Central Manufacturing Engineer - Automation - Saginaw Operations(2026

Central Manufacturing Engineer
- Automation
- Saginaw Operations

Location:

Saginaw, MI, US Division: USA
- United States (USA)

Position:
Central Manufacturing Engineer
- Automation
- Saginaw Operations At Nexteer, our strength lies in the diversity of our team—each member contributing unique backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations. We believe this diversity fuels our innovation, broadens our perspectives, and propels our collective growth. For over a century, we've been innovators in the automotive industry. Our vision is clear - we are a global leading motion control technology company accelerating mobility to be safe, green and exciting.

Our unwavering commitment to Quality, Collaboration, Integrity, and Accountability guides us as we solve motion control challenges for our global customers. If you're ready to join a dynamic team that drives change and makes a difference, Nexteer welcomes you!

We are looking for a highly driven and innovative Central Manufacturing Engineer – Automation to lead the development and deployment of automation solutions across EPS and Driveline operations in Saginaw. This role is ideal for someone with a "can-do" mindset who thrives in fast-paced environments and is passionate about delivering practical, cost-effective automation solutions. Positioned within the Central Manufacturing Engineering team, this role will act as a key integrator between plant teams, suppliers, and engineering disciplines—ensuring automation projects are effectively developed, engineered, and executed from concept through successful plant deployment.

This position plays a critical role in advancing automation capabilities across the organization—improving safety, efficiency, and scalability while enabling plants to meet evolving production demands.

As a Central Manufacturing Engineer – Automation, you will be responsible to:

• Lead automation projects from concept development through plant implementation and launch
• Develop innovative automation concepts in collaboration with plant manufacturing and automation teams
• Own and manage project timelines, ensuring alignment with plant and program milestones
• Drive capital planning activities, including budgeting, forecasting, and appropriation requests
• Ensure all safety requirements, MQ workflows, and technical documentation are completed and compliant
• Interface with suppliers for automation equipment (robotics, conveyors, material handling systems), including RFQs, design reviews, and equipment validation
• Maintain relationship and forecasting of projects and spending with GSM counterparts
• Design and develop end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) and specify appropriate machine guarding solutions
• Alignment with GSM and plant operations on components and sourcing, preferred brands etc…
• Collaborate with controls engineering teams and global automation teams on system architecture, panel design, and integration requirements and global look across
• Deliver complete, implementation-ready automation packages to plant teams
• Support equipment installation, validation, and launch activities, including on-site troubleshooting as needed
• Champion cost-effective solutions by applying creative, non-traditional approaches to minimize capital investment
• Create and update PFMEA for new automation solutions
Qualifications

3+ years of manufacturing engineering experience with a strong emphasis on automation

Demonstrated experience leading automation projects from concept through production deployment

Strong working knowledge of:
Industrial robotics PLCs, HMIs, and controls systems Sensors, vision systems, and automation hardware

Proven ability to manage projects in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Fundamental understanding of assembly processes (fastening, pressing, dispensing)

Preferred Qualifications

Proficiency in CAD tools (Solid Works preferred) for concept development, equipment design, and guarding layouts

Experience supporting equipment installation and production launches within manufacturing plants

Willingness to travel and support plant implementation activities, including occasional…