Technical Manager; Automation- Auburn Hills, MI

Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) Local is a hard services-led, tailored facility management solution. We self-perform hard services while partnering with best-in-class soft service providers to offer custom facility and project management solutions to our clients. We focus on empowering our team with a high-level of downstream accountability, resulting in an agile and efficient service delivery.

In addition to our core facility and project management capabilities, our platform offers direct access to our Best-in-Class services, including ESG, Security Consulting, Workplace Strategy, and Workplace Experience.

As a CBRE Technical Manager focused on automation, you will serve as the technical specialist and subject-matter expert for advanced automated material handling and robotics systems. You will provide hands-on technical guidance, training, and troubleshooting support to the automation technician team. This role concentrates on elevating technical capability across ASRS crane racking systems, Kuka Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), Gideon self-guided forklifts, Cognex vision/scanning systems, conveyors, and related controls.

You will drive continuous improvement of maintenance practices, standards, and knowledge transfer without direct people-management responsibilities. This position is part of the Engineering and Technical Services job function.

• Act as the primary technical resource for the automation technician team, providing real-time guidance, coaching, and knowledge transfer on complex automated systems.
• Lead advanced troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for ASRS crane systems, AMRs, autonomous forklifts, Cognex vision systems, conveyors, sensors, drives, and related electromechanical and controls equipment.
• Develop, refine, and implement preventive and predictive maintenance strategies specific to automation assets. Continuously improve work instructions, troubleshooting guides, and technical standards.
• Train and mentor technicians on proper diagnostic techniques, OEM procedures, electrical/mechanical schematics interpretation, CMMS documentation, and safe work practices around automated equipment.
• Coordinate technical efforts with OEMs, external service providers, and internal stakeholders to resolve complex issues and support system upgrades or modifications.
• Maintain strong technical documentation, including as-built drawings, system configurations, and updated maintenance procedures for all assigned automation assets.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and recommend process or equipment improvements that enhance reliability, uptime, and operational efficiency.
• Support communication with client operations, facility leadership, and vendors on technical matters related to automation performance and reliability.
• Respond to escalated technical issues and urgent equipment failures, providing expert-level support to restore operations quickly and safely.
• Model CBRE RISE values and apply deep technical knowledge of automation systems while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Identify, diagnose, and resolve moderately complex to advanced technical issues that impact system performance, reliability, or safety.

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred with 3–5 years of relevant experience in industrial automation, robotics, mechatronics, or related technical fields. In lieu of a degree, a combination of experience and education will be considered.
• Strong hands-on experience with automated material handling systems such as ASRS, AMRs/AGVs, autonomous industrial vehicles, vision systems, conveyors, and industrial controls.
• Proven ability to train, coach, and technically guide technicians without formal supervisory authority.
• Advance…