Material Handling Automation Execution Engineer

General Motors Ventures; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors is seeking a Material Handling Automation Engineer to deploy next-generation automation across the manufacturing network. You will identify, design, and execute automation solutions (AMRs, AFTs, ASRS) to reduce waste and improve safety and efficiency.

You will collaborate with plant teams, suppliers, and internal functions to turn automation strategies into production-ready systems, with 25–50% travel and onsite responsibilities.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in automotive manufacturing or automation deployment.
• Hands-on experience with AMRs, AFTs, or ASRS integrations.
• Experience with labor analysis and ROI modeling for automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead deployment of material handling automation technologies (AMRs, AFTs, ASRS, kitting/sequencing) from concept through launch.
• Identify automation opportunities with plant teams to reduce waste, labor, and variability.
• Conduct labor studies using GMOS to quantify benefits of automation.
• Determine unit counts and routing strategies for automation assets and commodities.
• Develop layouts using simulation tools to optimize material flow and equipment use.
• Collaborate with simulation and vertical teams to validate concepts and run what-if scenarios.
• Optimize end-to-end material flow and contribute to future-state roadmaps and standards.
• Create timing-cost conscious automation plans aligned with plant launches/shutdowns.
• Partner with cross-functional leads to drive continuous improvement and standardization.
• Engage with suppliers/integrators to define requirements and ensure on-time delivery.
• Support deployment issue resolution related to containerization, logistics, and interfaces.
• Support feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses, and ROI modeling for investments.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure system/data integration and launch docs.

Skills

AMRs deployment

AFTs deployment

ASRS deployment

GMOS labor analysis

Layout optimization tools

PLC & robotics

Cross-functional teamwork

Documentation management

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering or Robotics

Tools

AutoCAD

Siemens Tecnomatix

FlexSim

GMOS

OPC UA

Modbus

Ethernet/IP

Job description

Job Description

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard —from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.

Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

The Role

We are seeking a Material Handling Automation Engineer to drive the deployment of next-generation automation across our manufacturing network. In this role, you will identify, design, and execute material handling automation solutions that reduce waste, improve safety, and increase operational efficiency. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, strategic suppliers, and plant partners to implement technologies such as AMRs, AFTs, ASRS, and advanced kitting/sequencing systems from concept through launch. This role is ideal for a hands‑on engineer who combines technical depth, strong planning, and cross‑functional coordination to turn automation strategies into production‑ready solutions.

What You'll Do (Responsibilities)

• Lead deployment of material handling automation technologies (AMRs, AFTs, ASRS, kitting/sequencing systems) from early concept through launch.
• Identify and evaluate automation opportunities in partnership with Automation Solutions and plant teams to reduce waste, indirect labor, and variability in material flow.
• Conduct labor studies using GMOS and analyze indirect material movement with Assembly Plant Industrial Engineers to quantify benefits and define automation scope.
• Determine unit counts and routing strategies for automation assets and commodities based on operational requirements, volume, and constraints.
• Develop and review layouts using simulation and layout tools to optimize material flow paths, buffer strategies, and equipment utilization.
• Collaborate with Simulation and Vertical Teams to validate concepts, run what‑if scenarios, and de‑risk execution prior to launch.
• Optimize end‑to‑end material flow through automation and contribute to future‑state process designs, roadmaps, and standards.
• Develop timing‑and‑cost‑conscious automation plans, including feasibility, phasing, and alignment with plant launch / shutdown windows.
• Partner with Material Execution Leads, Manufacturing Innovation, and Engineering Center Leads to drive continuous improvement and standardization.
• Engage with strategic suppliers and integrators to define requirements, review designs, and ensure on‑time, on‑budget execution.
• Support deployment issue resolution related to containerization, logistics, and GPSC interfaces to ensure robust material availability and flow.
• Support feasibility studies, cost‑benefit analyses, and ROI modeling to prioritize automation investments and support business cases.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders (Product Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, IT) to ensure seamless system and data integration.
• Support development and management of launch documentation including PMP plans, PCP assignments, JES/TIS revisions, and ULOC/DLOC and CMA coordination.

Your Skills and Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• 3+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing, automation deployment, or material flow / industrial engineering.
• Hands‑on experience implementing or integrating at least one of the following:
• Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) with fleet management systems.
• Automated Fork Trucks (AFTs) with safety‑rated navigation and control systems.
• Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) with warehouse control software.
• Proficiency with labor analysis tools (e.g., GMOS) to conduct indirect labor studies and quantify automation impact on material movement.
• Experience with layout and flow optimization tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Siemens Tecnomatix, FlexSim) for evaluating and redesigning material routes and storage strategies.
• Familiarity with PLC programming, robotic cell integration, and industrial communication protocols (e.g., OPC UA, Modbus, Ethernet/IP).
• Ability to develop and manage launch and process documentation, including PMP plans, PCP assignments, JES/TIS revisions, and ULOC/DLOC and CMA coordination.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills for feasibility studies, cost‑benefit analyses, and ROI modeling for automation projects.
• Demonstrated success working with cross‑functional teams and supporting issue resolution involving containerization, logistics, and supplier partners.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• Comfortable with 25–50% travel, including periodic on‑site support and collaboration with cross‑functional teams.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience with digital twin modeling, simulation environments, or virtual commissioning of automation systems.
• Familiarity with Factory of the Future concepts, including AI‑driven material flow, predictive analytics, and smart warehousing.
• Background supporting launch planning in unionized manufacturing environments, including safety integration and ergonomic assessments.
• Knowledge of robotic and automation safety standards (e.g., ANSI/RIA R15.06, ISO 10218) for collaborative and autonomous systems.
• Experience collaborating with external automation vendors and integrators to co‑develop custom material handling solutions.
• Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) to track automation KPIs and present performance metrics to stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in fast‑paced, high‑variability manufacturing environments and contribute innovative, practical automation solutions.

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 on a regular basis (25-50%) for this role.This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

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