Senior Industrial Automation Program Manager

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.

Work Arrangement

This role is categorized as onsite. The successful candidate is expected to report to the designated location on a full-time basis. The primary work location will be Warren, MI. This role requires the flexibility to travel domestically with expected travel of 25% during normal project life cycle, but up to 75% during project launch.

The Role

We are seeking a Senior Industrial Automation Program Manager to join the Autonomous Robotics Center (ARC) team. This role focuses on the full lifecycle deployment of advanced automation technologies such as ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems), robotics, and conveyance systems. You will lead strategic projects aimed at improving operational speed, accuracy, and cost efficiency across GM’s manufacturing and warehousing environments. The position requires strong technical execution, cross-functional collaboration, and program management capabilities from concept through launch.

What You’ll Do

Lead full project management for deployment of ASRS, robotics, and integrated automation systems.

Own financial tracking including purchase orders (POs), invoicing, and budget management.

Develop Statements of Work (SOWs) and Requests for Quotation (RFQs); engage vendors for creative problem-solving.

Integrate automation systems with WMS, IT, and business teams to ensure successful program launches.

Facilitate workshops and provide regular updates to senior leadership.

Develop training programs, manuals, and standardized work instructions for new processes.

Redesign work areas and layouts to improve ergonomics, reduce repetitive motion, and enhance operational efficiency.

Identify deviations from manufacturing standards and recommend corrective actions.

Support installation and commissioning activities at deployment sites

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

Demonstrated ability to lead end-to-end automation project deployments, including planning, execution, stakeholder coordination, and post-implementation optimization across industrial, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, or logistics environments.

Experience deploying and integrating automation technologies such as ASRS, robotics, conveyance systems, AMRs, AGVs, or similar material handling solutions.

Experience developing Statements of Work (SOWs), Requests for Quotation (RFQs), and managing vendor and system integrator relationships.

Strong understanding of manufacturing and warehouse systems integration, including interactions with WMS, IT, controls, and operational teams.

Ability to design, evaluate, and optimize workstations, facility layouts, and material flow processes using industry-standard engineering tools.

Experience managing project budgets, cost tracking, financial reporting, and capital expenditure activities.

Willingness and ability to travel domestically during project deployment, installation, and launch activities.

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

5+ years of experience leading automation, robotics, material handling, or industrial systems deployments from concept through launch.

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

Familiarity with safety standards, risk assessments, and ergonomic evaluation tools within industrial environments.

Background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, or operational excellence methodologies.

Experience with PLC programming, industrial networking, automation controls, or controls system integration.

Proficiency with simulation, layout, and process optimization tools such as AutoCAD, Siemens Tecnomatix, Plant Simulation, or similar platforms.

Experience launching automation solutions within unionized manufacturing, warehousing, or distribution environments.

Experience leading large-scale capital automation projects involving cross-functional stakeholders, external suppliers, and executive leadership.

#LI-MH1

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 hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.

The selected candidate will be required to travel at least 50% or more on a frequent basis.

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

This position requires the ability to legally operate a motor vehicle on a regular basis. A company vehicle will be provided for this role with successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Report review.

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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All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

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