Automation Manager
About this role
Lucid Motors is hiring a Automation Manager, full-time, on-site in Saudi Arabia, in the EV sector.
About Lucid
At Lucid, we are creating exceptional mobility experiences through innovation to drive the world forward. Built on Lucid’s proprietary technology and software-defined vehicle architecture, our award-winning vehicles bring our “Compromise Nothing™” approach to the global automotive market. That means refusing to choose between performance and sustainability, design and engineering, ambition and integrity. In Lucid Air and Lucid Gravity, we have designed and built vehicles that have redefined their segments, combining exceptional range, performance, design, and expansive space in a single experience.
We achieve this through deep vertical integration, with design, engineering, and production happening in-house across our global offices and manufacturing facilities. Our teams come from industries around the world, united by a shared commitment to excellence. By refusing to settle, you can help redefine what’s possible and shape the future of mobility.
Position Overview
Functional leader accountable for automation, controls, robotics, vision, SCADA/historian, OT cybersecurity and MES-OT integration across AMP-2 Drive Unit and HV Battery shops. From commissioning through stable high-volume operation to deliver safe, capable and sustainable Powertrain operations while accelerating local technical capability and launch readiness.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy, architecture & governance
• Define PLC/HMI/SCADA/Ignition, safety-control, network, naming, code-library, backup and version-control standards.
• Govern Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000 and Beckhoff TwinCAT populations; establish lifecycle and obsolescence roadmaps.
• Own OT cybersecurity governance including segmentation, secure remote access, privilege, backup/recovery and patch coordination.
Robotics, vision & digital manufacturing
• Own Robotics like FANUC or ABB standards, safety validation, uptime, recovery, program governance and critical spares.
• Govern Cognex/Keyence/other machine-vision applications, inspection integrity, recipe control and traceability.
• Sponsor historian, IIoT, digital SPC, condition monitoring and analytics use cases with Data, IT/OT and MES teams.
Launch & operational excellence
• Own automation FAT/SAT, controls lists, production-release criteria, run-at-rate support and safe launch escalation.
• Establish controls response model, escalation matrix, KPI cadence and permanent-corrective-action governance.
• Lead functional safety compliance to applicable ISO 13849, IEC 62061, IEC 60204 and robot-safety requirements.
Organization, budget & suppliers
• Recruit, organize and develop engineers/technicians; define on-call/shift coverage and technical progression.
• Own Capex/Opex, service contracts, integrator performance, software licenses, training and spare strategy.
Enterprise, launch & workforce expectations
• Safety: LOTO, guarding, interlocks, HV controls and approved work instructions,
• Quality: protect product conformity, traceability and calibrated-tool discipline; contain abnormalities and preserve objective evidence.
• Delivery: support stable flow, takt/cycle achievement and rapid, structured escalation of constraints.
• Cost: reduce scrap, rework, downtime, energy and consumable losses through data-based countermeasures.
• People: build Saudi national capability through coaching, cross-training, OJT, progression and knowledge transfer.
• Continuous improvement: participate in tier meetings, 5S, Kaizen and closed-loop corrective action.
Decision Rights & Required Interfaces
• Acts within approved standards, competency authorization and change-control boundaries; stops work where safety, quality or traceability is at risk.
• Interfaces with Production, Quality, Production, Manufacturing Engineering, EHS, Supply Chain, IT/OT, HR/L&D and equipment suppliers as applicable
Skills• Multi-platform PLC and industrial-network expertise
• Robot programming/recovery and cell-safety governance
• SCADA, historian, MES/OT and database integration
• Functional safety and OT cybersecurity leadership
• Executive communication, financial acumen and supplier governance
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s in controls, electrical, mechatronics, robotics or related engineering; Master’s preferred
• 10+ years in industrial automation/robotics with 5+ years leading teams
• Demonstrated greenfield launch and high-automation automotive
• EV Powertrain equipment experience
• English fluency; Arabic is strongly preferred
• Preferred: IEC 62443, functional-safety, robot-safety and Lean/Six Sigma credentials
• Greenfield industrial launch and ramp-up
• TPM/Autonomous Maintenance and Lean problem-solving methods
• Experience developing local technical talent in a multicultural workforce
• Must be able to work around automated equipment and, where authorized, high-voltage Powertrain products.
Compensation & Benefits: Lucid offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and disability coverage; paid time off; paid holidays, paid sick leave; and a 401(k) retirement plan. Hourly/non-exempt employees accrue up to 120 hours paid time off, and salaried/exempt employee accrue up to 160 hours paid time off. Eligible employees may also participate in Lucid’s equity program and/or a discretionary annual cash incentive program. Incentive and equity awards, if applicable, are determined based on individual performance, role scope, market considerations, and overall company results, in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.
Candidate Data Privacy: By submitting your application, you understand and agree that your personal data will be processed in accordance with our Candidate Privacy Notice .
To all recruitment agencies: Lucid Motors does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to Lucid Motors. Lucid Motors is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Description from Lucid Motors's official posting. Always confirm details on the company careers page.
About Lucid Motors
Lucid Motors
Luxury EV manufacturer building the Air sedan and Gravity SUV. Newark, CA.
Not the one? Get new EV roles by email, weekday mornings, only when something new lands.
About Larry Sherwood Jr.
Talent Acquisition Leader specializing in mobility, EV, and frontier tech. 1,000+ hires across roles ranging from production technicians to VPs, including 48 hires for the AFEELA U.S. launch at Sony Honda Mobility (98% offer acceptance, $1.5M+ agency savings). SHRM-CP certified. Build recruiting functions from scratch, no agencies.
Currently open to senior TA leadership roles in the United States. larrysherwoodjr.com · Resume (PDF)
Read Larry's guides →Curated by Larry Sherwood Jr. on the free Mobility Jobs board. Pulled nightly from company applicant tracking systems. Apply directly on the source link above to be considered.