Automation Engineer Project Manager Jobs in Detroit, MI

Support advanced automation, vehicle systems, and manufacturing engineering projects. This role combines hands-on controls engineering expertise with project leadership responsibilities to deliver successful technical solutions for automotive and industrial applications.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in controls development, integration, commissioning, and troubleshooting, with a preference for candidates who have prior experience supporting Stellantis programs, facilities, or engineering standards. The successful candidate will manage projects from concept through implementation while serving as the technical controls specialist between customers, engineering teams, and suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management

• Lead controls engineering projects from scope definition through execution, commissioning, and final customer acceptance.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, resource plans, and technical deliverables.
• Coordinate activities between customers, engineering teams, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Conduct project reviews, track milestones, identify risks, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure projects meet customer expectations for quality, cost, timing, and performance.
• Prepare technical documentation, status reports, and project presentations.

Controls Engineering

• Design, develop, program, and troubleshoot industrial control systems.
• Support PLC, HMI, robotics, motion control, and automation system integration.
• Develop and review electrical/control system designs, specifications, and functional requirements.
• Perform controls commissioning, debugging, and startup support at customer facilities.
• Analyze system performance and implement improvements to optimize reliability and efficiency.
• Support integration of automated manufacturing systems and production equipment.
• Provide technical leadership during installation, testing, and validation activities.

Automotive / Stellantis Support

• Apply knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes and customer-specific requirements.
• Support Stellantis manufacturing standards, controls specifications, and engineering expectations.
• Collaborate with OEM engineering teams, suppliers, and manufacturing personnel.
• Support vehicle assembly, body shop, paint, powertrain, battery, or general automation applications.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in industrial controls engineering, automation, or manufacturing systems.
• Proven experience managing engineering projects and technical teams.
• Strong knowledge of PLC programming, HMI development, industrial networks, and automation systems.
• Experience with controls integration, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, controls drawings, and technical documentation.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel to customer sites as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience supporting Stellantis, FCA, Chrysler, or other automotive OEM programs.
• Experience with automotive manufacturing systems and production environments.
• Familiarity with OEM controls standards and manufacturing engineering processes.
• Experience with Rockwell Automation, Siemens, or similar PLC platforms.
• Experience with robotics, safety systems, vision systems, and industrial automation.
• PMP certification or formal project management experience is a plus.

Desired Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical leader who can successfully manage projects while providing deep controls engineering expertise. This individual should be comfortable working directly with customers, leading engineering activities, resolving complex technical challenges, and delivering automation solutions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Travel Requirements

Moderate travel may be required to support customer installations, commissioning activities, and project execution.

Employment Type

Full-Time

Benefits and Salary based on experience