Automation Applications Engineer

Location:

Rochester Hills, MI, 48309

Country/Region:
United States

Employment Type:

Salary

Requisition

This role is responsible for the hands‑on design, development, and implementation of automation applications across all applicable leather manufacturing processes and material handling systems. The position includes developing plant layouts and floor plans to support automation integration, as well as establishing and maintaining automation standards for manufacturing processes and equipment. The individual will assess and develop maintenance applications related to various automation technologies and lead the preparation of capital expenditure (Cap Ex) justifications to support automation initiatives.

Additionally, the role involves organizing and overseeing the global implementation of automation projects at the plant level, while also assisting in the standardization, updating, and ongoing maintenance of manufacturing equipment.

• Familiarize with all leather processes within Eagle Ottawa and assess each operation for the possible application of automation to reduce direct labor while maintaining quality, throughput, and cost standards.
• Create an assessment scale to set prioritization of applying automation.
• Develop automation projects from concept through implementation, inclusive of project scope, base design concept, costing, justification, procurement, supplier management, plant implementation, plant‑level engineering, maintenance, and operator training.
• Provide ongoing oversight of automation performance.
• Implement upgrades or alterations to adapt to product changes or new programs.
• Assess plant engineering and maintenance skill requirements for proper maintenance of automation equipment.

• BS in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Automation.
• Associate or equivalent work experience in Electrical Controls.
• Min 5‑7 years of experience in an engineering role supporting automotive component manufacturing or assembly.
• Direct experience with applied automation, robot, co‑bot, gantry P&P, vision systems.
• Direct experience with automation evaluation, concept to implementation.
• Direct experience with equipment and tooling design/development.
• Direct experience and proficiency with ACAD programs and design.
• Direct experience with PLC and automation programming.
• Experience with business‑case development/justification.
• Experience with automotive quality systems.
• Preferred experience in a global automotive atmosphere.
• Preferred experience in leather manufacturing, automotive or non‑automotive.
• Preferred experience with maintenance systems.
• Proven project manager of manufacturing processes with minimum investments of $5M capex.
• Open, creative, innovative mindset.
• Ability to work with all levels and functions of a manufacturing organization.
• Ability to travel globally as required for research of technologies and program implementation.

Lear Corporation is committed to fair, merit‑based employment practices and equal opportunity.

We provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law. For assistance during the application process, contact your recruiter directly.

Applicants must submit their resume for consideration using our applicant tracking system. Due to the high volume of applications received, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. Unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies, or similar, will not be paid a fee and will become the property of Lear Corporation.

Lear Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workplace.

Nearest Major Market:
Detroit