Automation Supervisor

JOB REQUIREMENT:
The Automation Supervisor is a hands‑on working supervisor responsible for leading the Automation Technician team while actively managing and executing automation projects in a plastic injection molding manufacturing environment. This role provides both technical and personnel leadership through direct involvement in automation design, programming, troubleshooting, equipment integration, and continuous improvement initiatives.

This role is accountable for supporting equipment reliability, production efficiency, project execution, employee development, and compliance with safety and quality standards while serving as an active technical contributor to daily operations and long‑term automation initiatives.

• Maintain regular and reliable on‑site attendance.
• Supervise and coordinate daily activities of Automation Technicians across all shifts.
• Lead troubleshooting, repair, and preventative support efforts for automation systems and production equipment.
• Assign work priorities, monitor workloads, and ensure timely completion of projects and automation activities.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to Automation Technicians and support skill development within the department.
• Oversee the design, implementation, installation, and troubleshooting of automation systems for injection molding manufacturing operations.
• Support production operations by minimizing downtime and ensuring rapid response to automation and equipment issues.
• Manage automation projects from concept through implementation, including scheduling, estimating, budgeting, and resource coordination.
• Design and oversee the build of EOATs, automated cells, safety enclosures, and control cabinets.
• Ensure proper integration and operation of robotics, PLCs, HMIs, vision systems, welders, pressure testers, conveyors, and part feeding systems.
• Coordinate preventative support programs for automation equipment including 3-axis robots, 6-axis robots, ultrasonic welders, thermal welders, and related systems.
• Ensure automation documentation, ERP system updates, and project records are accurate and current.
• Collaborate with Production, Tooling, Engineering, and Quality departments to improve manufacturing processes and equipment performance.
• Lead continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing initiatives focused on efficiency, safety, scrap reduction, and uptime improvement.
• Enforce all company safety policies, OSHA standards, and Lock‑Out/Tag‑Out procedures.
• Participate in hiring, training, coaching, performance management, and corrective action processes for department personnel.
• Communicate effectively with vendors, contractors, customers, and internal stakeholders regarding automation projects and technical support.
• Assist with departmental budgeting, project planning, labor tracking, and reporting.
• Work additional hours as required to meet project timelines and production demands.
• Provide fair, consistent, and professional leadership to team members, fostering a positive team environment focused on accountability, communication, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct employee coaching, training, evaluations, and development planning.
• Promote teamwork and cross‑functional collaboration throughout the organization.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for automation‑related concerns.

• Bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Associate degree in Automation, Engineering Technology, or related technical field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of automation experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably within plastic injection molding.
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Advanced certifications or specialized training in automation, robotics, PLCs, or control systems preferred.
• Experience with plastic welding, insertion processes, and robotic integration strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of injection molding machine operation, automation interfaces, and safety interlocks.
• Advanced troubleshooting skills related to PLC systems, HMIs, robotics, vision systems, part feeding systems, servo and pneumatic systems.
• Proficiency…