Material Handling Automation Execution Engineer

General Motors; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

General Motors is seeking a Material Handling Automation Engineer in Michigan to drive deployment of next-generation automation across our manufacturing network. You will identify, design, and execute automation solutions that reduce waste, improve safety, and increase efficiency, collaborating with plant teams and suppliers from concept through launch.

This hands-on role requires strong planning, cross-functional coordination, and the ability to turn automation strategies into production-ready

Qualifications

• 3+ years in automotive manufacturing, automation deployment, or material flow.
• Experience implementing AMRs, AFTs or ASRS integrations.
• Proficient with layout tools and simulation for material flow redesign.
• Skilled in labor studies and value of automation on operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead deployment of material handling automation technologies (AMRs, AFTs, ASRS, kitting/sequencing) from concept to launch.
• Identify automation opportunities with plant teams to reduce waste, indirect labor, and variability in material flow.
• Conduct labor studies using GMOS to quantify benefits and define automation scope.
• Determine unit counts and routing strategies for automation assets and commodities.
• Develop and review layouts using simulation tools to optimize material flow paths.
• Collaborate with Simulation and Vertical Teams to validate concepts and run what-if scenarios.
• Optimize end-to-end material flow through automation and contribute to future-state designs.
• Develop timing- and cost-conscious automation plans with feasibility and phasing.
• Coordinate with Material Execution Leads and Engineering Center Leads to drive standardization.
• Engage with suppliers to define requirements and ensure on-time, on-budget execution.
• Support deployment issue resolution related to containerization, logistics, and interfaces.
• Support feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses, and ROI modeling for automation investments.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure system and data integration.
• Support development of launch documentation including PMP plans and CMA coordination.

Skills

Automation deployment

Cross-functional coordination

Layout optimization

Process documentation

ROI modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Siemens Tecnomatix

FlexSim

GMOS

OPC UA

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.