Site Manager / Construction & Commissioning Lead – Body-in-White Automation

SWJ Technology specializes in providing engineering, planning, and project management services across various industries. We are currently seeking a Site Manager / Construction & Commissioning Lead a client in the automotive industry, specializing in car manufacturing. This role is a project-based contractor position based in Fremont, CA that requires 100% onsite presence. If you’re eager to grow your career and make a meaningful impact on exciting projects, we look forward to your application. PURPOSE: We are seeking an experienced Site Manager / Construction & Commissioning Lead to oversee the installation, integration, and commissioning of automated Body-in-White (BIW) production equipment within an automotive manufacturing facility. The role is responsible for coordinating mechanical and electrical installation activities, managing multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring that all project milestones are achieved safely, on schedule, and in accordance with technical and quality requirements. The project involves upgrading and expanding existing body shop production systems, relocating equipment, and integrating new automation units across left-hand-drive (LHD), right-hand-drive (RHD), and rework (RUB) production lines. The primary objective is to complete commissioning, validation, and production ramp-up by January 5, 2027. RESPONSIBILITIES: Lead and coordinate all mechanical and electrical installation, construction, and commissioning activities for automated Body-in-White production systemsManage multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical installation, electrical installation, robotics, PLC programming, and commissioning personnelDevelop, monitor, and control project schedules, ensuring adherence to key milestones and the critical project pathCoordinate the installation and integration of 18 industrial robots, including 8 LHD, 8 RHD, and 2 RUB applicationsOversee the installation of robot pedestals, turntables, geometric (GEO) and rework welding fixtures, gripper systems, safety fencing, cable trays, and utility connectionsCoordinate the integration of resistance spot-welding equipment, adhesive application systems, material-handling equipment, and automated fastening systemsManage interfaces between engineering, construction, commissioning, and production teams to ensure seamless project executionCoordinate PLC and robot programming activities, industrial communication interfaces, and equipment commissioningOversee robot calibration, KUKA mastering using EMD equipment, welding gun calibration, and SafeMove safety configurationEnsure compliance with applicable EHS requirements, site safety procedures, and construction safety standardsOrganize and support technical inspections, equipment acceptance, functional testing, and validation activities throughout the commissioning processMonitor equipment readiness, resolve installation and commissioning issues, and drive corrective actions to minimize delaysSupport production trials, quality verification, cycle-time optimization, and production ramp-up activitiesConduct daily project coordination meetings and provide regular progress reports, including schedule status, risks, open issues, and mitigation measuresEnsure timely project handover and operational readiness by the required production launch date QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent practical experience may be consideredMinimum of 5–8 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, industrial automation, body shop construction, installation, or commissioningDemonstrated experience as a Site Manager, Construction Manager, Commissioning Lead, or similar technical project leadership roleProven experience managing the installation and commissioning of automated production equipment in an automotive manufacturing environmentValid authorization to work in the United StatesValid OSHA 30-Hour certification . REQUIRED SKILLS: Strong knowledge of mechanical and electrical installation processes for automated manufacturing systemsHands-on experience with industrial robotics, particularly KUKA robot systemsUnderstanding of PLC-controlled automation systems, robot programming interfaces, and industrial communication networks, including PROFINET and Industrial EthernetExperience coordinating robot integration, calibration, tooling installation, and commissioning activitiesAbility to manage project schedules, critical-path activities, resources, and technical dependencies under tight deadlinesStrong leadership and coordination skills across mechanical, electrical, controls, robotics, and commissioning teamsSolid understanding of industrial safety requirements, EHS procedures, and safe commissioning practicesAbility to troubleshoot technical issues, coordinate corrective actions, and drive timely resolution of project risksExcellent communication, reporting, and stakeholder coordination skillsVery good English communication skills, both written and verbalAbility to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure automotive production environment and meet demanding project deadlines PREFERRED SKILLS: Previous experience with automotive Body-in-White (BIW) production lines and body shop automation projectsExperience with KUKA robot mastering using EMD equipment and SafeMove safety configurationKnowledge of resistance spot welding, welding gun calibration, adhesive application systems, and automated fastening technologiesExperience with GEO fixtures, rework welding fixtures, turntables, grippers, and automated material-handling systemsFamiliarity with OEM equipment acceptance procedures, technical status reviews, and commissioning sign-off processesExperience supporting production trials, quality validation, cycle-time optimization, and Start of Production (SOP) activitiesPrevious experience coordinating international installation and commissioning teamsExperience managing brownfield upgrades, equipment relocation, and integration activities within active or existing manufacturing facilitiesFamiliarity with structured commissioning and acceptance stages, including equipment installation verification, functional testing, safety validation, and production readinessStrong problem-solving skills and the ability to coordinate multiple technical workstreams simultaneously PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is normally performed in an office, laboratory, manufacturing floor, or machine shop setting where physical work includes, but is not limited to sitting, standing, reaching, kneeling, bending, and lifting up to 25 lbsMust be able to understand and comply with all relevant safety practices FLSA STATUS/WORKING SCHEDULE: Location: Fremont, California, Schedule: Full time, weekend as requiredOvertime: as requiredProject Duration: October 2026 – January,2027. DISCLAIMER: This job description is a high-level overview of general expectations of this position. It is not intended to list every responsibility of the position, nor does it represent an employment contract of any kind. SWJ TECHNOLOGY and all of its subsidiaries (i.e., SWJ MACHINING and ProjectOne US) are Equal Opportunity Employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Powered by JazzHR AqnyU6AWgb