Automation Engineer – Supplier Automation Optimization

Job Description

Automation Engineer | General Motors

The Tone:
This is a full-time hybrid role at General Motors, located in the USA (Michigan), requiring regular domestic and international travel. General Motors is dedicated to a vision of Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, and Zero Congestion. This role is pivotal in achieving that vision by optimizing supplier automation capabilities, especially in material handling and flow, directly influencing GM’s industrialization and sourcing strategies for greater efficiency and cost reduction.

The TL;DR
• Role: Full Time
• Type: Hybrid
• Location: Hybrid – USA(Michigan) (Requires regular travel, 25-50% domestically and internationally)
• Mission: Lead strategic initiatives to evaluate and elevate supplier automation capabilities, focusing on material handling, material flow, and integration with GM’s industrialization and sourcing strategies.
• Tech Stack: Power BI, Excel, data modeling, robotics, PLCs, MES, WMS, ERP, smart manufacturing systems

What You’ll Actually Do
• Lead complex assessments of supplier automation maturity using GM-defined frameworks and advanced analytics.
• Develop and implement automation maturity strategies that align with GM’s long-term operational goals.
• Evaluate and optimize supplier material handling and material flow systems to support cost and efficiency targets.
• Act as a strategic liaison between suppliers, industrialization, and internal GM teams to support sourcing and negotiation strategies through data-driven insights.
• Own the development and continuous improvement of GM’s automation maturity model and supplier evaluation processes.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, automation, supply chain, purchasing, procurement, logistics, business, or a related field. This role is for a recognized professional in supplier automation assessment and manufacturing optimization.
• Experience: 2+ years of relevant work experience in manufacturing, automation, and/or purchasing. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders.
• Skills: Understanding of material handling and material flow optimization in complex manufacturing environments, excellent communication, consulting, and strategic problem-solving skills, ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 50%.
• Bonus: 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, automation systems, industrial engineering, supplier development, value chain engineering, supply chain, or purchasing. Advanced analytical skills including Power BI, Excel, and data modeling. Experience with automation maturity models, Industry 4.0, or digital manufacturing assessments. Exposure to lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies. Working knowledge of automation technologies including robotics, PLCs, MES, and smart manufacturing systems, with exposure to WMS and ERP environments. Project management experience in cross-functional or supplier-facing roles. Experience in purchasing or purchasing program management, including supplier negotiations and sourcing strategies. Familiarity with global manufacturing practices and automation trends.