Senior Manager - Robotics & Controls Engineering

Dürr; Southfield (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Dürr is seeking a Software and Controls Engineering Lead in Southfield, Michigan, to oversee software and controls engineering activities in robotic paint application systems. This role requires strong leadership skills, a background in automation, and 5–10 years of experience in robotic systems. The successful candidate will lead a team, support troubleshooting activities, and manage project execution while traveling approximately 50% for customer support and startup activities.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of experience with robotic automotive paint application systems.
• Strong experience with robotic automation systems including controls integration.
• Experience troubleshooting complex robotic paint automation and controls systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead software and controls engineering activities supporting robotic paint application systems.
• Manage and develop a team of software and controls engineers.
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of complex technical issues.

Skills

Robotic paint application systems

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Technical problem-solving

Communication

Controls integration

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP

Job description

Responsibilities

• Lead software and controls engineering activities supporting robotic paint application and automation systems.
• Provide technical leadership and troubleshooting support for robotic automation, electrostatic paint systems, controls integration, startup activities, and commissioning issues.
• Manage and develop a team of software and controls engineers, including resource planning, task delegation, employee development, and performance management.
• Support automotive paint shop launches and customer startup activities in fast‑paced production environments.
• Partner closely with engineering, management, installation, commissioning, and AMS teams to support successful project execution.
• Meet directly with customers through onsite visits, technical reviews, meetings, and conference calls.
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of complex technical issues associated with robotic paint application systems and integrated automation technologies.
• Develop and implement training programs to ensure commissioning and engineering personnel remain aligned with latest technologies and industry trends.
• Assist with project scheduling, manpower planning, technical reporting, and engineering documentation requirements.
• Generate technical reports and testing documentation for globally funded R&D initiatives.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across robotic automation and paint process systems.
• Travel approximately 50%, including customer site support, startup activities, and launch support as required.

Your Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related technical field preferred, or equivalent industry experience.
• 5–10+ years of experience supporting robotic automotive paint application systems, automation controls, and commissioning environments.
• Strong experience with robotic automation systems including paint application robotics, controls integration, installation, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Experience supporting automotive paint shop, coating, dispensing, or robotic automation systems.
• Experience with robotic paint automation systems from ABB, FANUC, Kawasaki Robotics, Dürr, Eisenmann, or similar automotive paint automation environments is highly desired.
• Strong knowledge of robotic and flexible automation systems including motion controls, kinematics, sensors, measurement systems, controls, and programming concepts.
• Experience troubleshooting complex robotic paint automation and controls systems within automotive manufacturing environments.
• Experience working directly with customers in launch, production, or high‑pressure manufacturing environments.
• Understanding of quality systems including ISO 9000, QS 9000, and ISO 14001.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• SAP knowledge is a plus.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and technical problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to effectively lead teams while collaborating cross‑functionally with engineering, project management, installation, and customer teams.
• Willingness to travel and support off‑hours, weekends, and launch schedules as needed.