SR Director of Automation & Robotics

Universal Logistics Holdings•Northville, MI

About The Position

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.

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.

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.