Manager - Automation Systems Engineering

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world. A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary.

• Lead the architecture, design, and deployment of automation and control systems (PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS, robotics, vision systems).
• Define automation standards, best practices, and system lifecycle strategies.
• Drive modernization initiatives, including digitalization, IIoT, and data integration.
• Ensure systems comply with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage, mentor, and develop automation/controls engineers and technicians.
• Set goals, conduct performance reviews, and support career development.
• Allocate resources effectively across projects and operational support needs.
• Foster a culture of safety, collaboration, and engineering excellence.
• Lead automation-related capital and improvement projects from concept through commissioning.
• Partner with project managers to define scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Manage system integrators, OEMs, and technology suppliers.
• Review and approve technical documentation, FAT/SAT results, and change controls.
• Provide escalation support for automation-related production issues.
• Improve system reliability, maintainability, and uptime.
• Oversee change management, backups, version control, and cybersecurity practices.
• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Maintenance, IT, Quality, and EHS teams.
• Identify opportunities to improve throughput, quality, and cost using automation.
• Apply lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies where applicable.
• Track KPIs related to system performance, downtime, and project execution.
• Stay current on emerging automation technologies and industry trends.

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of hire-fire engineering people management experience.
• 8+ years industry experience in industrial automation or control systems.
• Hands‑on experience with PLC platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens), HMI/SCADA systems, and industrial networks.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing or process environments.
• Above industry experience must be from highly regulated, high‑speed automated assembly/processing/manufacturing companies or contract manufacturing, e.g. medical devices, pharmaceutical, automotive, or food processing.
• Proven ability to manage complex technical projects and cross‑functional teams.
• MS Office, e.g. strong proficiency with Excel and PowerPoint, are musts.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, and organizational skills, all required.

• Master’s degree in engineering or engineering management.
• Experience with robotics, motion control, vision systems, or MES integration.
• Knowledge of industry standards (ISA, NFPA, IEC, ISO).
• Experience with regulated industries (e.g., pharma, food & beverage, chemicals).
• PMP, PE, or similar professional certification.

• Technical leadership and decision-making.
• Team development and coaching.
• Systems thinking and problem‑solving.
• Project and vendor management.
• Communication with technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Business acumen and continuous improvement mindset.

Flex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process.

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