Automation Engineering Leader

Our 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 Roles 

• Customer 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 externally
• Creative facilitator--solves problems creatively and creates environment in which others can exercise creative solutions; fosters continuous improvement; pushes boundaries of technology, processes and techniques
• Boundary 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 silos
• Developer--mentors and coaches both senior and junior level associates; prepares others for success; stimulates learning and contribution from teams; educates others on technical requirements
• Communication--able to have difficult conversations diplomatically; helps others understand expectations, capabilities and limitations; able to make the complex simple; provides detail where necessary
• Influence--creates an engaging environment; advocates for the business; maintains approachability; deals with conflict effectively
• Business minded--focused on things that drive quantifiable business outcomes; ensures quality; manages customer demand and sets boundaries where necessary
• Adaptable--copes well with change; addresses distractions and issues quickly; handles the unexpected without losing sight of important objectives

Job Responsibilities

• Lead Automation initiatives to achieve product yield improvements, variation reduction, and achieve cost reduction goals related to the manufacture of castings, supporting all shifts
• Development and implementation of new advanced manufacturing equipment and automation
• Responsible for automating manual processes, working with operators, vendors, and design teams
• Prioritize, guide, and facilitate the activities of the Automation Engineering function to meet organizational goals, initiatives and requirements
• Oversee the development of standard policies, procedures and practices to ensure customer requirements are embodied in the Automation system
• Identify redesign / replacement of failing robotic components to increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Support justification of capital funding requisitions
• Responsible for project management and performance metrics
• Provide leadership, support and development of automation engineers and technicians
• Support engineering and manufacturing teams to improve existing processes
• Responsible for Software Control on all robot programming
• SPA for developing technician troubleshoot guides
• Drives all aspects of automation deployment – including installation, testing, validation and transition to production – ensuring compliance with safety and cyber standards
• Track project performance against agreed KPI’s, milestones and budgets, reporting regularly to the department manager or plant manager
• Drive continuous improvement by ensuring post projects reviews and sharing best practices for automation deployment

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in Engineering
• A minimum of 1 year of people leadership experience
• Employees 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 QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering from an accredited institution
• 5+ years of experience working in an engineering or manufacturing environment
• Minimum of 3 years robotics experience or 5 years casting experience
• Experience in 6 axis articulating arm robotics
• Experience trouble-shooting mechanical systems including pneumatics, tooling issues, measurement feedback systems, and basic design robustness
• Basic understanding of controls and servo systems
• Basic understanding of tooling and fixture design
• Experience in reading mechanical prints and electrical prints
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment
• Strong mechanical and/or electrical aptitude