SR Director of Automation & Robotics

Responsibilities

• Lead the company's automation and robotics strategy to support operational excellence and long‑term growth.
• Oversee the design, development, integration, and deployment of robotic systems, automated material‑handling solutions, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Direct multi‑disciplinary engineering teams, including robotics, controls, automation, and project management professionals.
• Manage large‑scale automation projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring seamless execution, on‑time delivery, and alignment with customer requirements.
• Standardize automation engineering processes, documentation, safety protocols, and best practices across all sites.
• Partner with operations leadership to identify automation opportunities that reduce cost, improve quality, and increase throughput.
• Serve as the technical liaison for key automotive customers-including BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, and Tier‑1/Tier‑2 suppliers-to ensure performance, compliance, and system readiness.
• Drive continuous‑improvement initiatives focused on uptime, cycle time, process capability, equipment reliability, and line readiness.
• Oversee root‑cause analysis, troubleshooting, and corrective actions for automation‑related issues across the network.
• Manage relationships with automation integrators, robotics suppliers, and OEM engineering groups.
• Support new‑business development by providing automation expertise, solution proposals, and technical presentations.
• Develop automation and robotics talent through coaching, mentoring, and structured career‑path programs.
• Ensure all automated systems meet safety, regulatory, and OEM‑specific compliance requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in automation, robotics, or advanced manufacturing-automotive experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading multi‑site automation programs and high‑performing technical teams.
• Expertise in robotics platforms (FANUC, KUKA, ABB), PLC/controls systems, automation design, and systems integration.
• Strong project‑management skills with experience delivering complex, high‑value automation initiatives.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and customer‑facing capabilities.

Additional Information

Are you looking to join a dynamic team that provides its people with the tools to be successfull and opportunities to grow? Universal Logistics is a leading provider of customized transportation and logistics solutions, offering a comprehensive suite of services including transportation, value-added, intermodal, and specialized services utilized throughout entire supply chains. Universal has immediate career opportunities in your area. Apply today to become part of the Universal team! Logistics Insight Corporation (LINC), a subsidiary of Universal Logistics Holdings, Inc., is a leading third party logistics provider (3PL) that offers a broad scope of services throughout the entire supply chain. LINC's experienced management team, with its state-of-the-art technology, provides customized logistics solutions to its customers resulting in proven efficiencies and savings.

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