General Motors

Sr. Automation Engineer

General Motors$100K — $130K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent in engineering, manufacturing, automation, or related field.
  • 5+ years of relevant work experience (excludes internships).
  • Strong understanding of material handling and flow optimization in manufacturing.
  • Ability to lead initiatives and influence senior stakeholders effectively.
  • Proficiency in advanced analytics tools such as Power BI and Excel.
  • Excellent communication and strategic problem-solving skills.
  • Willingness to travel up to 50% domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

  • Lead assessments of supplier automation maturity using GM frameworks and analytics.
  • Develop and implement automation strategies aligned with operational goals.
  • Evaluate and optimize supplier material handling and flow systems.
  • Facilitate workshops with suppliers to address automation gaps.
  • Act as a liaison between suppliers and internal teams to support sourcing strategies.
  • Mentor junior specialists in automation maturity best practices.
  • Present recommendations to senior leadership and drive adoption.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model with in-office expectations three times a week.
  • Potential for relocation benefits.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Role
The Sr. Automation Engineer is a recognized professional in supplier automation assessment and manufacturing optimization. This role leads strategic initiatives to evaluate and elevate supplier automation capabilities, with a focus on material handling, material flow, and integration with GM's industrialization and sourcing strategies. The Engineer serves as a key interface between suppliers, Industrialization teams, Purchasing Program Management (PPM), Product Program Cost Optimization (PPCO) and direct purchasing, driving cross-functional alignment and execution. This position requires independent judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence change across the organization.

What You'll Do
  • Lead complex assessments of supplier automation maturity using GM-defined frameworks and advanced analytics.
  • Develop and implement automation maturity strategies that align with GM's long-term operational goals.
  • Evaluate and optimize supplier material handling and material flow systems to support cost and efficiency targets.
  • Facilitate high-impact workshops and improvement plans with suppliers to address automation gaps.
  • Act as a strategic liaison between suppliers, industrialization & internal GM teams to support sourcing and negotiation strategies through data-driven insights on supplier automation capabilities.
  • Mentor junior specialists and guide cross-functional teams in automation maturity best practices.
  • Present strategic recommendations to senior leadership and drive adoption across global teams.
  • Own the development and continuous improvement of GM's automation maturity model and supplier evaluation processes.


Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in engineering, manufacturing, automation, supply chain, purchasing, procurement, logistics, business or related field.
  • 5+ years relevant work experience (any internship or co-op experience will not be considered)
  • Strong understanding of material handling and material flow optimization in complex manufacturing environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence senior stakeholders.
  • Advanced analytical skills proficiency in tools such as Power BI, Excel, and data modeling.
  • Excellent communication, consulting, and strategic problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally to supplier locations (up to 50%).


What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)
  • 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, automation systems, industrial engineering, supplier development, value chain engineering, supply chain, or purchasing.
  • Experience with automation maturity models, Industry 4.0, or digital manufacturing assessments.
  • Exposure to lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Working knowledge of automation technologies including robotics, PLCs, MES, and smart manufacturing systems, with exposure to WMS and ERP environments.
  • Project management experience in cross-functional or supplier-facing roles.
  • Experience in purchasing or purchasing program management, including supplier negotiations and sourcing strategies.
  • Experience in mentoring and developing talent within technical teams.
  • Familiarity with global manufacturing practices and automation trends.
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 hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.The selected candidate will be required to travel on a regular basis (25-50%) for this role.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.

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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.

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Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. At General Motors, we look for innovative, driven, and solution-oriented team players. Explore the possibilities that await you in a career at General Motors.

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Learn more about General Motors
Size
157,000 employees
Market Cap
$46.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$6.4 billion
Founded
1908
5 Year Trend
-3.2%
Revenue
$122.4 billion
NASDAQ

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