Director of Automation Strategy & Program Delivery

J.B. Poindexter & Co.; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc. is seeking a Director of Automation Engineering - Program Execution to lead the automation project portfolio across JBPCO facilities.

The role requires building and directing an internal team of automation engineers and program leads to deliver projects from concept through production launch, leveraging internal capabilities or external vendors. Responsibilities include collaborating with business units and central functions, developing roadmaps, improving safety,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering required; Master’s is preferred.
• Strong mechanical engineering skills with programming and controls capability.
• Experience with various types of automation, automation vendors, and automation applications.
• Successful implementation of automation within a traditionally manual manufacturing environment.
• Ability to communicate and build rapport with personnel at all levels in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in a high-volume, complex manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of manufacturing design elements/tools/systems, processes, regulatory requirements.
• Understanding of design principles such as Data Analysis, DOE, GD&T, FMEA, DFM/DFA.
• Must possess excellent mechanical aptitude.
• Solid understanding of computer programming and software development.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a team of Automation Program Leads and Engineers across JBPCO sites.
• Collaborate with BUs and Corporate to design, install, and launch new equipment.
• Develop automation roadmap and concept development with BUs.
• Create strategies to scale improvements enterprise-wide via equipment and procedures.
• Work cross-functionally to gain buy-in for project portfolio.
• Evaluate current production processes to improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
• Conduct studies to identify efficiency issues and test solutions while ensuring flexibility.
• Identify and qualify external automation vendors.
• Lead system acquisition from vendor evaluation to ramp to rate.
• Prepare layouts, document design processes and solutions.
• Lead complex system tests and reports.
• Improve labor and space efficiency with safety considerations.
• Standardize processes across units to gain economies of scale.
• Develop Automation organizational skill requirements and support gap closure with sites.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Programming and controls

Automation experience

Team leadership

Communication skills

High-volume manufacturing

Data analysis

DOE

GD&T

FMEA

DFM/ DFA

Software development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Job description

J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc. is seeking a Director of Automation Engineering - Program Execution to lead the automation project portfolio across JBPCO facilities.

The role requires building and directing an internal team of automation engineers and program leads to deliver projects from concept through production launch, leveraging internal capabilities or external vendors. Responsibilities include collaborating with business units and central functions, developing roadmaps, improving safety,