Material Handling Engineer

Design Systems Inc; Farmington Hills (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Design Systems, Inc. (DSI) in Farmington Hills, MI is seeking a Material Handling Engineer to plan, design, and optimize material flow within manufacturing facilities, improving delivery, storage, and plant layouts to cut costs.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering and 1–3 years of related experience, plus 2D AutoCAD proficiency and strong Excel/analytical skills. Travel is 10–25% and the engineer will work both independently and with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
• 1–3 years of relevant engineering or manufacturing experience.
• Proficiency in 2D AutoCAD and strong Excel/analytical skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop AutoCAD layouts for lineside displays, storage areas, kitting, and sequencing operations.
• Analyze PFEP data to develop material flow plans and delivery strategies.
• Perform dock capacity, storage, labor, and material handling analyses.
• Evaluate material delivery routes, packaging requirements, and equipment needs.
• Identify opportunities to improve material flow, reduce costs, and optimize plant operations.
• Collaborate with simulation engineers to evaluate and validate material flow solutions.
• Develop SWIs, reports, and project documentation.
• Track project progress, KPIs, and open issues through resolution.
• Conduct field assessments and support project implementation at client facilities.
• Perform cost-benefit analyses and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Industrial/Manufacturing Eng

Tools

AutoCAD 2D

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Design Systems, Inc. (DSI) Location: Farmington Hills, MI Job Type: Full-Time Experience: 1-3 Years Travel: 10-25%

Material Handling Engineer

Position Summary

Design Systems, Inc. (DSI) is seeking a Material Handling Engineer to support the planning, design, and optimization of material flow within manufacturing facilities. This role focuses on improving material delivery, storage, plant layouts, and material handling operations to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop AutoCAD layouts for lineside displays, storage areas, kitting, and sequencing operations.
• Analyze Plan for Every Part (PFEP) data to develop material flow plans and delivery strategies.
• Perform dock capacity, storage, labor, and material handling equipment analyses.
• Evaluate material delivery routes, packaging requirements, and equipment needs.
• Identify opportunities to improve material flow, reduce costs, and optimize plant operations.
• Collaborate with simulation engineers to evaluate and validate material flow solutions.
• Develop Standard Work Instructions (SWIs), reports, and project documentation.
• Track project progress, KPIs, and open issues through resolution.
• Conduct field assessments and support project implementation at client facilities.
• Perform cost-benefit analyses and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 1-3 years of relevant engineering or manufacturing experience.
• Basic proficiency in 2D AutoCAD.
• Strong Microsoft Excel and analytical skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Willingness to travel 10-25%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Automotive manufacturing experience, preferably in a union environment.
• Familiarity with PFEP, material flow planning, and manufacturing logistics.
• Knowledge of AGVs, AGCs, AMRs, and other automated material handling equipment.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.

Work Environment

This position is primarily based in our Farmington Hills, MI office, with limited work-from-home flexibility. Travel to manufacturing facilities and client sites is approximately 10-25%.

About DSI

Design Systems, Inc. provides engineering and consulting solutions to manufacturing organizations. We are committed to delivering world-class value through innovative engineering, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement.