepts and pilot projects for automation, digitalization and AI
• Set and manage training programs to train new team members
• Promote flexibility in the team
• Ensure performance standards are met
• Compile daily, weekly and monthly reports
• Knowledge of Fabrication processes like welding, cutting, forming, machining etc.
• Experience in new product development, process development
• Develop and maintain visual management for shopfloor
• Developing and implementing the Standard Operating Procedure for Fabrication shop
• Actively pursue the elimination of waste through the application of continuous improvement tools and techniques
• Liaise with suppliers on performance and cost improvements
• Conduct implementation, installation of new plant equipment

Nature & Scope

Reports to Fabrication Manager.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must pass any drug screens, background checks and any pre-employments tests as applicable.
• Associate’s degree
• Three years of fabrication/Manufacturing Engineering experience in relevant industry
• Three years of experience in field of automated manufacturing

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical field
• Five years of Manufacturing Engineering experience in a heavy Fabrication industry
• Five years of experience in Robotic welding, automation and/or industry 4.0  

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Competencies

• Proficient with PLC programming, HMIs and Robotic systems
• Understanding of the complexities of machine integration and intelligence
• Effective time management and planning skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Impressive listening skills
• Ability to prepare plan for future developments and growth
• Ability to influence and manage change within the business
• Promote innovation, creativity and technology to conduct business efficiently
• Ability to manage suppliers to deliver complex projects
• Must wear Personal Protective Equipment as required

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Must be able to work flexible schedule, including but not limited to 12-hour shifts/7 days a week
• Must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 10lbs, frequently and/or move up to 35lbs, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50lbs
• Must be able to perform continuous, repetitious physical activities.  These activities may involve fine movements or large motions
• Must be able to grasp/pinch small items, reach out and up, and turn wrist
• Must be capable of keeping pace with current production speed
• Must be able to push/pull with reasonable force
• Must be able to perform the following requirements of bending, stooping, climbing, kneeling, and standing for extended periods of time
• Must be able to work in multiple climates including hot/cold temperatures, and dusty environment

JCB is an equal employment opportunities (EEO) employer in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. JCB complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. EEO EMPLOYER/VET/DISABLED.

JCB Inc. is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status; however, as a global company, JCB offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S. which can be found through our website at https://www.jcb.com/en-gb/about/careers.

Disclaimer: This job description is general in nature and is not designed to contain or to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.