Material Handling Automation Engineer

General Motors

Material Handling Automation Engineer at GM driving deployment of automation across manufacturing. Collaborating with teams and suppliers to implement advanced material handling solutions.

Posted 5/1/2026full-timeWarren • Missouri, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AssemblyPMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead deployment of material handling automation technologies (AMRs, AFTs, ASRS, kitting/sequencing systems) from early concept through launch.
Identify and evaluate automation opportunities in partnership with Automation Solutions and plant teams to reduce waste, indirect labor, and variability in material flow.
Conduct labor studies using GMOS and analyze indirect material movement with Assembly Plant Industrial Engineers to quantify benefits and define automation scope.
Determine unit counts and routing strategies for automation assets and commodities based on operational requirements, volume, and constraints.
Develop and review layouts using simulation and layout tools to optimize material flow paths, buffer strategies, and equipment utilization.
Collaborate with Simulation and Vertical Teams to validate concepts, run what‑if scenarios, and de‑risk execution prior to launch.
Optimize end‑to‑end material flow through automation and contribute to future‑state process designs, roadmaps, and standards.
Develop timing- and cost-conscious automation plans, including feasibility, phasing, and alignment with plant launch / shutdown windows.
Partner with Material Execution Leads, Manufacturing Innovation, and Engineering Center Leads to drive continuous improvement and standardization.
Engage with strategic suppliers and integrators to define requirements, review designs, and ensure on‑time, on‑budget execution.
Support deployment issue resolution related to containerization, logistics, and GPSC interfaces to ensure robust material availability and flow.
Support feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses, and ROI modeling to prioritize automation investments and support business cases.
Coordinate with internal stakeholders (Product Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, IT) to ensure seamless system and data integration.
Support development and management of launch documentation including PMP plans, PCP assignments, JES/TIS revisions, and ULOC/DLOC and CMA coordination.

Requirements

What you’ll need

3+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing, automation deployment, or material flow / industrial engineering.
Hands-on experience implementing or integrating at least one of the following: – Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) with fleet management systems. – Automated Fork Trucks (AFTs) with safety‑rated navigation and control systems. – Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) with warehouse control software.
Proficiency with labor analysis tools (e.g., GMOS) to conduct indirect labor studies and quantify automation impact on material movement.
Experience with layout and flow optimization tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Siemens Tecnomatix, FlexSim) for evaluating and redesigning material routes and storage strategies.
Familiarity with PLC programming, robotic cell integration, and industrial communication protocols (e.g., OPC UA, Modbus, Ethernet/IP).
Ability to develop and manage launch and process documentation, including PMP plans, PCP assignments, JES/TIS revisions, and ULOC/DLOC and CMA coordination.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills for feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses, and ROI modeling for automation projects.
Demonstrated success working with cross-functional teams and supporting issue resolution involving containerization, logistics, and supplier partners.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
Comfortable with 25–50% travel, including periodic on‑site support and collaboration with cross‑functional teams.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
401(k) matching
Flexible work hours
Paid time off
Remote work options

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

material handling automationAutonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)Automated Fork Trucks (AFTs)Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS)labor analysislayout optimizationflow optimizationPLC programmingrobotic cell integrationindustrial communication protocols

Soft Skills

analytical skillsproblem-solving skillscollaborationcross-functional teamworkcontinuous improvementcommunicationproject management