Advanced Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title:

Advanced Manufacturing Engineer

We are seeking a Manufacturing Automation Engineer to design, optimize, and implement advanced manufacturing processes. The role involves interpreting technical data packages, applying lean principles, recommending capital equipment, and supporting IT infrastructure strategies for manufacturing systems. This position requires strong technical and financial analysis skills and the ability to work within integrated teams to deliver exceptional results.

• Review project briefs and technical data packages to translate product requirements into manufacturing/assembly process needs.
• Define and adjust process requirements such as cycle time, takt time, throughput, and quality targets.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including design engineering, program management, operations, and quality to address open items and mitigate risks.
• Update project plans and capital expenditure requests tied to equipment selection or upgrades.
• Develop or refine line layouts, station concepts, material flow, ergonomics, and workforce utilization.
• Perform time studies, analyze bottlenecks, balance lines, and apply 5S/Kaizen principles to improve efficiency.
• Compare competing solutions for equipment and automation, such as robots, tooling, fixtures, conveyors, and sensors, with technical and financial business cases.
• Collaborate on PLC-to-Manufacturing System strategies, ensuring ERP/MRP/MES data connections and traceability requirements are supported.
• Align real-time process controls, including Cell Controllers, Quality Systems, Materials Management, data collection, monitoring/reporting, and maintenance management needs.
• Host and attend working sessions with customers, clarify requirements, present recommendations, and align on timelines and success criteria.
• Update specifications, PFMEA/process documentation, and prepare status reports or slides for internal and external stakeholders.
• Convert new technical packages into process specifications and validate with stakeholders.
• Plan, design, and launch steps for manufacturing, participating in build readiness and production trials as needed.
• Run targeted improvement events, such as layout changes, WIP reduction, and changeover optimization.
• Create ROI and payback analyses, prepare justification decks, and engage suppliers for quotes and technical reviews.
• Define shop-floor data collection points, serialization/lot tracking, and reporting dashboards.
• Present progress, risks, and mitigation plans during customer reviews, capturing action items and maintaining a clear issue log.

• Minimum 10 years of experience in process, industrial, or manufacturing engineering, preferably in the automotive industry.
• Strong knowledge of product development in manufacturing and production processes.
• Experience with ERP/MRP/MES manufacturing protocols.
• Knowledge of real-time process controls including Cell Controllers, Materials Management, Quality Systems, and Process Data Collection.
• Ability to obtain Secret Clearance.
• Expertise in tooling and robotics.

• Excellent mechanical and technical skills.
• Strong problem‑solving capabilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Motivated self‑starter with a positive attitude.

The position is based on‑site in Auburn Hills, MI, within a collaborative team environment with direct customer interface. The role may require occasional local and overnight travel to company or customer facilities.

This is a Contract position based out of Auburn Hills, MI.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $55.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short…