Principal AME Equipment Engineer, GA

Job Description

Job Description

***This position will be onsite in Garden Grove, CA***

Job Title: Principal AME Equipment Engineer

Job Description

The Principal AME Equipment Engineer leads the strategy, design, and implementation of advanced equipment and processes for vehicle General Assembly in a high-volume manufacturing environment. This role owns the full equipment lifecycle, from concept and vendor selection through installation, commissioning, ramp-up, and continuous improvement. The engineer serves as the technical authority for automation, robotics, machine vision, and controls systems, ensuring that new and existing General Assembly lines achieve exceptional safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement the long-term process and equipment strategy for vehicle General Assembly lines, including conveyance systems, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robotic fastening, fluid fill, and specialized torque control tooling.
• Lead the complete lifecycle of General Assembly equipment, from initial concept and specification through vendor selection, design review, fabrication, installation, commissioning, ramp-up, and ongoing optimization.
• Plan and lead the process flow, layout, and installation of new General Assembly lines within existing and new facilities, ensuring optimal space utilization, appropriate utility provisioning, and seamless integration of equipment.
• Act as the technical expert for all General Assembly equipment, applying deep knowledge of automation, robotics, machine vision, and controls systems to solve complex technical and operational challenges.
• Partner with equipment suppliers, lead technical discussions, negotiate specifications, and ensure on-time delivery, installation, and performance of equipment to meet production requirements.
• Lead Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) activities with vehicle design and product engineering teams to optimize vehicle designs for manufacturability and automated assembly, reducing complexity and improving quality.
• Drive continuous improvement in equipment performance, uptime, yield, and cycle time through data analysis, structured root cause analysis, and the implementation of robust corrective and preventive actions.
• Collaborate closely with Vehicle Design, Quality, Operations, and Facilities teams to ensure successful project execution and smooth integration of new equipment and processes into production.
• Champion improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost across General Assembly operations by leveraging advanced manufacturing engineering best practices.
• Support global operations by traveling domestically and internationally, as needed, to oversee equipment projects, vendor activities, and line launches.

Essential Skills

• At least 15+ years of experience in advanced manufacturing engineering, with a minimum of 8+ years focused specifically on General Assembly equipment in the automotive EV sector or a related high-volume manufacturing industry.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• Deep expertise in General Assembly processes and equipment, including robotic applications, conveyance systems, nut running, fluid fill, and torque control tooling, with a demonstrated history of bringing complex manufacturing equipment from concept to high-volume production.
• Strong understanding of automation principles, robotics, machine vision systems (such as Cognex and Keyence), and industrial control systems (such as Allen-Bradley and Siemens).
• Proficiency in CAD software, including tools such as SolidWorks, CATIA, and AutoCAD, to review and influence equipment designs and production layouts.
• Proven project management experience with a track record of successfully leading large-scale equipment projects in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Ability to perform structured root cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions for equipment-related issues.
• Experience in industrial engineering within the automotive or similar high-volume manufacturing industry.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, up to approximately 25% of the time.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in a startup or rapidly scaling manufacturing environment.
• Practice and application of Lean Manufacturing principles to improve flow, reduce waste, and enhance overall equipment effectiveness.
• Familiarity with Six Sigma methodologies for process improvement and variation reduction.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar project management certification.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and align diverse teams around equipment and process strategies.

Work Environment

This role operates within a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment focused on vehicle General Assembly. The Principal AME Equipment Engineer works closely with cross-functional teams in both office and production floor settings, frequently interacting with automation, robotics, machine vision, and industrial control systems. The position involves hands-on engagement with equipment during design reviews, installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities. CAD tools such as SolidWorks, CATIA, and AutoCAD are used regularly for reviewing and optimizing equipment layouts and designs. The role may require visits to supplier facilities and other manufacturing sites, with domestic and international travel up to approximately 25% of the time to support equipment projects and line launches.

This is a Permanent position based out of Dearborn, MI.

The pay range for this position is $170000.00 - $190000.00/yr.

Comprehensive Health, Dental & Vision (HDV) – 100% employee covered Early-stage Stock Options Robust Retirement Savings (401k, HSA, FSA) Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) & Parental Leave Annual Vacation Bonus Wellness & Fertility Benefits Cell Phone Stipend Complimentary Meals & Stocked Kitchens

This is a fully onsite position in Dearborn,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 16, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.