General Motors

Optimization Engineering Group Manager - General Assembly Manufacturing Engineering

General Motors • $120K — $150K *
Warren, MI 48089In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Reposted Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing) required.
  • 8+ years in manufacturing engineering or related automotive roles.
  • 3+ years of leadership experience, including performance management.
  • Experience leading automation projects from concept to launch.
  • Ability to manage a portfolio of projects effectively, with a focus on timing and budget.
  • Strong communication and influence skills across cross-functional teams.
  • Willingness to travel frequently (up to 75%).

Responsibilities

  • Lead the GA Optimization team delivering automation projects across multiple plants.
  • Build and maintain an aligned GA automation/optimization roadmap.
  • Manage the project funnel from idea development to execution.
  • Oversee the creation of automation concepts and ensure compliance with GM standards.
  • Provide technical leadership through design reviews and validations.
  • Coordinate project execution to minimize production disruptions.
  • Foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within the team.

Benefits

  • Potential for relocation assistance.
  • Access to mentoring and career development opportunities.
  • Engagement in a safety and quality-focused work environment.
  • Opportunities for innovative projects and solutions.
  • Collaboration with experienced leadership across multiple functions.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Role

The General Assembly Automation & Optimization Group Manager leads a team of manufacturing engineers delivering turnkey automation and process optimization projects across General Assembly (GA) in North America. The role owns the full lifecycle from opportunity identification through concept, sourcing, design, build, validation, and launch to ensure solutions meet safety, quality, throughput, and cost targets while supporting flawless program launches.

You will work closely with GA Shop Directors, MO Optimization, IE, ME, Material, Product Engineering, plant leadership, and suppliers to shape the GA automation roadmap and execute a portfolio of high-impact projects. This position backfills the current GA Optimization Manager role and reports to the Sr. Manager - Strategic Commodities & Manufacturing Engineering Install.

What You'll Do

Strategy, Roadmap & Portfolio Management
  • Lead the GA Optimization team in delivering automation and process optimization (material flow and process) projects across multiple GA plants.
  • Build, maintain, and continuously refine the GA automation/optimization roadmap, aligned to LTP, throughput targets, program timing, and plant priorities.
  • Own the project funnel and governance from idea through execution, including business case development, labor-efficiency / people-reduction confirmation, and project prioritization.
  • Ensure robust Project Management Commitment/Approval Forms (including people-reduction assumptions and deauthorization dates) are accurate and aligned with plant staffing plans.


Technical & Program Leadership
  • Oversee development of concepts, SORs, and automation kickoff packages, ensuring adherence to GM standards (safety, controls, documentation, GDHS, etc.).
  • Provide technical and program leadership through design reviews, simulations, FMEAs, and run-at-rate/dynamic validation at both suppliers and plants.
  • Coordinate with Execution Managers and plant ME to plan and manage install, commissioning, and launch with minimal production disruption.
  • Champion standard work, lessons learned, and reuse of proven solutions, tooling, and suppliers across sites to accelerate replication and reduce cost.


People Leadership & Culture
  • Build, lead, and develop a high-performing engineering team, setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and driving career development and succession planning.
  • Foster a strong safety and quality culture, ensuring all solutions meet or exceed GM and regulatory requirements.
  • Create an environment of innovation, continuous improvement, and cross-plant collaboration within the optimization team.


Stakeholder & Communication
  • Act as a key partner to GA Shop Directors, plant leadership, and central ME on automation and optimization strategy.
  • Communicate status, risks, trade-offs, and decisions clearly to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Align early and often with plants and suppliers to ensure solutions are launch-ready, serviceable, and sustainable in high-volume production.


