Mechanical Project Engineering Manager

JRAutomation; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits day one

Parental leave

Automation projects

Collaborative environment

Career growth

Quality craftsmanship

Job summary

J.R. Automation Technologies, LLC is seeking a Mechanical Project Engineering Manager to lead the Mechanical Engineering department at our Holland, MI site. The role focuses on directing engineers, overseeing staffing, and driving project success from concept to installation.

Ideal candidates bring 8+ years of experience, a Mechanical Engineering degree, and strong CAD skills (SolidWorks, Creo, NX, AutoCAD). Expect 25% travel to customer sites and supplier locations as needed.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience; 2+ years leading technical projects.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• Experience in automation industry strongly preferred.
• CAD software proficiency: SolidWorks, Creo, NX, AutoCAD.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Mechanical Engineering department.
• Provide supervision and performance management for mechanical engineers and staff.
• Manage staffing and workload to meet project demands, budgets, and schedules.
• Ensure objectives on cost, quality, timing, and customer satisfaction are achieved.
• Collaborate with Applications Engineering during concept, proposal, and design phases.
• Design and develop mechanical equipment and systems meeting customer requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance efficiency, quality, and capability.
• Provide technical guidance throughout design, development, manufacturing, and installation phases.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

People development

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, NX, AutoCAD)

Job description

Location: Holland, Michigan, United States

Job ID: R0145743

Date Posted: 2026-10-29

Company Name: J.R. AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

Profession (Job Category): Engineering & Science

Job Schedule: Full time

Remote: No

Job Description:

The Opportunity:

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is driven to deliver customer success worldwide. We provide intelligent automated manufacturing and distribution technology solutions that transform how the world's leading manufacturers make and distribute products. Our strength is our people and we're always looking to strengthen our team across the globe. Join us as a Mechanical Project Engineering Manager.

Location Type: The position is onsite in Holland, MI.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive wages, medical benefits starting your first day, and paid parental leave
• Opportunity to work on unique, custom automation projects
• A collaborative, engineering-driven environment
• Career growth and skill development opportunities
• A role where craftsmanship and quality truly matters

What You'll Do:

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Mechanical Engineering department.
• Provide direct supervision and performance management for mechanical engineers and support personnel.
• Manage staffing and workload allocation, including direct, indirect, and overtime hours, to meet project demands, budget requirements, and delivery schedules.
• Support the successful execution of assigned programs by ensuring objectives related to cost, quality, timing, and customer satisfaction are achieved.
• Collaborate with Applications Engineering teams during the project conception, proposal, and design phases to develop effective customer solutions.
• Design and develop mechanical equipment and systems that meet customer requirements while applying sound engineering principles and industry best practices.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the engineering team to enhance efficiency, quality, and technical capability.
• Provide technical guidance and support throughout the design, development, manufacturing, and installation phases of projects. Influences team, department, and business unit decisions.
• Influential in assisting engineers in career development and advancement.
• Direct supervision of mechanical engineers and other staff.
• Manages staffing of projects, workload issues, and meeting project timelines.
• Responsible for leading cross-functional technical teams throughout the lifecycle of various projects.
• Exercises independent judgment, innovates, and works autonomously.
• Recognizes and implements significant design and workflow improvements.
• Collaborates with department leadership in executing and creating methods to develop technical talent.
• Independently works with key talent in department to support career progression and personal development.
• Assists the manager in developing the engineering department through leadership and training of other engineers.
• Serve as a mentor/coach for developing engineers.
• Able to lead discipline specific teams and influence project direction and progress.
• Viewed as a technical expert and leader in the department.

Note: This list of responsibilities is by no means inclusive; however, it is intended to be a guideline for activities.

What You'll Bring:

• Minimum Experience: 8+ years; 2+ years leading technical projects.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• Current or prior JR Automation experience, or experience in the automation industry is strongly preferred.
• Experienced with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, NX, AutoCAD).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with experience presenting to colleagues and company management.
• Speaks effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Demonstrates skills in persuasion and negotiation of critical issues.
• Proficient in the application of standard and advanced engineering principles, practices, and procedures.
• Recognized as an individual that has people centric skills.
• Demonstrated ability to positively influence engineer's development and progression.
• Able to quickly recognize and fix common engineering problems based on experience, including review / critique of others' work.
• Has experience leading technical projects.Travel up to 25% to visit customer sites, supplier sites, installation of equipment & other JR locations. Trips vary from overnight trips to international supplier and customer sites.

Company Overview:

At JR Automation, A Hitachi Group Company, we discover potential, reimagine limits, and advance industry. When faced with a problem, we find a solution. Together, we push what's possible to automate for tomorrow.

Join our team of 2,000+ at one of our 20+ facilities around the world and be a part of the most experienced team of advanced automation integrators.

Fueled by Possible

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at JR Automation, please send the nature of request and contact information to [e-mail]. Queries other than accommodation requests will not be responded to.