Automation Engineering Leader

BASIC REQUIREMENTSBachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institutionA minimum of 5 years of experience in EngineeringA minimum of 1 year of people leadership experienceEmployees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering from an accredited institution5+ years of experience working in an engineering or manufacturing environmentMinimum of 3 years robotics experience or 5 years casting experienceExperience in 6 axis articulating arm roboticsExperience trouble-shooting mechanical systems including pneumatics, tooling issues, measurement feedback systems, and basic design robustnessBasic understanding of controls and servo systemsBasic understanding of tooling and fixture designExperience in reading mechanical prints and electrical printsStrong verbal and written communication skillsAbility to troubleshoot equipmentStrong mechanical and/or electrical aptitudeOur state-of-the-art investment casting facility in Whitehall, Michigan is seeking an Automation Leader to join our team. Our facility supplies jet turbine blades to some of the most trusted names in the Aerospace industry. This position will be instrumental in identifying new manufacturing technology and sustaining current technology used in our operations. The automation Leader is a recognized expert in robotics and automation, responsible for coordinating the end-to-end build, integration and commissioning of automation solutions within Howmet.Job RolesCustomer liaison--understands and communicates customer specifications; possesses both technical expertise and communication ability to ensure alignment and understanding with customer; serves as first point of contact for technical requirements internally and externallyCreative facilitator--solves problems creatively and creates environment in which others can exercise creative solutions; fosters continuous improvement; pushes boundaries of technology, processes and techniquesBoundary spanner--takes initiative across disciplines, operations and the campus; makes sacrifices so that other areas can be successful; practices holistic thinking and acts intentionally to collaborate; eliminates barriers and silosDeveloper--mentors and coaches both senior and junior level associates; prepares others for success; stimulates learning and contribution from teams; educates others on technical requirementsCommunication--able to have difficult conversations diplomatically; helps others understand expectations, capabilities and limitations; able to make the complex simple; provides detail where necessaryInfluence--creates an engaging environment; advocates for the business; maintains approachability; deals with conflict effectivelyBusiness minded--focused on things that drive quantifiable business outcomes; ensures quality; manages customer demand and sets boundaries where necessaryAdaptable--copes well with change; addresses distractions and issues quickly; handles the unexpected without losing sight of important objectivesJob ResponsibilitiesLead Automation initiatives to achieve product yield improvements, variation reduction, and achieve cost reduction goals related to the manufacture of castings, supporting all shiftsDevelopment and implementation of new advanced manufacturing equipment and automationResponsible for automating manual processes, working with operators, vendors, and design teamsPrioritize, guide, and facilitate the activities of the Automation Engineering function to meet organizational goals, initiatives and requirementsOversee the development of standard policies, procedures and practices to ensure customer requirements are embodied in the Automation systemIdentify redesign / replacement of failing robotic components to increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)Support justification of capital funding requisitionsResponsible for project management and performance metricsProvide leadership, support and development of automation engineers and techniciansSupport engineering and manufacturing teams to improve existing processesResponsible for Software Control on all robot programmingSPA for developing technician troubleshoot guidesDrives all aspects of automation deployment – including installation, testing, validation and transition to production – ensuring compliance with safety and cyber standardsTrack project performance against agreed KPI’s, milestones and budgets, reporting regularly to the department manager or plant managerDrive continuous improvement by ensuring post projects reviews and sharing best practices for automation deploymentFull timePosting Date: 2026-08-12