Senior Maintenance Technician - Automation

About Lucid Motors

Lucid Motors is redefining automotive mobility by integrating proprietary technology and software-defined vehicle architectures. Our acclaimed vehicles, including Lucid Air and Lucid Gravity, embody our "Compromise Nothing™" philosophy by delivering unmatched performance, sustainability, design, and spaciousness. We foster a culture of innovation achieved through tightly integrated design, engineering, and production within our global facilities, staffed by a diverse and dedicated team focused on excellence.

Position Overview

The Senior Maintenance Technician in Automation is tasked with ensuring optimal functionality of Body in White (BIW) automated manufacturing equipment through maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance enhancement. The role demands expertise in automotive OEM equipment, including PLCs, electrical systems, pneumatics, robotics, and BIW automation, supporting high uptime via preventive and corrective interventions alongside continuous improvement efforts.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead complex troubleshooting and maintenance of automated manufacturing equipment such as robots, conveyors, pneumatic systems, and BIW process machines.
• Act as the expert escalation contact for intricate issues involving automation controls, robotics, and system integration.
• Conduct hands-on diagnostics and provide maintenance for PLC control systems, including hardware and software fault analysis and recovery.
• Modify PLC programming, perform logic changes, backups, and real-time system monitoring.
• Maintain and troubleshoot Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and motor control units.
• Analyze and resolve issues within industrial communication networks, including addressing, diagnostics, and topology.
• Diagnose communications failures between PLCs, robots, weld controllers, drives, HMIs, safety systems, and field devices.
• Manage communication protocols between PLCs and robots, including signal handshakes, fault handling, and operational controls.
• Support interfaces between PLCs, robots, and weld controllers, ensuring proper I/O mapping, safety interlocks, sequencing, and production signal integrations.
• Operate and troubleshoot robotic cells and integrated robots across BIW, Paint, and Assembly departments.
• Demonstrate advanced understanding of pneumatic components, including cylinders and valves, their operation, applications, and refurbishment.
• Plan, schedule, carry out, and document preventive maintenance routines.
• Collaborate with maintenance planners to optimize CMMS usage and effectiveness.
• Manage spare parts inventory and delivery timelines for automation equipment.
• Lead commissioning, startup, and integration of new or updated automation systems within existing architectures.
• Oversee contractors and vendors ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Provide training and mentoring to team members on automation systems, PLC troubleshooting, robotics interfaces, and maintenance best practices.
• Drive continuous improvement projects to enhance equipment reliability, uptime, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Enforce strict compliance with safety protocols including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and electrical safety standards.
• Maintain clear and professional communication with production, engineering, quality assurance, and management teams.

Required Skills and Expertise

• Proficient knowledge of Allen Bradley / Rockwell Automation platforms, including Studio 5000 PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs, with practical experience in programming, software diagnostics, and troubleshooting.
• Comprehensive understanding of control system design, electrical schematics, control panel layouts, and field device integration.
• Hands-on experience interfacing PLCs with FANUC robots, managing fault diagnostics, signal controls, and supporting production.
• Familiarity with industrial communication networks such as Ethernet/IP and PROFIBUS, including diagnostics and fault rectification.
• Working knowledge of spot and arc weld controllers, their interface protocols, and PLC communication.
• Experience integrating BIW robotic welding cells.
• Broad background covering maintenance of mechanical and electrical manufacturing equipment.
• Solid foundational knowledge in electrical, pneumatic, mechanical, and automation theories enabling effective fault analysis and troubleshooting.
• Strong professional communication skills suitable for interaction with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Competency with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and equipment monitoring tools.

Qualifications and Experience

• Associate degree in a field related to the automotive industry.
• A minimum of three years professional experience in BIW, maintenance, or a corresponding discipline.
• Demonstrated experience with maintenance management systems, implementing maintenance schedules, and analyzing operational throughput.
• Effective communication and collaborative skills.
• Knowledge of BIW manufacturing processes and components is advantageous.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, including PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Physical capability to frequently stand, stoop, walk, lift objects up to 50 pounds, wear fall protection PPE, and access confined spaces with proper training.

Additional Information

Lucid Motors champions diversity, embracing an inclusive work environment regardless of race, ethnicity, age, religion, disability, gender identity, or other protected characteristics. We offer a thorough benefits program encompassing health, dental, vision insurance, life and disability coverage, paid leave including holidays and sick days, plus a 401(k) retirement savings plan. Employees accrue paid time off, with salaried staff eligible for higher accrual rates. Eligible personnel may participate in equity offerings and discretionary annual cash incentives linked to performance and company results. Safety is paramount with strict adherence to protocols such as LOTO and electrical safety standards. We maintain clear data privacy policies and provide reasonable accommodations during recruitment for candidates with disabilities. Recruitment agencies are not engaged, and unsolicited resumes are not accepted.