Central Manufacturing Engineer - Automation - Saginaw Operations(2026)

Nexteer Automotive; Saginaw (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Nexteer Automotive seeks a Central Manufacturing Engineer – Automation for Saginaw Operations to drive automation solutions across EPS and Driveline facilities. You will coordinate with plant teams, suppliers, and engineering to develop, engineer, and deploy automation from concept to successful deployment.

The role focuses on safety, efficiency, and scalability, delivering practical automation packages and partnering with global teams to meet production demands.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience with focus on automation.
• Experience leading automation projects from concept through production deployment.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, sensors, vision systems, and automation hardware.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from concept development through plant implementation and launch.
• Develop innovative automation concepts with plant manufacturing and automation teams.
• Own and manage project timelines, budgeting, and capital planning.
• Interface with suppliers for automation equipment including RFQs, design reviews and validation.
• Deliver complete, implementation-ready automation packages to plant teams.

Skills

Automation experience

PLC/HCNI controls

Robotics experience

Project management

Strong communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Assembly processes knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Central Manufacturing Engineer - Automation - Saginaw Operations(2026)

Location: Saginaw, MI, US

Position: Central Manufacturing Engineer- Automation- Saginaw Operations

At Nexteer, our strength lies in the diversity of our team—each member contributing unique backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations. We believe this diversity fuels our innovation, broadens our perspectives, and propels our collective growth.

For over a century, we’ve been innovators in the automotive industry. Our vision is clear - we are a global leading motion control technology company accelerating mobility to be safe, green and exciting. Our unwavering commitment to Quality, Collaboration, Integrity, and Accountability guides us as we solve motion control challenges for our global customers. If you’re ready to join a dynamic team that drives change and makes a difference, Nexteer welcomes you!

About the Role:

We are looking for a highly driven and innovativeCentral Manufacturing Engineer – Automationto lead the development and deployment of automation solutions across EPS and Driveline operations in Saginaw. 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 Central Manufacturing Engineering team, 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 plays a critical role in advancing automation capabilities across the organization—improving safety, efficiency, and scalability while enabling plants to meet evolving production demands.

Key Responsibilities

As aCentral Manufacturing Engineer – Automation, you will be responsible to:

• Lead automation projects from concept development through plant implementation and launch
• Develop innovative automation concepts in collaboration with plant manufacturing and automation teams
• Own and manage project timelines, ensuring alignment with plant and program milestones
• Drive capital planning activities, including budgeting, forecasting, and appropriation requests
• Ensure all safety requirements, MQ workflows, and technical documentation are completed and compliant
• Interface with suppliers for automation equipment (robotics, conveyors, material handling systems), including RFQs, design reviews, and equipment validation
• Maintain relationship and forecasting of projects and spending with GSM couterparts
• Design and develop end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) and specify appropriate machine guarding solutions
• Alignment with GSM and plant operations on components and sourcing, preferred brands etc…
• Collaborate with controls engineering teams and global automation teams on system architecture, panel design, and integration requirements and global look across
• 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
• Create and update PFMEA for new automation solutions

Qualifications

• 3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience with a strong emphasis on automation
• Demonstrated experience leading automation projects from concept through production deployment
• Strong working knowledge of:
• PLCs, HMIs, and controls systems
• Sensors, vision systems, and automation hardware
• Proven ability to manage projects in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Fundamental understanding of assembly processes (fastening, pressing, dispensing)

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred) for concept development, equipment design, and guarding layouts
• Experience supporting equipment installation and production launches within manufacturing plants
• Willingness to travel and support plant implementation activities, including occasional off-shift or weekend support
• Experience working directly with suppliers, including equipment design reviews and pre-acceptance buy-offs
• Exposure to Industry 4.0 technologies, data integration, and smart manufacturing initiatives
• Background in high-volume, complex manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience managing capital projects and budgets
• Plant operations experience

Success Profile (What Great Looks Like)

• Acts as abridge between central engineering and plant execution, ensuring solutions meet real operational needs
• Deliverspractical, implementation-ready automation packages, not just concepts
• Demonstratesownership and accountabilityfrom idea through launch
• Balancesinnovation with cost discipline, consistently driving value
• Thrives indynamic environments, adapting quickly to changing requirements

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field

This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization. Do not apply for this role if you will need immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of Nexteer 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.)

Nexteer is an Equal Opportunity Employer Disabled/Minorities/Veterans/Women

Nexteer is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employees to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees in the United States.

Accessibility for Applicants with Disabilities: If you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please email [e-mail]. Please provide your contact information and details about the posted position of interest. Only inquiries regarding assistance for those who need an accommodation with the online application process due to a disability will be returned.

About Nexteer

Nexteer Automotive is a global leader in advanced steering and motion control systems, enabling intuitive, safe, and comfortable mobility for drivers around the world. Our innovative product portfolio includes Electric Power Steering (EPS), Steer-by-Wire™, Driveline, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technologies that support electrification, software-defined vehicles, and autonomous driving.

With approximately 13,000 employees and operations in more than 20 manufacturing plants and multiple technical centers globally, Nexteer partners with nearly every major global and regional automotive manufacturer.