Position: Central Manufacturing Engineer- Automation- Saginaw Operations About the Role:We are looking for a highly driven and innovative
Central Manufacturing Engineer - Automation to lead the development and deployment of automation solutions across EPS and Driveline operations in Saginaw. This role is ideal for someone with a "can-do" mindset who thrives in fast-paced environments and is passionate about delivering practical, cost-effective automation solutions.
Positioned within the Central Manufacturing Engineering team, this role will act as a key integrator between plant teams, suppliers, and engineering disciplines-ensuring automation projects are effectively developed, engineered, and executed from concept through successful plant deployment.
This position plays a critical role in advancing automation capabilities across the organization-improving safety, efficiency, and scalability while enabling plants to meet evolving production demands.
Key ResponsibilitiesAs a
Central Manufacturing Engineer - Automation , you will be responsible to:
- Lead automation projects from concept development through plant implementation and launch
- Develop innovative automation concepts in collaboration with plant manufacturing and automation teams
- Own and manage project timelines, ensuring alignment with plant and program milestones
- Drive capital planning activities, including budgeting, forecasting, and appropriation requests
- Ensure all safety requirements, MQ workflows, and technical documentation are completed and compliant
- Interface with suppliers for automation equipment (robotics, conveyors, material handling systems), including RFQs, design reviews, and equipment validation
- Maintain relationship and forecasting of projects and spending with GSM couterparts
- Design and develop end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) and specify appropriate machine guarding solutions
- Alignment with GSM and plant operations on components and sourcing, preferred brands etc...
- Collaborate with controls engineering teams and global automation teams on system architecture, panel design, and integration requirements and global look across
- Deliver complete, implementation-ready automation packages to plant teams
- Support equipment installation, validation, and launch activities, including on-site troubleshooting as needed
- Champion cost-effective solutions by applying creative, non-traditional approaches to minimize capital investment
- Create and update PFMEA for new automation solutions
Qualifications- 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience with a strong emphasis on automation
- Demonstrated experience leading automation projects from concept through production deployment
- Strong working knowledge of:
- Industrial robotics
- PLCs, HMIs, and controls systems
- Sensors, vision systems, and automation hardware
- Proven ability to manage projects in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Fundamental understanding of assembly processes (fastening, pressing, dispensing)
Preferred Qualifications- Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred) for concept development, equipment design, and guarding layouts
- Experience supporting equipment installation and production launches within manufacturing plants
- Willingness to travel and support plant implementation activities, including occasional off-shift or weekend support
- Experience working directly with suppliers, including equipment design reviews and pre-acceptance buy-offs
- Exposure to Industry 4.0 technologies, data integration, and smart manufacturing initiatives
- Background in high-volume, complex manufacturing environments
- Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
- Experience managing capital projects and budgets
- Plant operations experience
Success Profile (What Great Looks Like) - Acts as a bridge between central engineering and plant execution, ensuring solutions meet real operational needs
- Delivers practical, implementation-ready automation packages, not just concepts
- Demonstrates ownership and accountability from idea through launch
- Balances innovation with cost discipline, consistently driving value
- Thrives in dynamic environments, adapting quickly to changing requirements
Education Requirements- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