Your Skills and Abilities (Required Qualifications)
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related field).
  • 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, GA engineering, or closely related automotive/manufacturing roles.
  • 3+ years of people leadership experience (e.g., supervisor, group manager), including performance management and talent development.
  • Proven experience leading automation projects (robotics, material handling, fastening, vision, or similar) from concept through launch.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage a portfolio of projects with clear priorities, timing, and budget control.
  • Excellent cross-functional communication and influence skills, including collaboration with plants, central ME, suppliers, and leadership.
  • Ability and willingness to travel frequently (up to 75%) to plants and suppliers as project needs require.


What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Business.
  • Strong understanding of GA processes, tooling, ergonomics, throughput, and launch readiness.
  • Experience as a GA Execution Manager, GA Optimization lead, or equivalent multi-plant automation leadership role.
  • Deep knowledge of industrial robotics, PLCs/controls, vision systems, and error-proofing in high-volume assembly environments.
  • Track record of delivering labor-efficiency / people-reduction and productivity improvements while improving safety and quality.
  • Evidence of innovation (patents, invention disclosures, or novel automation solutions) in complex GA environments.


#LI-MH1

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).This role is categorized as onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis.The selected candidate will be required to travel at least 50% or more on a frequent basis.This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

About General Motors

General Motors Company engages in the manufacture and sale of cars and trucks in the United States, China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. It offers sedans, crossovers, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, coupes, sports/convertibles and hybrid vehicles, hatchbacks/wagons, and vans, as well as mini cars in India. The company also provides parts and accessories, such as iPod and MP3 compatibility, mobility accessories, performance parts, AC parts and services, and merchandise. In addition, it offers vehicle safety, security, and information services. The company provides used vehicles. It offers its products through dealers and distributors. General Motors Company was formerly known as NGMCO, Inc. and changed its name to General Motors Company in July 2009. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Detroit, Michigan. It operates manufacturing facilities in India, the United States, and Canada. General Motors Company operates as a subsidiary of the United States Department of The Treasury. General Motors led global vehicle sales for 77 consecutive years from 1931 through 2007, longer than any other automaker, and is currently among the world's largest automakers by vehicle unit sales. General Motors acts in most countries outside the USA via wholly-owned subsidiaries but operates in China through 10 joint ventures. GM's OnStar subsidiary provides vehicle safety, security, and information services. In 2009, General Motors shed several brands, closing Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer, and emerged from a government-backed Chapter 11 reorganization. In 2010, GM made an initial public offering IPOs to date and returned to profitability later that year.

General Motors Careers

Join the dynamic team at General Motors, a global leader in automotive innovation and technology. At General Motors, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career forward while contributing to a legacy of engineering excellence.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a career with General Motors to drive the future of mobility. Our team is dedicated to redefining the automotive landscape through innovation and leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable solutions. By joining us, you will be part of a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and continuous professional growth.

Transform Your Career

General Motors is not just a company; it's a community where you can grow your skills alongside the best in the industry. Our leadership is committed to providing every employee—from interns to senior professionals—with opportunities for career advancement, leadership development, and diversity training.

Innovate and Lead

At General Motors, innovation is at the core of everything we do. From research and development to manufacturing, our teams work collaboratively to lead the industry with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. We encourage our employees to think big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Join Our Global Team

As part of our global workforce, you will collaborate with talented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of transportation. General Motors offers a variety of career paths in engineering, design, IT, marketing, and more. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, our network provides expansive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Internship Programs and Employment Benefits

Start your career journey with a General Motors internship, where you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world projects. Our internships provide a robust foundation in the automotive industry, with mentorship from experienced leaders. Full-time employees enjoy a wealth of benefits, including comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and performance bonuses, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded.

Explore Job Opportunities

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, General Motors offers positions that leverage your unique skills. Our hiring process is designed to identify and nurture talent, focusing on aligning your capabilities with the right opportunities for growth within the company.

Stay Connected

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Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities available at General Motors. Embark on a journey of growth, innovation, and leadership at General Motors. Shape your future in an environment that fosters diversity, learning, and the pursuit of excellence. Join us and redefine the roads of tomorrow.
Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Manufacturing & Automotive
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ
GM
* Ladders Estimates

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