Manager of Automation Engineering

Kelly Engineering is partnering with an industry-leading organization in Charles City, Iowa, to present an exceptional direct hire opportunity for a Manager of Automation Engineering. This dynamic role offers outstanding potential for professional growth, a highly competitive compensation package including relocation assistance and performance bonuses and the chance to work within a supportive, collaborative team environment.

The Manager of Automation Engineering is a first-line/hands on technical leader responsible for overseeing the automation engineering team and ensuring reliable, efficient, and compliant operation of control systems across the site.

What you will do:

+ Manages automation resources, develops team capability, and personally leads to high-impact automation projects or system upgrades.

+ Directly supervise and mentor a team of 3-8 Automation Engineers, Technicians, and/or Controls Specialists.  

+ Provide hands-on design, programming, configuration, and commissioning support for PLC, HMI, SCADA, and DCS systems

+ Lead the automation roadmap for the site including system modernization, digital transformation, and process optimization initiatives.

+ Identify opportunities for automation or advanced controls to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and enhance product quality

+ Ensure all automation work adheres to GMP, GAMP 5, OSHA, and other relevant regulatory standards.

Qualification:

+ Strong hands on expertise in control system design, PLC/HMI programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and network communications

+ Experience in a regulated manufacturing environment (pharmaceutical, biotech, or chemical) strongly preferred.

+ 2+ years in a supervisory or lead role

What happens next:

Once you apply, you'll proceed to next steps if your skills and experience look like a good fit. But don't worry - even if this position doesn't work out, you're still in the Kelly Engineering network. That means our team of expert engineering recruiters will have access to your profile, making your opportunities limitless

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account.

In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan.  ()  for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly ®  Engineering?

Your engineering skills are in demand, but how do you find the right fit? Easy. At Kelly Engineering, our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world's most critical challenges. We connect you with leading organizations where you can collaborate on innovative projects, work with cutting-edge technologies and accelerate your growth. Whether you prefer the variety and flexibility of short-term projects or are looking for a long-term opportunity, we're here to guide you to the next step in your engineering career.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we're obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it's about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It's the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It's the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce.

Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California's state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice (…