Overview
We are looking for a highly driven and innovative Industrial Engineer to lead the development and deployment of automation solutions across EPS and Driveline operations on the Nexteer Saginaw Site. 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 automation teams, 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 will support multiple plants and automation teams, so a high degree of flexibility is required.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead modeling and simulation activities for automation projects from concept development through plant implementation and launch
- Work within a digital twin environment to simulate ideal product flow through the plants
- Fundamental understanding of impact of automation on operator utilization
- Ability to re-balance workload for partial operator optimization
- Model warehouse and supermarket flow to incorporate automated delivery of product to the point of use, bulk goods, small parts, finished goods
- Brainstorm innovative automation concepts in collaboration with plant manufacturing and automation teams
- Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineers and suppliers for automation equipment (robotics, conveyors, material handling systems), including design reviews, and equipment validation
- Collaborate with controls engineering teams on system architecture, panel design, and integration requirements
- Help to 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
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in industrial, mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or related field
- 3+ years of Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering experience with a strong emphasis on automation
- Demonstrated experience with automation and modeling projects from concept through production deployment
- Willingness to travel and support plant implementation activities, including occasional off-shift or weekend support
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Experience working directly with suppliers, including equipment design reviews and pre-acceptance buy-offs
Preferred Qualifications
- Proficiency in CAD tools (Autocad /Draftsight/ SolidWorks) for concept development, equipment design, and guarding layouts
- Experience supporting equipment installation and production launches within manufacturing plants
- Strong working knowledge of: (Preferred)
- Material handling and movement devices
- Work combination tables and Lean Manufacturing fundamentals
- Understanding and building out material delivery routes for AMRs
- Move order systems
- Experience with simulation software to create digital twins and model ideal results
- Exposure to Industry 4.0 technologies, data integration, and smart manufacturing initiatives
- Background in high-volume, complex manufacturing environments
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
Why This Role Matters
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.