Central Manufacturing Engineer Automation Saginaw Operations(2026)

Position: Central Manufacturing Engineer- Automation- Saginaw Operations

At Nexteer our strength lies in the diversity of our teameach 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 weve 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 youre ready to join a dynamic team that drives change and makes a difference Nexteer welcomes you!

About the Role:

We are looking for a highly driven and innovativeCentral Manufacturing Engineer Automationto 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 disciplinesensuring 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 organizationimproving safety efficiency and scalability while enabling plants to meet evolving production demands.

Key Responsibilities

As aCentral 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 couterparts
• 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 (SolidWorks 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 off-shift or weekend support
• Experience working directly with suppliers including equipment design reviews and pre-acceptance buy-offs
• Exposure to Industry 4.0 technologies data integration and smart manufacturing initiatives
• Background in high-volume complex manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience managing capital projects and budgets
• Plant operations experience

Success Profile (What Great Looks Like)

• Acts as abridge between central engineering and plant execution ensuring solutions meet real operational needs
• Deliverspractical implementation-ready automation packages not just concepts
• Demonstratesownership and accountabilityfrom idea through launch
• Balancesinnovation with cost discipline consistently driving value
• Thrives indynamic environments adapting quickly to changing requirements

Education Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering or related field

This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization. Do not apply for this role if you will need immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship entry of Nexteer 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.)

Nexteer is an Equal Opportunity Employer Disabled/Minorities/Veterans/Women

Nexteer is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employees to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees in the United States.

Accessibility for Applicants with Disabilities:If you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability please email Please provide your contact information and details about the posted position of interest. Only inquiries regarding assistance for those who need an accommodation with the online application process due to a disability will be returned.

About Nexteer

Nexteer Automotive is a global leader in advanced steering and motion control systems enabling intuitive safe and comfortable mobility for drivers around the world. Our innovative product portfolio includes Electric Power Steering (EPS) Steer-by-Wire Driveline and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technologies that support electrification software-defined vehicles and autonomous driving.

With approximately 13000 employees and operations in more than 20 manufacturing plants and multiple technical centers globally Nexteer partners with nearly every major global and regional automotive manufacturer.

Employment Agencies

Employment agencies are an important component of our talent acquisition strategy and we value the partnerships we have built with our preferred vendors. We will not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies for any employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Nexteer Automotive or directly to hiring managers in any form without a signed Nexteer Automotive Agency Agreement on file and search engagement for that position will be deemed unsolicited in nature and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired as a result of the referral or through other means. Additionally any resume submitted without a contract in place will be considered Nexteer Automotive property and no fees will be paid to the agency if the candidate is hired.

Please note agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by a member of Nexteers Human Resources team. No other Nexteer employee is authorized to bind Nexteer to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by an agency.