Automation Systems Engineer (Entry-Level / PLC Focus)

Req ID: 140272

Remote Position: No

Region: Americas

Country: Mexico

State/Province: Nuevo Leon

City: Monterrey

General Overview

Functional Area: Engineering

Career Stream: Equipment Engineering Manufacturing

SAP Short Name: AST-ENG-EQM

Job Level: Level 06

IC/MGR: Individual Contributor

Direct/Indirect Indicator: Indirect

Summary

As part of the Celestica Global Automation (CGA) team, you are an entry-level Developing Controls Engineer with a strong technical foundation, structural logic, and high learning agility. Celestica is committed to empowering early-career engineering talent through a structured developmental pathway designed to cultivate technical mechanics, baseline software logic, and problem abstraction capabilities. Our core goal is to accelerate your professional growth toward becoming a Senior Automation Engineer capable of high-level solution conceptualization and global engineering execution.

In this role, you will operate across a balanced operational model comprising 60% Turn-Key projects with external automation integrators and 40% In-House control developments. You will bridge basic engineering mechanics with hands-on project accompaniment, defined requirements gathering, supplier technical evaluations, component procurement tracking, and shop-floor commissioning.

You will report directly to the Senior Manager of Automation Engineering. This position is based at Celestica's primary automation engineering center in Monterrey, Mexico.

Detailed Description

Performs tasks such as, but not limited to, the following:

• Technical Process Gathering & Scoping: Conduct shop-floor process audits and technical data gathering on existing manufacturing lines to baseline cycle times, identify automation bottlenecks, and define physical and electrical interface boundaries.

• Requirements Documentation & Validation: Author and maintain foundational project documentation-including User Requirement Specifications (URS) and Statement of Work (SOW) protocols-to validate new automation concepts and ensure technical alignment across sites.

• Supplier Proposal Evaluation & Bidding: Participate in RFQ processes by evaluating vendor technical proposals, reviewing component selections, and benchmarking proposed Turn-Key solutions (60% operational scope) against Celestica standards.

• In-House Controls Development & Engineering Support: Assist senior architects in designing and programming basic control architectures (40% operational scope), structuring PLC logic routines, configuring HMI layouts, and setting up industrial communication protocols.

• Procurement & Import Logistics Tracking: Track the technical supply chain lifecycle for control hardware, sensors, and automation tooling-monitoring Purchase Order (PO) creation, vendor execution, material arrival, and customs logistics.

• Equipment Release & Shop-Floor Commissioning: Support the hands-on verification and validation of automated machinery through signal continuity testing, control panel wiring audits (timbrado de tableros), and execution of Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) protocols.

• Project Planning & Data Analysis: Maintain structured project tracking schedules, cost tracking, forecasts, and executive status updates using Excel and Smartsheet tools to ensure project execution remains on time and on budget.

• Cross-Site Communication & Reporting: Participate in weekly global team calls and cross-site engineering syncs, creating status update decks and executive summaries to share progress with executive leadership. (English 100%)

• Continuous Engineering Development: Actively engage in technical mentorship, learning programs, and cross-functional collaborations to build advanced competencies in systems architecture and problem abstraction.

Knowledge/Skills/Competencies

• Programming & Logic Fundamentals: Strong baseline structural logic, clean programming mechanics, and familiarity with structured logic concepts (e.g., PLCs, C/C++, Python, or ladder logic).

• Schematic & Diagram Reading: Proven ability to read, interpret, and trace industrial electrical schematics, control cabinet layouts, and pneumatic circuit diagrams.

• Control Panel & Hardware Verification: Basic hands-on familiarity with shop-floor signal tracing, sensor wiring, and control panel continuity testing (timbrado de tableros).

• Organized Project Tracking & Data Analysis: Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Smartsheet for tracking project milestones, organizing datasets, structuring tables, and updating progress schedules.

• Bilingual Communication: Professional written and verbal communication skills in both English and Spanish (minimum B2 level) to coordinate effectively with global teams and site managers.

• Learning Agility & Abstract Reasoning: High personal hunger to learn, strong problem-solving orientation, and adaptability in fast-changing manufacturing environments.

• Team Integration & Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work productively within cross-functional teams, participate actively in group problem-solving, and align with safety regulations.

Nice to have skills:

• Control Hardware & Software Exposure: Exposure to major industrial PLC environments (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley Studio 5000) or HMI/SCADA configurations.

• Robotics & Industrial Vision: Baseline exposure to industrial robots (e.g., Fanuc, Kuka, ABB, Universal Robots) or 2D machine vision sensors (e.g., Cognex, Keyence).

• Advanced Perception & Specialty Processes: Familiarity with advanced perception algorithms (e.g., computer vision frameworks), precision fluid dispensing, or automated functional testing principles.

• CAD & Engineering Design: Experience with SolidWorks or AutoCAD Electrical for basic 3D model viewing and electrical drawing modifications.

• Financial & Commercial Basics: Foundational understanding of project CapEx tracking, Purchase Order workflows, vendor negotiations, or financial payback metrics (ROI).

• Manufacturing & ERP Systems: Basic exposure to corporate ERP systems (such as SAP) and standard quality methodologies (8D, FMEA, SPC).

Physical Demands

• Expectation of travel to vendor/supplier locations and other Celestica sites is less than 10% of the time. However, travel may temporarily increase during critical project life cycle phases, such as on-site FAT buy-offs, equipment commissioning, and line transfers.

Typical Experience

• Entry Level: 0 to 2 years of relevant experience or solid academic project background in industrial automation, control systems, or mechanical design.

Typical Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Electronic, Computer, or Robotics Engineering.

Notes

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Job duties and the % of time identified for any function are subject to change at any time.

Celestica is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on any protected status (including race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran or disability status or other characteristics protected by law).

At Celestica we are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected and supported. Special arrangements can be made for candidates who need it throughout the hiring process. Please indicate your needs and we will work with you to meet them.

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Celestica, Inc. (NYSE: CLS; TSX: CLS) is a technology leader dedicated to driving customer success and market advancements. With deep expertise in design, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and platform solutions, Celestica enables critical data center infrastructure for AI, cloud, and hybrid cloud and advances technologies in high-growth markets. With a talented team and a strategic global network, Celestica helps its customers achieve competitive advantages.

Today, Celestica delivers innovative supply chain solutions globally to customers in strategic two operating and reporting segments: Advanced Technology Solutions (ATS) and Connectivity and Cloud Solutions (CC):

ATS: This segment serves customers in complex, regulated and high-reliability markets such as Industrial & Smart Energy, Aerospace & Defense, Semiconductor Capital Equipment, and HealthTech. It is engineering led, with deep expertise in design, manufacturing and lifecycle solutions.

CCS: This segment focuses on high-performance technology solutions and services for the data center, serving hyperscalers, digital native customers and enterprises. Celestica's Platform Solutions offering provides innovative and customizable computing, storage and networking solutions enabling AI-driven growth.

Built on a legacy of trust and performance, Celestica has earned its reputation by delivering results in complex and fast-changing markets. Celestica exceeds customer expectations by identifying trends and staying ahead of the curve. Backed by comprehensive capabilities and a global network across North America, Europe and Asia, Celestica helps customers gain competitive advantage with the quality, flexibility and resiliency they need to respond quickly to shifts in demand. Guided by a bold vision to accelerate market advancements, Celestica delivers innovative solutions and technologies that turn complexity into opportunity. Anchored in teamwork and commitment, Celestica strives to be the most trusted partner to its customers and colleagues worldwide.

Celestica would like to thank all applicants, however, only qualified applicants will be contacted.

Celestica does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies or fee based recruitment services.