Material Handling Engineer

Design Systems, Inc.; Farmington Hills (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Design Systems, Inc. (DSI) is seeking a Material Handling Engineer to plan, design, and optimize material flow within manufacturing facilities in Farmington Hills, MI. The role focuses on improving material delivery and storage, plant layouts, and handling operations to boost efficiency and reduce costs.

The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and comfortable working independently and with cross-functional engineering teams. Travel of 10–25% is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering required.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop AutoCAD layouts for lineside displays, storage areas, kitting and sequencing operations.
• Analyze PFEP data to design material flow plans and delivery strategies.
• Perform dock capacity, storage, labor and material handling equipment analyses.
• Evaluate material delivery routes, packaging needs and equipment requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve material flow and reduce costs within plant operations.
• Collaborate with simulation engineers to validate material flow solutions.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Detail-oriented

Self-motivated

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD 2D

Job description

Material Handling Engineer

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

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.

The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and comfortable working independently and with cross-functional engineering teams.

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.