Automation Engineering Manager

Position Overview:

The Automation Engineering Manage
r will lead a team of engineers responsible for executing automation projects across our network of recycling centers. The role combines technical expertise in automation and robotics with strong project management skills to drive the successful implementation of innovative solutions. The ideal candidate will proactively identify opportunities for technological advancement, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and manage a series of complex projects to improve operational efficiency, quality, and sustainability.

The Automation Engineering Manager is accountable for standardizing equipment and processes, managing vendor relationships, overseeing budgets, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. This position requires a strategic thinker who can mentor engineers, foster continuous improvement, and deliver impactful automation solutions on time and on budget.

The role is responsible for developing and executing a 3 - 5 year automation roadmap that improves the safety, throughput, quality, reliability, and cost performance across both existing (brownfield) and new (greenfield) operations.

The successful candidate will identify manufacturing constraints, analyze operational data, prioritize automation opportunities based on business impact and ROI, and lead projects from concept through commissioning and handoff to operations. This individual will leverage proven industry solutions where appropriate while collaborating with engineering, operations, and technology teams to develop innovative automation solutions where gaps exist.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Automation Strategy & Roadmap

Develop and execute a 3-5 year automation roadmap that improves safety, throughput, quality, reliability, and cost performance across both existing (brownfield) and new (greenfield) operations.

Proactively identify opportunities for technological advancement across recycling and critical mineral recovery operations.

Identify manufacturing constraints, analyze operational data, and prioritize automation opportunities based on business impact and return on investment (ROI).

Automation Project Leadership

Lead automation projects from concept development through commissioning and handoff to operations.

Deliver automation solutions that improve operational efficiency, quality, sustainability, and overall business performance.

Manage multiple complex automation projects on time and within budget.

Equipment & Process Standardization

Standardize automation platforms, controls architecture, manufacturing equipment, and best practices across multiple recycling and critical mineral recovery sites.

Lead the direction and coordination of manufacturing equipment proposals within the region.

Ensure consistent application of automation and process standards across the network.

Vendor & Capital Project Management

Evaluate, select, and manage relationships with external vendors and suppliers.

Negotiate contracts and ensure vendors meet project requirements and timelines.

Manage project scope, budgets, schedules, contractor performance, and project governance.

Compliance & Operational Support

Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Provide ongoing support for implemented automation systems.

Conduct post-implementation reviews to assess project success and identify lessons learned.

People Leadership & Capability Development

Lead and mentor a team of automation engineers.

Provide technical guidance and support to engineers.

Build organizational automation capability and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

HOW YOU WILL DO IT:

Stay updated with the latest trends in manufacturing technology, automation, and robotics.

Research, evaluate, and benchmark industry-leading technologies and automation solutions.

Leverage proven industry solutions where appropriate while developing innovative automation solutions when gaps exist.

Partner with operations, process engineering, maintenance, EHS, plant leadership, engineering, and technology teams to solve operational challenges.

Use operational data, business value, risk assessment, and expected return on…