Automation Process Lead - Robotics Engineer

J.B. Poindexter & Co; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

J.B. Poindexter & Co, Inc. (JBPCO) seeks an Automation Process Lead – Robotics Engineer to steer automation projects from concept to supplier selection and implementation. You will ensure safety, ergonomic, and lean principles while coordinating across North American facilities.

The role requires leading robotic welding and automation initiatives, designing processes, validating performance, and delivering production-ready systems with strong emphasis on quality and ROI.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level engineering degree or equivalent with robotics focus.
• 6+ years leading robotics and automation projects to implementation.
• Experience deploying robotic systems in manufacturing contexts.
• Hands-on with industrial robots, integrators, and automation vendors.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from concept through implementation and launch.
• Develop manufacturing technology strategies aligned with Industry 4.0.
• Oversee vendor selection, design reviews, FAT/SAT, and commissioning.
• Drive safety, quality, and Lean outcomes across sites.
• Mentor teams on robotics, controls, and advanced manufacturing.

Skills

Robotics leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

DFM/DFX knowledge

Process improvement

Data analytics

Safety standards

Project leadership

Communication

Education

BSME/BSIE/BSEE or equivalent

6+ years related experience

Tools

Robot simulation software

Vision systems

End-of-arm tooling

PLC/HMI programming

CAD (SolidWorks / Inventor / CATIA)

Job description

J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc. (JBPCO) is a privately held, diversified manufacturing company forecasting over $2.5B in annual revenues and employing over 8,000 team members. The six operating subsidiaries, covering 60 locations, are engaged in the production of commercial truck bodies, step-vans, utility trucks, ambulances, electric and alternative fuel vehicles, and expandable foam plastic packaging. For more information, visit https://www.jbpoindexter.com.

The Automation Process Lead – Robotics Engineer will be responsible for developing the project concept for all automation projects and providing critical SME support in their respective area of expertise through program execution.This includes working with the Program Manager and respective BU counterparts to take projects from the idea phase through supplier selection including data gathering, concept development, process validation, business case justification, creating the scope of work, and identifying the preferred vendor/integrator. The process lead will apply their expertise to ensure the solution is of good quality and design, meets all safety, ergonomic and lean principles and conforms to all industry and applicable JBPCO standards. The Process Lead will be supporting multiple projects at one time across all the business units and their facilities within North America. The process lead will ensure selected projects at their core are based around safety, minimal labor dependency, quality, workflow, and delivery improvements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead cross-functional collaboration with operations, engineering, quality, and business leadership to identify robotic welding and automation opportunities, develop manufacturing technology strategies, and establish Factory of the Future roadmaps aligned with Industry 4.0 objectives.
• Lead the development, deployment, and optimization of advanced manufacturing solutions, including robotic welding, machine tending, automated assembly, inspection, vision systems, autonomous material handling, and flexible manufacturing cells.
• Drive Design for Manufacturing (DFM), tooling, fixturing, weld joint design, and process improvements to maximize robotic welding performance, automation readiness, quality, throughput, safety, and Lean manufacturing outcomes.
• Provide technical leadership for robotic welding and automated manufacturing systems, including process capability, cycle time optimization, capacity planning, production readiness, workflow design, and human-robot collaboration.
• Lead concept development using process/cell simulation, digital twins, offline robot programming, robotic cell design, material flow analysis, line balancing, ergonomic assessments, throughput modeling, and PFEP methodologies.
• Develop technical specifications, standards, and engineering documentation for robotic welding and automation systems; manage vendor selection, design reviews, FAT/SAT, commissioning, process validation, and production launch activities.
• Establish and maintain robotic welding standards, programming methodologies, qualification requirements, and best practices for adaptive welding, seam tracking, touch sensing, machine vision, and advanced automation technologies.
• Drive continuous improvement through production data analytics, weld quality metrics, OEE analysis, statistical methods, and digital manufacturing technologies to improve safety, quality, throughput, and operational efficiency.
• Lead integration of robotic and automated manufacturing systems with plant controls, MES, ERP, quality systems, and industrial data platforms to enable real-time visibility, traceability, production analytics, and smart manufacturing initiatives.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for robotic welding, automation technologies, functional safety, and applicable industry standards, including AWS, ASME, API, ISO, ANSI/RIA, NFPA, OSHA, and machine safety requirements.
• Lead risk assessment and machine safety activities throughout the automation lifecycle, including safety requirements development, safeguarding validation, compliance reviews, and functional safety implementation.
• Evaluate automation investments through capacity analysis, labor modeling, cost estimation, production forecasting, and ROI assessments to support strategic business decisions.
• Champion operational excellence by delivering robotic welding and automation solutions that improve weld quality, consistency, safety, ergonomics, throughput, factory utilization, and overall manufacturing cost performance.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and training in robotic welding, automation, industrial controls, Industry 4.0 technologies, and advanced manufacturing best practices while maintaining expertise in emerging technologies and industry trends.

Qualifications and Skills:

• BSME, BSIE, BSEE or equivalent.
• Six years or more directly related experience.
• Self-motivated professional with demonstrated experience leading robotics and automation projects from concept through implementation.
• Proven success deploying robotic systems and automation solutions within manufacturing, warehousing, or industrial environments to improve safety, quality, and productivity.
• Hands-on experience with industrial robots, robotic integrators, automation vendors, and advanced automation technologies including vision systems, conveyors, robot simulation software, and end-of-arm tooling.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Robotics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Strong ability to communicate, collaborate, and build effective working relationships with cross-functional teams including operations, maintenance, quality, and engineering personnel.
• Ability to create and analyze robotic process simulations using industry-standard software to optimize automation system design, validate process performance, and improve cycle time efficiency.
• Understanding of robotic system design, controls architecture, safety standards, manufacturing processes, and applicable industry regulations.
• Experience applying engineering and problem-solving methodologies including data analytics, Root Cause Analysis, DOE, FMEA, DFM/DFA, and continuous improvement techniques.
• Strong mechanical, electrical, controls, and troubleshooting aptitude with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex robotic system issues.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and contributing effectively within a team-oriented environment.
• Passion for workplace safety, robotics innovation, organization, and continuous improvement utilizing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
• Knowledge of industrial automation, robot integration, machine controls, motion control systems, sensors, and process automation.
• Experience with robotic programming, commissioning, and optimization of industrial robotic cells and automated equipment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, along with engineering software tools used for robotics development, process timing and analysis.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and passport, with the ability to travel to manufacturing sites, vendors, and customer locations as required.
• Preferred: 3D CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA, or equivalent) for robotic cell design, tooling, and fixture development.
• Preferred: Experience programming industrial robots (FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa/Motoman, Universal Robots, or similar), PLCs, HMI systems, and industrial networks.
• Preferred: Knowledge of programming languages and environments such as Python, C++, Visual Basic, Structured Text, Ladder Logic, or ROS (Robot Operating System).
• Preferred: Experience with machine vision systems, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), collaborative robots (cobots), AI-driven automation, and digital twin technologies.
• 75%
• Must have a valid driver’s license and passport.

J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.