Automation Manager Jobs in Rochester, MI (NOW HIRING)

Job Description
The Engineering Group Manager - Material Automation Deployment is responsible for delivering Autonomous Mobile Equipment (AME) deployments and collaborative applications across General Motors' manufacturing plants, from planning through full-scale production integration. This role serves as the central leader owning the end-to-end deployment lifecycle, acting as the primary point of contact for plant leadership teams while working upstream with the ME Verticals Team, ARC Product Team, R&D, and Engineering Centers to align priorities, remove barriers, and drive project execution.
General Motors is at the forefront of one of the most exciting initiatives in automotive manufacturing, deploying Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and Automated Forklifts (AFTs) at scale across its global plant network. This effort spans both GM-developed technology and strategic vendor solutions, creating a unique opportunity to shape how material automation is designed, deployed, and scaled across the enterprise.
This is a high-visibility, high-growth leadership role that blends technical depth with strategic relationship management. You will have direct exposure to senior executive leadership, influence over GM's long-term material automation strategy, and the opportunity to build and scale a function that is central to the future of manufacturing. The Engineering Group Manager builds, leads, and mentors a team of engineers, regularly reports to executive leadership on deployment status, risks, and strategic opportunities, and turns cutting-edge automation into shop-floor reality.
Required Qualifications

• 5+ years in manufacturing, automation, or engineering leadership with direct people management experience.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver complex projects on time.
• Track record of building trusted relationships with plant leadership and operational stakeholders.
• Executive-level communication skills.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field - or equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• 8+ years in automation, material handling, or manufacturing engineering with progressive leadership.
• Strong understanding of robotics and automation: navigation, safety systems, and fleet management.
• Experience with AMR/AGV and other material automation technologies.
• Familiarity with controls systems (PLCs, I/O panels, AGV/AMR integration).
• Knowledge of safety standards (OSHA, ANSI/RIA, FMEA).
• Hands-on experience with AMR fleet management systems and simulation tools (Siemens Plant Simulation, AnyLogic, FlexSim).
• Lean Six Sigma certification.
• Multi-site execution experience.

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc).This role is categorized as onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis.The selected candidate will be required to travel at least 50% or more on a frequent basis.This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.The position is subject to export control restrictions and requires the successful candidate to be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee or refugee).
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