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Lincode seeks an experienced Automation Project Engineer to lead industrial automation programs for automotive manufacturing customers in Detroit, Michigan. This role manages the full lifecycle of automation projects—from initial requirements gathering and concept development through installation, commissioning, acceptance, and production handover.
You will translate customer manufacturing requirements into detailed technical specifications, project schedules, and acceptance criteria. Key responsibilities include managing automation projects involving industrial robots (FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa), Special Purpose Machines, machine vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, Basler), material handling, PLCs, HMIs, and Manufacturing Execution System integration. You'll coordinate cross-functional teams including mechanical, electrical, controls, robotics, vision, software, and manufacturing engineers.
You will review and approve automation concepts, electrical designs, controls architecture, robot simulations, and equipment specifications. You'll support robot and vision platform selection and integration, develop project schedules and budgets, conduct design and safety reviews, and oversee Factory Acceptance Tests and Site Acceptance Tests. During launch, you'll monitor equipment performance, cycle time, throughput, quality, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness, leading root-cause analysis and corrective actions as needed.
Relationship management is critical: you'll coordinate with equipment builders, system integrators, component suppliers, contractors, and automotive customer teams. You'll maintain comprehensive project documentation and provide regular program updates on progress, risks, budget, and timeline. The role includes up to 30–40% travel to customer and supplier locations.
Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Automation Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related discipline. Five or more years delivering industrial automation projects in automotive manufacturing. Demonstrated experience with industrial robots, Special Purpose Machines, machine vision systems, and PLC-based automation. Working knowledge of PLC/HMI platforms (Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Beckhoff, Mitsubishi), industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, OPC UA, Modbus TCP), and machine vision applications. Strong project management, supplier management, problem-solving, and technical communication skills. Ability to read mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and controls documentation. Willingness to travel and legal authorization to work in the United States required.
Preferred qualifications include direct experience with automotive OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers, robot programming/simulation tools, AI-based vision systems, MES/SCADA knowledge, digital twins, automotive standards (PFMEA, APQP, PPAP), machine safety standards (ANSI/RIA R15.06, ISO 10218, ISO 13849), and Project Management Professional certification.
