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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! 

The Warehouse Robotics Engineer will be domiciled in Warren, MI and develop, deploy, and scale advanced robotic material handling and storage systems across Universal Logistics operations and customer facilities. This role is focused on Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), AGVs, autonomous forklifts, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), robotic pallet handling, and related warehouse automation technologies that improve safety, material flow, productivity, and inventory performance.

You will combine hands-on engineering with project ownership, working directly with customers, operations teams, technology suppliers, and system integrators to take automation projects from concept and technical definition through design, installation, commissioning, production ramp-up, and handoff to operations.

Responsibilities:

• Develop warehouse automation concepts using AMRs, AGVs, autonomous forklifts, ASRS, robotic handling, and related technologies; perform material-flow, fleet-sizing, capacity, cycle-time, layout, interface, and feasibility studies.

• Define technical requirements, layouts, RFQs/SOWs, interfaces, and acceptance criteria for systems including charging, traffic management, racking, transfer stations, conveyance, safety systems, controls, and software.

• Manage technology suppliers and system integrators from design and configuration through FAT, site readiness, installation, SAT, commissioning, and production ramp-up; track timing, cost, technical deliverables, risks, and open issues.

• Partner with customers and cross-functional teams (Operations, Engineering, IT, Controls, Safety, Quality, Maintenance, and Facilities) to integrate warehouse robotics with WMS/WES/MES, fleet management, PLC controls, industrial networks, and IT/OT infrastructure.

• Troubleshoot and optimize system performance including throughput, availability, mission completion, congestion, queueing, charging, fault recovery, ASRS rates, and inventory accuracy; use data and structured root-cause analysis to drive issues to closure.

• Lead design reviews, risk assessments, readiness evaluations, acceptance testing, training, and operational handoff; capture lessons learned and develop standards and repeatable solutions for future deployments.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, mechatronics, robotics, computer science, or a related technical field.

• 2+ years of experience in warehouse automation, material handling, robotics, controls, manufacturing engineering, or systems integration in a manufacturing, warehousing, or logistics environment.

• Working knowledge of AMR/AGV systems, autonomous forklifts, ASRS, material-flow systems, PLC/controls, industrial networking, and IT/OT interfaces.

• Ability to interpret layouts and technical specifications, perform throughput and capacity analysis, troubleshoot integrated systems, and manage technical project issues with suppliers and cross-functional teams.

• Strong communication skills and ability and willingness to travel to Universal and customer facilities to support project development, installation, commissioning, and production launch activities.

Preferred Requirements:

• Strong self-starter with the ability to own projects, work directly with customers and suppliers, coordinate cross-functional teams, and drive issues to closure.

• Hands-on experience deploying AMRs, AGVs, autonomous forklifts, pallet or tote ASRS, shuttle systems, stacker cranes, or other automated material-handling technologies.

• Experience integrating automation with WMS, WES, MES, fleet management, PLC controls, and industrial communication technologies such as Ethernet/IP, OPC UA, MQTT, or similar interfaces.

• Understanding of applicable mobile robot, AGV, material-handling, machinery, and functional safety requirements, including risk assessment and safe system integration principles.

• Experience with AutoCAD or similar layout tools, simulation, digital twin, fleet-sizing tools, virtual commissioning, data analysis, or system-level performance optimization.

• Familiarity with Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies and experience in automotive manufacturing, automotive logistics, warehousing, or third-party logistics operations.