Technical Manager (Automation)- Auburn Hills, MI

CBRE Group, Inc.; Auburn Hills, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE Group, Inc. seeks a Technical Manager focused on automation in Michigan.

You will be the technical specialist for automated material handling and robotics, delivering hands-on guidance, training, and rapid troubleshooting to the automation technician team. Responsibilities include preventive/predictive maintenance, updating standards, coordinating with OEMs and vendors, and maintaining drawings and configurations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 3–5 years in industrial automation or related fields, or equivalent experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with automated material handling systems (ASRS, AMRs/AGVs, conveyors, vision systems).
• Ability to train technicians and guide without formal supervisory authority.
• Familiarity with CMMS platforms and maintenance documentation standards.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary technical resource for the automation technician team, providing real-time guidance and knowledge transfer on complex systems.
• Lead advanced troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for ASRS, AMRs, conveyors, and related equipment.
• Develop, refine, and implement preventive and predictive maintenance strategies for automation assets.
• Train technicians on diagnostic techniques, OEM procedures, schematics interpretation, CMMS documentation, and safe practices.
• Coordinate technical efforts with OEMs, external providers, and internal stakeholders to resolve issues and support upgrades.
• Maintain up-to-date technical documentation including as-built drawings and system configurations.

Skills

Automation systems

Troubleshooting

Documentation

CMMS

Robotics

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in a relevant field

Tools

CMMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) Local is a hard services-led, tailored facility management solution. We self-perform hard services while partnering with best-in-class soft service providers to offer custom facility and project management solutions to our clients. We focus on empowering our team with a high-level of downstream accountability, resulting in an agile and efficient service delivery.

In addition to our core facility and project management capabilities, our platform offers direct access to our Best-in-Classservices, including ESG, Security Consulting, Workplace Strategy, and Workplace Experience.

About the Role

As a CBRE Technical Manager focused on automation, you will serve as the technical specialist and subject-matter expert for advanced automated material handling and robotics systems. You will provide hands-on technical guidance, training, and troubleshooting support to the automation technician team. This role concentrates on elevating technical capability across ASRS crane racking systems, Kuka Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), Gideon self-guided forklifts, Cognex vision/scanning systems, conveyors, and related controls. You will drive continuous improvement of maintenance practices, standards, and knowledge transfer without direct people-management responsibilities. This position is part of the Engineering and Technical Services job function.

What You’ll Do

• Act as the primary technical resource for the automation technician team, providing real-time guidance, coaching, and knowledge transfer on complex automated systems.
• Lead advanced troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for ASRS crane systems, AMRs, autonomous forklifts, Cognex vision systems, conveyors, sensors, drives, and related electromechanical and controls equipment.
• Develop, refine, and implement preventive and predictive maintenance strategies specific to automation assets. Continuously improve work instructions, troubleshooting guides, and technical standards.
• Train and mentor technicians on proper diagnostic techniques, OEM procedures, electrical/mechanical schematics interpretation, CMMS documentation, and safe work practices around automated equipment.
• Coordinate technical efforts with OEMs, external service providers, and internal stakeholders to resolve complex issues and support system upgrades or modifications.
• Maintain strong technical documentation, including as-built drawings, system configurations, and updated maintenance procedures for all assigned automation assets.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and recommend process or equipment improvements that enhance reliability, uptime, and operational efficiency.
• Support communication with client operations, facility leadership, and vendors on technical matters related to automation performance and reliability.
• Respond to escalated technical issues and urgent equipment failures, providing expert-level support to restore operations quickly and safely.
• Model CBRE RISE values and apply deep technical knowledge of automation systems while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Identify, diagnose, and resolve moderately complex to advanced technical issues that impact system performance, reliability, or safety.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred with 3–5 years of relevant experience in industrial automation, robotics, mechatronics, or related technical fields. In lieu of a degree, a combination of experience and education will be considered.
• Strong hands-on experience with automated material handling systems such as ASRS, AMRs/AGVs, autonomous industrial vehicles, vision systems, conveyors, and industrial controls.
• Proven ability to train, coach, and technically guide technicians without formal supervisory authority.
• Advanced troubleshooting skills across electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and controls domains, including the ability to interpret complex schematics and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with CMMS platforms, preventive/predictive maintenance programs, and technical documentation standards.
• In‑depth knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Strong organizational skills, technical curiosity, and the ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across teams to achieve shared technical and operational goals. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Why CBRE

When you join CBRE, you become part of the global leader in commercial real estate services and investment that helps businesses and people thrive. We are dynamic problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create significant impact. Our collaborative culture is built on our shared values — respect, integrity, service and excellence — and we value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds and skillsets of our people. At CBRE, you have the opportunity to chart your own course and realize your potential. We welcome all applicants.

Applicant AI Use Disclosure

We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.