Okay, I've searched for full-time Automation Engineer roles in Fremont, CA, requiring 5-7 years of experience, with PLC and SCADA skills, and salaries above $90,000 per year. I have found 42 positions for you.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The Automation Engineer role at CertainTeed is fundamentally centered on maintaining and advancing the operational technology (OT) infrastructure that supports manufacturing automation, particularly focusing on local factory systems like SCADA, MES, PAC/PLC control, and industrial networking. The candidate is expected not only to manage and troubleshoot complex automation systems involving PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and servo drives but also to adopt a proactive approach by implementing backup, recovery, and change management protocols to minimize downtime and obsolescence risk. The integration of these technologies with manufacturing execution and ERP systems, such as SAP, suggests a need to bridge the gap between IT and OT domains, enabling seamless data flow and real-time decision-making. Success in this role demands an engineer who can navigate both the technical complexity of industrial controls and the strategic requirements for continuous process improvement, reliability, and compliance with industry control standards. The need for intermediate to advanced troubleshooting skills implies frequent problem-solving under pressure, delicate coordination with cross-functional teams (engineering, operations, IT), and contributing to capital investment projects geared towards improving performance metrics — safety, quality, cost, and service. Technical proficiency must couple with effective communication and documentation skills to ensure effective knowledge transfer and operational continuity. Given the relatively broad technical scope, from electrical schematics to SQL database and networking protocols, this role requires a versatile professional who can adapt rapidly and proactively spot automation inefficiencies to drive plant-wide improvements.

Company Analysis:

CertainTeed, part of the global Saint-Gobain group, is a well-established leader in sustainable building products with a strong commitment to quality, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Its long heritage, combined with wide manufacturing presence across North America, indicates a mature organization that balances operational excellence with sustainability goals. This environment suggests that the Automation Engineer will work in a company that values longevity, quality, and continuous improvement—not just rapid, disruptive change. The firm’s recognition by the EPA and emphasis on sustainability hint at a culture where compliance, responsibility, and environmental impact are integral, influencing how manufacturing processes and technologies evolve. The position likely exists within a layered organizational structure where collaboration with operations, engineering, IT, and external vendors is frequent, requiring the engineer to be both a technical expert and a team player. Given the company’s size and global backing, there is substantial opportunity for professional growth but also high expectations for disciplined process adherence and accountability. The role aligns strategically with CertainTeed’s goals of maintaining robust, reliable manufacturing infrastructure while pushing forward digital and automation enhancements essential for competitiveness and operational agility. To thrive here means balancing technical mastery with cultural fit—engagement with sustainability values, a mindset towards incremental but impactful improvements, and the ability to communicate effectively up and across teams to ensure operational technology sustains business performance and growth.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you had to troubleshoot a complex PLC or HMI system failure under time pressure. How did you approach the problem, and what was the outcome?
• Behavioral: Describe an experience where you implemented a change control or backup/recovery program for industrial control systems. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
• Behavioral: Give an example of how you've worked effectively with cross-functional teams, such as operations and IT, to resolve an automation-related issue or implement a new system.
• Behavioral: Can you share a situation where you identified a performance bottleneck in manufacturing automation and successfully proposed improvements that aligned with business objectives?
• Technical: How would you approach developing and maintaining a secure remote access solution for factory OT systems while ensuring operational integrity and cybersecurity?
• Technical: Walk me through the process you use to systematically troubleshoot VFD and servo drive issues in an industrial environment.
• Technical: What experience do you have with Wonderware System Platform, Rockwell SE, or Ignition, and how have you used these platforms to improve manufacturing execution systems?
• Technical: How do you integrate and support SAP data flows with MES systems to ensure accurate production and warehouse information management?
• Situational: Imagine the SCADA system suddenly loses communication with several PLCs during a critical production period. How would you triage, communicate with stakeholders, and resolve the issue?
• Situational: You are tasked with automating a legacy manufacturing process that currently lacks proper documentation and uses outdated equipment. What steps would you take to modernize this system while minimizing production downtime?
• Situational: If a proposed automation improvement project exceeds its budget and threatens to delay operational timelines, how would you handle this situation and manage expectations?
• Company Fit: What interests you about working at CertainTeed and how do you see your skills contributing to our mission of delivering sustainable building products?
• Company Fit: How do you align your professional approach with CertainTeed’s commitment to quality and environmental responsibility?
• Company Fit: Saint-Gobain focuses heavily on innovation and sustainability. Can you share how your experience with automation supports these core values?
• Questions for Interviewer: How does the automation team at CertainTeed collaborate with other departments like IT and Operations to drive continuous improvement?
• Questions for Interviewer: What are the biggest challenges CertainTeed’s factories are currently facing regarding automation and operational technology?
• Questions for Interviewer: How does CertainTeed support professional growth and learning for engineers working in evolving automation technologies?