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Industrial Engineer - Automation - Saginaw Operations (2026)
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What they do
An Industrial Engineer devises ways to make production processes more efficient and less wasteful. Uses technology and engineering to help companies and organizations produce products with efficient use of time, resources, and energy.
$87,352 / year median in Michigan
-9% projected decline
Job Description
Overview
We are looking for a highly driven and innovative Industrial Engineer to lead the development and deployment of automation solutions across EPS and Driveline operations on the Nexteer Saginaw Site. This role is ideal for someone with a "can-do" mindset who thrives in fast-paced environments and is passionate about delivering practical, cost-effective automation solutions.
Positioned within the automation teams, this role will act as a key integrator between plant teams, suppliers, and engineering disciplines—ensuring automation projects are effectively developed, engineered, and executed from concept through successful plant deployment. This position will support multiple plants and automation teams, so a high degree of flexibility is required. Key Responsibilities Lead modeling and simulation activities for automation projects from concept development through plant implementation and launch
Work within a digital twin environment to simulate ideal product flow through the plants
Fundamental understanding of impact of automation on operator utilization Ability to re-balance workload for partial operator optimization Model warehouse and supermarket flow to incorporate automated delivery of product to the point of use, bulk goods, small parts, finished goods
Brainstorm innovative automation concepts in collaboration with plant manufacturing and automation teams
Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineers and suppliers for automation equipment (robotics, conveyors, material handling systems), including design reviews, and equipment validation
Collaborate with controls engineering teams on system architecture, panel design, and integration requirements
Help to deliver complete, implementation-ready automation packages to plant teams
Support equipment installation, validation, and launch activities, including on-site troubleshooting as needed
Champion cost-effective solutions by applying creative, non-traditional approaches to minimize capital investment Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in industrial, mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or related field 3+ years of Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering experience with a strong emphasis on automation
Demonstrated experience with automation and modeling projects from concept through production deployment
Willingness to travel and support plant implementation activities, including occasional off-shift or weekend support
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
Experience working directly with suppliers, including equipment design reviews and pre-acceptance buy-offs Preferred Qualifications Proficiency in CAD tools (Autocad /Draftsight/ SolidWorks) for concept development, equipment design, and guarding layouts
Experience supporting equipment installation and production launches within manufacturing plants
Strong working knowledge of: (Preferred) Material handling and movement devices
Work combination tables and Lean Manufacturing fundamentals
Understanding and building out material delivery routes for AMRs
Move order systems Experience with simulation software to create digital twins and model ideal results
Exposure to Industry 4.0 technologies, data integration, and smart manufacturing initiatives
Background in high-volume, complex manufacturing environments Success Profile (What Great Looks Like) Acts as a bridge between central engineering and plant execution, ensuring solutions meet real operational needs
Delivers practical, implementation-ready automation packages, not just concepts
Demonstrates ownership and accountability from idea through launch
Balances innovation with cost discipline, consistently driving value
Thrives in dynamic environments, adapting quickly to changing requirements Why This Role Matters
This position plays a critical role in advancing automation capabilities across the organization—improving safety, efficiency, and scalability while enabling plants to meet evolving production demands.