Site Manager Construction & Commissioning Lead - Body-in-White Automation

SWJ Technology specializes in providing engineering planning and project management services across various industries. We are currently seeking a Site Manager / Construction & Commissioning Lead a client in the automotive industry specializing in car manufacturing. This role is a project-based contractor position based in Fremont CA that requires 100% onsite presence. If youre eager to grow your career and make a meaningful impact on exciting projects we look forward to your application.

PURPOSE:
We are seeking an experienced Site Manager / Construction & Commissioning Lead to oversee the installation integration and commissioning of automated Body-in-White (BIW) production equipment within an automotive manufacturing facility. The role is responsible for coordinating mechanical and electrical installation activities managing multidisciplinary teams and ensuring that all project milestones are achieved safely on schedule and in accordance with technical and quality requirements.

The project involves upgrading and expanding existing body shop production systems relocating equipment and integrating new automation units across left-hand-drive (LHD) right-hand-drive (RHD) and rework (RUB) production lines. The primary objective is to complete commissioning validation and production ramp-up by January 5 2027.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and coordinate all mechanical and electrical installation construction and commissioning activities for automated Body-in-White production systems.
• Manage multidisciplinary teams including mechanical installation electrical installation robotics PLC programming and commissioning personnel.
• Develop monitor and control project schedules ensuring adherence to key milestones and the critical project path.
• Coordinate the installation and integration of 18 industrial robots including 8 LHD 8 RHD and 2 RUB applications.
• Oversee the installation of robot pedestals turntables geometric (GEO) and rework welding fixtures gripper systems safety fencing cable trays and utility connections.
• Coordinate the integration of resistance spot-welding equipment adhesive application systems material-handling equipment and automated fastening systems.
• Manage interfaces between engineering construction commissioning and production teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Coordinate PLC and robot programming activities industrial communication interfaces and equipment commissioning.
• Oversee robot calibration KUKA mastering using EMD equipment welding gun calibration and SafeMove safety configuration.
• Ensure compliance with applicable EHS requirements site safety procedures and construction safety standards.
• Organize and support technical inspections equipment acceptance functional testing and validation activities throughout the commissioning process.
• Monitor equipment readiness resolve installation and commissioning issues and drive corrective actions to minimize delays.
• Support production trials quality verification cycle-time optimization and production ramp-up activities.
• Conduct daily project coordination meetings and provide regular progress reports including schedule status risks open issues and mitigation measures.
• Ensure timely project handover and operational readiness by the required production launch date.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Mechatronics Automation Engineering or a related technical field; equivalent practical experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 58 years of experience in automotive manufacturing industrial automation body shop construction installation or commissioning.
• Demonstrated experience as a Site Manager Construction Manager Commissioning Lead or similar technical project leadership role.
• Proven experience managing the installation and commissioning of automated production equipment in an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Valid authorization to work in the United States.
• Valid OSHA 30-Hour certification.

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REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Strong knowledge of mechanical and electrical installation processes for automated manufacturing systems.
• Hands-on experience with industrial robotics particularly KUKA robot systems.
• Understanding of PLC-controlled automation systems robot programming interfaces and industrial communication networks including PROFINET and Industrial Ethernet.
• Experience coordinating robot integration calibration tooling installation and commissioning activities.
• Ability to manage project schedules critical-path activities resources and technical dependencies under tight deadlines.
• Strong leadership and coordination skills across mechanical electrical controls robotics and commissioning teams.
• Solid understanding of industrial safety requirements EHS procedures and safe commissioning practices.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues coordinate corrective actions and drive timely resolution of project risks.
• Excellent communication reporting and stakeholder coordination skills.
• Very good English communication skills both written and verbal.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced high-pressure automotive production environment and meet demanding project deadlines.

PREFERRED SKILLS:

• Previous experience with automotive Body-in-White (BIW) production lines and body shop automation projects.
• Experience with KUKA robot mastering using EMD equipment and SafeMove safety configuration.
• Knowledge of resistance spot welding welding gun calibration adhesive application systems and automated fastening technologies.
• Experience with GEO fixtures rework welding fixtures turntables grippers and automated material-handling systems.
• Familiarity with OEM equipment acceptance procedures technical status reviews and commissioning sign-off processes.
• Experience supporting production trials quality validation cycle-time optimization and Start of Production (SOP) activities.
• Previous experience coordinating international installation and commissioning teams.
• Experience managing brownfield upgrades equipment relocation and integration activities within active or existing manufacturing facilities.
• Familiarity with structured commissioning and acceptance stages including equipment installation verification functional testing safety validation and production readiness.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to coordinate multiple technical workstreams simultaneously.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work is normally performed in an office laboratory manufacturing floor or machine shop setting where physical work includes but is not limited to sitting standing reaching kneeling bending and lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to understand and comply with all relevant safety practices .

FLSA STATUS/WORKING SCHEDULE:

• Location:Fremont California
• Schedule:Full time weekend as required
• Overtime:as required
• Project Duration: October 2026 January2027.

DISCLAIMER:
This job description is a high-level overview of general expectations of this position. It is not intended to list every responsibility of the position nor does it represent an employment contract of any kind.

SWJ TECHNOLOGY and all of its subsidiaries (i.e. SWJ MACHINING and ProjectOne US) are Equal Opportunity Employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin sexual orientation gender disability status protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Required Experience:

Manager