Project Manager

Job Title: AGV Project Manager

Job Description

The AGV Project Manager leads the end-to-end planning, concept development, and execution of Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) and related autonomous material handling systems as part of a long-term logistics automation strategy. This role owns feasibility analysis, system strategy creation, hardware and vendor selection, integration planning, and full lifecycle project management from initial concept through installation, validation, and production handoff. The position directly supports mid-term logistics automation plans and 2030 KPI targets, with potential future expansion to affiliated sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and concept development phase for AGV and autonomous material handling implementations across the facility.
• Determine hardware requirements, system architecture, and technology standards for AGV, AIV, AMR, and related systems.
• Identify and coordinate required resources, including internal cross-functional teams, external partners, and capital needs.
• Evaluate, select, and manage vendors to ensure alignment with technical, operational, safety, and cost requirements.
• Develop integration strategies to connect AGVs and autonomous vehicles with existing manufacturing, logistics, and IT systems.
• Prioritize project phases, deployment areas, and implementation stages based on business impact, operational readiness, and risk.
• Conduct feasibility studies to assess operational fit, ROI, throughput impact, and system capabilities for proposed AGV solutions.
• Develop a comprehensive AGV strategy aligned with mid-term logistics automation goals and 2030 KPI targets.
• Collaborate with regional and global teams to ensure alignment with corporate standards, shared technologies, and best practices.
• Lead equipment specification, justification, procurement, installation, testing, and final buyoff of AGV and related systems.
• Oversee process validation activities, including capability studies and safety compliance for all AGV deployments.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience managing 2–3 Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) projects from the initial planning and concept phase through full integration and production handoff.
• Hands-on project management experience in automated material handling or logistics automation environments.
• Strong ability to evaluate and compare hardware, software, and vendor solutions for AGV, AIV, AMR, and related autonomous systems.
• Demonstrated skill in leading cross-functional teams and coordinating with global or regional stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to manage expectations, provide updates, and align diverse teams.
• Ability to manage project timelines, budgets, risks, and change in a fast-paced, highly automated manufacturing environment.
• Solid understanding of system integration between automation equipment, manufacturing operations, logistics, and IT systems.
• Knowledge of safety, validation, and compliance considerations for AGV and autonomous vehicle implementations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background with AGV manufacturers or integrators, or experience delivering AGV, AMR, or autonomous material handling projects for large-scale operations.
• Experience in high-volume, automated manufacturing or logistics environments such as distribution centers, parcel hubs, or advanced manufacturing plants.
• Familiarity with Autonomous Intelligent Vehicles (AIV), Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR), Autonomous Floor Loaders (AFL), or similar technologies.
• Experience conducting feasibility studies, ROI analysis, and capability studies for automation projects.
• Comfort working within structured corporate standards and contributing to shared technology platforms and best practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to create clear documentation and support training for production and maintenance teams.

Work Environment

This is an on-site, first-shift role at a large, highly automated automotive manufacturing facility. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Battle Creek, MI.

The pay range for this position is $43.00 - $67.31/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Battle Creek,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on May 7, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.