Senior Execution Engineer – Material Flow & Robotics Deployment

Description

At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We’re turning today’s impossible into tomorrow’s standard —from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.  

Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

The Role

We are seeking a Senior Execution Engineer – Material Flow & Robotics Deployment to join the Autonomous Robotics Center (ARC) within the Manufacturing Systems Design and Deployment organization. In this role, you will lead the execution of advanced automation solutions that improve material flow, reduce waste, and increase operational efficiency across manufacturing environments.

You will work across engineering, operations, plant teams, and strategic suppliers to identify, develop, and deploy innovative automation technologies, including AMRs, AFTs, ASRS, and advanced kitting and sequencing systems. This role requires strong technical leadership, project execution, and cross-functional collaboration from concept through launch.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the deployment of automation technologies, including AMRs, AFTs, ASRS, and kitting/sequencing systems, across manufacturing operations

• Identify and evaluate automation opportunities in partnership with ARC Solutions Teams to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and strengthen material flow performance

• Conduct labor studies using GMOS and partner with Assembly Plant Industrial Engineers to analyze indirect material movement and quantify automation impact

• Define unit counts, routes, and commodity flow requirements based on operational and plant needs

• Support layout reviews and process optimization through simulation, modeling, and data analysis

• Collaborate with ARC Simulation and Solutions Teams from project purchase order through execution and launch

• Design future-state material flow strategies and automation roadmaps aligned to plant and business objectives

• Develop executable automation strategies with clear timing, cost, and implementation plans

• Partner with Material Execution Leads, Manufacturing Innovation Teams, and Engineering Center Leads to drive continuous improvement initiatives

• Work directly with strategic suppliers and plant partners to develop, implement, and scale automation solutions

• Resolve deployment challenges related to containerization, logistics, and GPSC coordination to ensure successful execution

• Perform feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses, and ROI assessments for proposed automation projects

• Collaborate with Product Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, IT, and other internal stakeholders to ensure seamless system integration

• Develop and manage PMP plans, PCP assignments, JES/TIS revisions, and ULOC/DLOC and CMA documentation

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

• 5+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing, automation deployment, material flow engineering, or a related field

• Hands-on experience deploying and integrating automation technologies such as:

  • Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) with fleet management systems

  • Automated Fork Trucks (AFTs) with safety-rated navigation and control systems

  • Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) with warehouse control software

• Experience using labor analysis tools to conduct indirect labor studies and quantify the impact of automation on material movement within a plant

• Experience with layout optimization and simulation tools such as AutoCAD, Siemens Tecnomatix, or FlexSim to evaluate and improve material flow paths

• Working knowledge of PLC programming, robotic cell integration, and industrial communication protocols such as OPC UA, Modbus, and Ethernet/IP

• Ability to develop and manage PMP plans, PCP assignments, and operational documentation, including JES/TIS revisions, ULOC/DLOC, and CMA coordination

• Strong analytical skills with experience conducting feasibility studies, cost-benefit analyses, and ROI modeling for automation projects

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and resolve deployment issues involving material flow, containerization, and logistics

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience with digital twin modeling, simulation environments, or virtual commissioning of automation systems

• Familiarity with Factory of the Future concepts, including AI-driven material flow, predictive analytics, and smart warehousing

• Experience supporting launch planning in unionized manufacturing environments, including safety integration and ergonomic assessments

• Knowledge of robotic safety standards and protocols such as ANSI/RIA R15.06 and ISO 10218 for collaborative and autonomous systems

• Experience partnering with external automation vendors and system integrators to co-develop custom material handling solutions

• Proficiency with data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau to track KPIs and communicate automation performance

• Demonstrated success operating in fast-paced, high-variability manufacturing environments and driving innovation through ambiguity

#LI-MH1

#GMrobotics-S

GM does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need GM immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)

This role is categorized as onsite. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location on a full-time basis.

The selected candidate will be required to travel on a regular basis (25-50%) for this role.

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us 

We believe we all must make a choice every day – individually and collectively – to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

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