Automation Engineer

• Lead complex assessments of supplier automation maturity using GM-defined frameworks and advanced analytics

• Develop and implement automation maturity strategies aligned with GM’s long-term operational goals

• Evaluate and optimize supplier material handling and material flow systems for cost and efficiency targets

• Coordinate supplier automation-maturity assessments, including baseline capability, future-state capability, improvement plans, timing, and supporting evidence at manufacturing-facility level

• Act as strategic liaison between suppliers, industrialization teams, and internal GM teams

• Support sourcing and negotiation strategies through data-driven insights on supplier automation capabilities

• Lead supplier engagement, fact-based negotiations, relationship management, and business-over-time actions for assigned suppliers and commodity scope

• Present strategic recommendations to senior leadership and drive adoption across global teams

• Own development and continuous improvement of GM’s automation maturity model and supplier evaluation processes

• Travel regularly, approximately 25–50%, to supplier locations

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, automation, supply chain, purchasing, procurement, logistics, business or related field
• 2+ years relevant work experience in manufacturing, automation, and/or purchasing; internship or co-op experience will not be considered
• Understanding of material handling and material flow optimization in complex manufacturing environments
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders
• Excellent communication, consulting, and strategic problem-solving skills
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally to supplier locations, up to 50%
• GM immigration sponsorship is not available now or in the future; candidates must not require GM sponsorship or specified immigration support
• Preferred: 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, automation systems, industrial engineering, supplier development, value chain engineering, supply chain, or purchasing
• Preferred: proficiency with Power BI, Excel, and data modeling
• Preferred: experience with automation maturity models, Industry 4.0, or digital manufacturing assessments
• Preferred: exposure to lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies
• Preferred: working knowledge of robotics, PLCs, MES, smart manufacturing systems, WMS, and ERP environments
• Preferred: project management experience in cross-functional or supplier-facing roles
• Preferred: purchasing or purchasing program management experience, including supplier negotiations and sourcing strategies
• Preferred: familiarity with global manufacturing practices and automation trends
• Must act consistently with GM Values, Behaviors, policies, safety expectations, and supplier-ethics requirements

Demonstrates expertise in supplier automation maturity assessments and optimization of material handling systems, with a strong focus on data-driven decision-making and strategic problem-solving. Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and effectively communicate with stakeholders to drive operational improvements.

• Supplier Automation Maturity Assessment
• Material Handling Optimization
• Data-Driven Insights
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Power BI Proficiency

• Automation Systems
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Supply Chain Management
• Value Chain Engineering
• Lean Manufacturing
• Six Sigma
• Project Management
• Robotics
• PLC Programming
• Data Modeling

• Excellent Communication
• Strategic Problem-Solving
• Relationship Management
• Influencing Stakeholders
• Consulting Skills

• Industry 4.0
• Digital Manufacturing
• Supplier Development
• Global Manufacturing Practices
• Automation Trends

• Power BI
• Excel
• MES
• WMS
• ERP Systems