Automation Engineer

Job Summary

Act as a staff specialist with technical expertise in electrical, mechanical, and structural engineering. Develop and evaluate plans and criteria for a variety of projects and activities that are to be carried out by others. Assess the feasibility and soundness of proposed engineering evaluation tests, products, or equipment when necessary data are insufficient or when confirmation by testing is advisable. Participate in establishing design plans, prepare engineering development proposals and feasibility studies, and contribute to the setting of technical objectives.

Contribute significantly to the solution of applied problems. Coordinate efforts at all levels with other units of the company, including engineering, manufacturing, marketing, etc. May develop new or modified components, products, manufacturing processes, materials, and equipment.

Position Title:

Automation Manager

Department:
Engineering / Maintenance

Reports To:

Plant Manager or Engineering Director

Location:

Manufacturing Plant

Position Summary:

The Automation Manager is responsible for leading and managing all automation, controls, and industrial technology systems within the manufacturing facility. This position oversees the design, implementation, maintenance, optimization, and continuous improvement of automated production equipment and control systems to maximize safety, quality, reliability, and operational efficiency. The Automation Manager works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and EHS teams to support plant performance objectives and capital improvement projects.

• Develop and execute the plant automation strategy aligned with business and operational goals.
• Lead automation projects from concept through implementation and startup.
• Manage automation technicians, controls engineers, and external contractors.
• Establish standards for control systems, programming, instrumentation, and industrial networking.
• Drive digital transformation and Industry 4.0 initiatives throughout the facility.

• Oversee PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS, and MES systems across manufacturing operations.
• Ensure reliability and performance of production control systems.
• Review and approve PLC, HMI, and SCADA programming modifications.
• Develop backup, cybersecurity, and disaster recovery strategies for automation systems.
• Manage system upgrades, migrations, and lifecycle replacement planning.

• Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex automation and controls issues.
• Analyze equipment downtime and identify automation‑related improvement opportunities.
• Implement predictive and preventive maintenance strategies for control systems.
• Support Lean Manufacturing, TPM, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop performance metrics and dashboards to monitor automation effectiveness.

• Lead automation aspects of capital investment projects.
• Collaborate with equipment suppliers, contractors, and engineering firms.
• Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, and technical specifications.
• Manage commissioning, validation, and startup activities for new equipment.
• Ensure automation projects meet safety, quality, and production requirements.

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA, electrical codes, and company safety standards.
• Promote Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and machine safety programs.
• Support Process Safety Management (PSM) requirements where applicable.
• Participate in risk assessments and machine safety evaluations.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, ISO, FDA, or other applicable standards.

• Develop and manage the automation department budget.
• Control maintenance and project expenditures related to controls and automation.
• Manage inventory of critical automation spare parts.
• Evaluate and select automation technologies, vendors, and service providers.
• Support workforce planning and skills development initiatives.

• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop automation and controls personnel.
• Conduct performance evaluations and career development…