Process Engineer

Job Summary

The Automation Engineer – Autonomous Manufacturing is a senior, hands‑on technical authority responsible for architecting, developing, building, debugging, validating, and scaling NA-level autonomous manufacturing platforms. This role operates as a Chief Engineer–style individual contributor, leading through direct technical contribution rather than business technical direction or technical standards oversight. The AE is expected to be deeply engaged in system design, prototyping, pilot builds, commissioning, and failure recovery to ensure autonomous manufacturing platforms are technically sound, scalable, and production‑ready.

• Define and evolve NA autonomous manufacturing system architectures, platforms, and technical standards, directly tied to improving NA manufacturing competitiveness.
• Embed the core principles of Connected (digital integration), Flexible (high‑mix, variable‑volume systems), and Lean (eliminating waste in cost, time, and resources).
• Align strategic technologies & systems with internal global partners toward FY30‑35 Manufacturing Strategy.

• Establish and enforce technical standards policy across all NA affiliates to drive consistency.
• Guide affiliate planning in aligning technical direction with NA Manufacturing Strategy

• Influence affiliate presidents, senior managers, and C‑Suite executives (CMO, CSO, NA President/CEO).
• Serve as a trusted advisor on competitiveness, investment justification, and cross‑BU/affiliate collaboration.

• Lead systematic evaluations of affiliate processes to identify competitiveness gaps.
• Drive adoption of standardized practices to maximize productivity across NA operations.
• Ensure evaluations inform long‑term technology and resource allocation.

• Spearhead horizon scanning for emerging technologies (AI, robotics, AMRs, MES/ERP integration, digital twins).
• Guide prioritization of pilots and technology investments aligned with competitiveness targets.
• Ensure solutions are validated, scalable, and transferable across NA affiliates.

• Partner with regional/global leaders to ensure alignment with DENSO’s worldwide competitiveness initiatives.
• Represent NA in global councils, benchmarking activities, and external collaborations with industry, academia, and government.

• Oversee affiliate tactical planning, ensuring local initiatives strengthen overall NA competitiveness.
• Actively participate in critical system development, pilot builds, commissioning, and troubleshooting to validate technical approaches and unblock execution.
• Provide high‑level direction and technical standards while enabling E4 engineers and affiliate teams to execute.
• Report on progress using competitiveness‑driven KPIs (labor cost reduction, logistics efficiency, productivity).

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field;
  Master’s preferred.
• 10+ years in manufacturing, logistics, or advanced automation with proven leadership in strategic program development and governance.
• Ability to travel 10 – 20% within North America.
• Technical & Leadership
  
  Skills:
  
  
  • Expertise in automation, robotics, MES/ERP, and digital transformation.
  • Ability to influence affiliate presidents and senior leaders across multiple organizations.
  • Strong track record of defining strategy, establishing governance, and driving competitiveness outcomes.
  • Exceptional portfolio/program management skills, balancing long‑term transformation with near‑term execution.

• Experience leading regional/corporate‑level strategy initiatives in manufacturing competitiveness.
• Familiarity with AI‑driven inspection, autonomous systems, and simulation/digital twin approaches.
• Knowledge of global manufacturing ecosystems and cross‑cultural leadership.
• Certification in PMP, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, or equivalent.

• Role is primarily based in an office…