Automation Project Engineer

General Motors; Flint (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors is seeking an Automation Project Engineer to develop, support, and optimize robotic systems plantwide (Body, Paint, GA). You will troubleshoot, lead installations, and drive improvements while aligning with GM Global Standards.

The role involves cross-functional collaboration with production, maintenance, and engineering teams. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in automation, a relevant engineering degree, and hands-on Fanuc vision experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Robotics or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years in automation controls, robotics, or manufacturing engineering.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with robotics and automation systems.
• Hands-on experience with Fanuc 2D and 3D vision sensors.
• Good communication and teamwork; able to work off-shifts occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve robotic system issues.
• Lead robotic projects including installations, enhancements, and improvements.
• Ensure compliance with GM Global Standards for robotic applications.
• Develop procedures for robotic recovery, maintenance, and optimization.
• Provide technical direction to vendors and integrators as needed.
• Support plant automation systems including startup, reprogramming, and diagnostics.
• Assist in project management with robotics execution teams and vehicle systems engineering.
• Analyze manufacturing system requirements to design and implement robotic solutions.
• Participate in business plan deployment, throughput improvements, and issue resolution.

Skills

Automation controls

Robotics systems

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Shift flexibility

Education

Electrical/Mechanical/Robotics degree

Tools

Fanuc 2D vision

Fanuc 3D vision

Job description

Job Description The Role:

The Automation Project Engineer is responsible for developing, supporting, and optimizing robotic and automation applications plantwide (Body, Paint, GA). This role supports new technology introduction, troubleshooting, system upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives aligned with GM Global Standards. Work is performed in a plant environment with daily interaction among production, maintenance, and engineering teams. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong technical expertise, problem‑solving capabilities, and the ability to manage multiple complex projects independently.

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities):

• Provide engineering support for diagnosing, troubleshooting, and resolving robotic system issues.
• Lead robotic projects including new installations, technology enhancements, operational improvements, and repair/replacement activities.
• Ensure compliance with GCCH, GCCS, GRS, and all GM Global Standards for robotic applications.
• Develop procedures for robotic recovery, maintenance tasks, and system optimization.
• Provide technical direction to outside vendors and integrators as needed.
• Support plant automation systems including startup, reprogramming, diagnostics, and collaboration with skilled trades and engineers.
• Assist in project management with robotics execution teams and vehicle systems engineering.
• Analyze manufacturing system requirements to design and implement effective robotic solutions.
• Participate in business plan deployment, throughput improvement, and lessons‑learned activities, support launch and issue resolution.

Your Skills and Abilities (Required Qualifications):

• 5+ years of experience as an automation controls engineer, robotics engineer, manufacturing engineer, or robot programmer.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Strong technical knowledge and troubleshooting experience with robotics and automation systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands‑on experience with Fanuc 2D and 3D vision sensors.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Flexible to work occasional off-shifts (2nd or 3rd) and occasional non-production hours.

What Can Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):

• Vision experience (Basic or Advanced).
• Experience developing or implementing GM Global Standards (GCCH, GCCS, GRS).
• Experience applying AI or machine learning in robotics.
• Development experience with autonomous mobile robots including mapping and obstacle avoidance.
• Familiarity with GMIT manufacturing IT systems.

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 <25% for this role. This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

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