Site Manager​/Construction & Commissioning Lead – Body-in-White Automation

SWJ Technology specializes in providing engineering, planning, and project management services across various industries. We are currently seeking a Site Manager / Construction & Commissioning Lead for a client in the automotive industry, specializing in car manufacturing. This role is a project-based contractor position based in Fremont, CA that requires 100% onsite presence
. If you’re eager to grow your career and make a meaningful impact on exciting projects, we look forward to your application.

We are seeking an experienced Site Manager / Construction & Commissioning Lead to oversee the installation, integration, and commissioning of automated Body-in-White (BIW) production equipment within an automotive manufacturing facility. The role is responsible for coordinating mechanical and electrical installation activities, managing multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring that all project milestones are achieved safely, on schedule, and in accordance with technical and quality requirements.

The project involves upgrading and expanding existing body shop production systems, relocating equipment, and integrating new automation units across left-hand-drive (LHD), right-hand-drive (RHD), and rework (RUB) production lines. The primary objective is to complete commissioning, validation, and production ramp-up by January 5, 2027.

• Lead and coordinate all mechanical and electrical installation, construction, and commissioning activities for automated Body-in-White production systems.
• Manage multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical installation, electrical installation, robotics, PLC programming, and commissioning personnel.
• Develop, monitor, and control project schedules, ensuring adherence to key milestones and the critical project path.
• Coordinate the installation and integration of 18 industrial robots, including 8 LHD, 8 RHD, and 2 RUB applications.
• Oversee the installation of robot pedestals, turntables, geometric (GEO) and rework welding fixtures, gripper systems, safety fencing, cable trays, and utility connections.
• Coordinate the integration of resistance spot-welding equipment, adhesive application systems, material‑handling equipment, and automated fastening systems.
• Manage interfaces between engineering, construction, commissioning, and production teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Coordinate PLC and robot programming activities, industrial communication interfaces, and equipment commissioning.
• Oversee robot calibration, KUKA mastering using EMD equipment, welding gun calibration, and Safe Move safety configuration.
• Ensure compliance with applicable EHS requirements, site safety procedures, and construction safety standards.
• Organize and support technical inspections, equipment acceptance, functional testing, and validation activities throughout the commissioning process.
• Monitor equipment readiness, resolve installation and commissioning issues, and drive corrective actions to minimize delays.
• Support production trials, quality verification, cycle‑time optimization, and production ramp‑up activities.
• Conduct daily project coordination meetings and provide regular progress reports, including schedule status, risks, open issues, and mitigation measures.
• Ensure timely project handover and operational readiness by the required production launch date.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent practical experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5–8 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, industrial automation, body shop construction, installation, or commissioning.
• Demonstrated experience as a Site Manager, Construction Manager, Commissioning…