Lead Automation Engineer
First seen by Alion on Oct 20, 2026. General Motors scores B on the Alion truth index.
Job Description
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., H-1B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)
Relocation benefits are available for candidates who qualify under company policy.
Onsite: This role is categorized as onsite. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Flint Assembly on a full-time basis.
The Role:
The Lead Engineer for the Flint Truck Assembly Paint Shop, oversees all process engineering functions and provides direct leadership to a team of Process Engineers supporting a full three-shift manufacturing operation. The role spans technical ownership, people development, quality performance, and continuous improvement across every major paint process area, including Pre-Treat, E-Coat, Sealer Automation, Prime, and Topcoat.
What You'll Do (Responsibilities):
- Team Leadership & Operations Management.
- Coach and develop Process Engineers and paint tech employees across all shifts.
- Ensure consistent floor coverage, operational continuity, and alignment with production targets.
- Lead daily troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions for paint related defects.
- Process Engineering Ownership.
- Serve as the technical authority for all Paint Shop processes, equipment, and standards.
- Drive optimization of the Throughput Improvement Process (TIP) to support production efficiency and quality.
- Coordinate preventative maintenance activities with cross functional teams to maximize equipment uptime.
- Quality, Compliance & Audit Readiness.
- Manage ISO 9001 documentation, process controls, and audit preparedness.
- Oversee paint gauge calibration tracking and compliance.
- Lead the Process Engineering Business Plan Deployment (BPD), which played a key role in achieving BIQ Level 4 performance.
- Launch & Program Execution.
- Own all new color launches and paint related program activities, ensuring flawless integration into production.
- Manage special trials, pilot builds, and experimental process changes from planning through execution.
- Continuous Improvement & OPEX Leadership.
- Act as the Paint Shop subject matter expert for OPEX initiatives, cost reduction projects, and productivity improvements.
- Identify and implement process enhancements that improve quality, reduce waste, and support long term operational stability.
Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications):
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical or Computer Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience
- 5+ years of experience with industrial automation or controls systems
What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):
- Proficiency in industrial networking protocols - Profibus, ProfiNet, TCP/IP and EtherNetIP.
- HMI - Siemens TIA Portal and Rockwell FactoryTalk View.
- PLC - Rockwell ControlLogix and/or Siemens 300 families.
- Robotic experience - Fanuc.
- This position may require overtime and off-shift production support.
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