Automation Engineer

Sanmina Bulgaria EOOD is a leading integrated manufacturing solutions provider serving the fastest-growing segments of the global Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) market. Recognized as a technology leader, Sanmina provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions, delivering superior quality and support to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) primarily in the communications networks, defense and aerospace, industrial and semiconductor systems, medical, multimedia, computing and storage, automotive and clean technology sectors Sanmina Corporation has facilities strategically located in key regions throughout the world.For our Plant in Plovdiv we are looking for:Position OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to drive our transition from legacy manual assembly processes to state-of-the-art semi- and fully automated assembly lines. In this role, you will author technical specifications for externally sourced automated equipment, design and integrate local robotic assembly stations, and optimize existing machinery through hands-on PLC programming and hardware modification.Detailed Key ResponsibilitiesLine Automation & Transition: Lead the engineering effort to convert manual assembly operations into partially or fully automated assembly lines, balancing throughput, cost, and reliability.Supplier Technical Specifications & Procurement: Author comprehensive Technical Requirements Description (TRD / URS) documents for machinery, custom fixtures, and complete lines ordered from external automation vendors. Lead technical reviews, vendor selection, Acceptance Testing (FAT/SAT), and final commissioning.Single-Station & Robotic Cell Design: Design, build, and deploy semi-automated single-assembly stations and fixtures incorporating industrial robots, cobots, index tables, and pneumatic controls for localized tasks.Machine Retrofits & continuous Improvement: Diagnose performance bottlenecks, implement hardware modifications, and optimize cycle times on existing automated equipment across the factory floor.PLC Programming & Controls Integration: Develop, debug, and modify PLC software programs, HMI screens, and motion control systems to execute sequence control, safety protocols, and station interlocks.Hardware & Electrical Troubleshooting: Serve as the subject matter expert for industrial control systems, sensors, actuators, motor drives, safety circuits, and industrial network protocols.Technical Qualifications & Core CompetenciesEducation & ExperienceB.S. in Automation, Robotics, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering with 5+ years of hands-on automation experience in a volume manufacturing environment.PLC & Controls (Must-Have)Advanced, hands-on programming expertise in major PLC platforms (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley Studio 5000, Beckhoff TwinCAT).Hardware & Electronics (Must-Have)Strong hardware diagnostics capabilities: wiring diagrams, I/O distribution, pneumatic valve manifolds, servo/stepper drives, and safety controllers.Robotics & Motion ControlPractical experience programming and integrating industrial robots or cobots (e.g., FANUC, KUKA, Universal Robots) into custom assembly fixtures.Vendor & Project ManagementProven ability to write detailed engineering requirement documents (TRDs), evaluate OEM proposals, and manage turnkey vendor automation deliveries.Key Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)On-time commissioning of supplier-provided automated lines against project milestones.Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and cycle time targets for newly automated stations.Reduction in manual labor touchpoints and assembly line cycle times.