Automotive Logistics Process Engineer

KUKA; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

KUKA is seeking an automotive logistics process engineer to design, optimize, and manage material movement, storage, and presentation across the manufacturing process. You will ensure parts flow efficiently from receiving to point-of-use and shipping, supporting production efficiency, quality, and cost control.

This role requires hands-on CAD design, data analytics, and collaboration with safety, production, and vendor teams to implement PFEP, APQP, and PPAP processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Supply Chain Management.
• Proficiency in CAD (AutoCAD), Excel, and Power BI.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, PFEP, APQP, and PPAP.
• Experience collaborating with plant safety, production, ergonomics, and external vendors.

Responsibilities

• Optimize material flow from receiving docks to assembly line-side areas.
• Design layouts to maximize space utilization and efficiency using CAD tools.
• Manage in-plant inventory, min/max stock levels, and pull or call systems (e.g., kanban).
• Design and approve returnable packaging and Dunnage to minimize damage.
• Analyze shop-floor traffic and safety for pedestrians, forklifts, and AGV/tugger operations.

Skills

Material flow optimization

Layout design

Cross-functional collaboration

Safety analysis

Lean manufacturing

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Supply Chain Management

Tools

AutoCAD

Excel

Power BI

Logistics simulation tools

Job description

An automotive logistics and material handling process engineer is responsible for designing, optimizing, and managing the movement, storage, and presentation of parts throughout the manufacturing process. This role ensures that components flow efficiently from receiving docks to point‑of‑use and shipping, while supporting production efficiency, quality, and cost control

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Material Flow Optimization: Establish efficient paths for parts traveling from receiving docks to market, kitting, sequencing, and final assembly line-side areas.
• Layout and Space Design: Plan facility floor layouts using tools like AutoCAD to maximize space utilization, labor efficiency, and ergonomic safety.
• Inventory and Call Systems: Manage in-plant inventory control, minimum/maximum stock levels, and pull‑signal or call systems (like kanban).
• Packaging and Dunnage Engineering: Design and approve returnable container systems to optimize packaging density, protect parts, and reduce transit damage.
• Traffic and Safety Analysis: Conduct pedestrian and vehicle (forklift, AGV/tugger) congestion and safety analyses on the shop floor.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Supply Chain Management.
• Technical Tools: Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD), data analytics (Excel, Power BI), and logistics simulation tools.
• Methodologies: Strong working knowledge of Lean manufacturing, PFEP (Plan for Every Part), APQP, and PPAP launch processes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Daily interaction with plant safety, production, ergonomics, and external vendors.

KUKA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.