Automation Manager

Position Overview

The Automation Manager leads the development, implementation, and sustainment of automation systems for a rapidly growing manufacturing operation. The role oversees automation strategy, equipment specifications, capital project execution, process optimization, ergonomic analysis, and launch readiness for new factories and product updates. The ideal candidate combines strong industrial automation expertise with project management, business acumen, and leadership skills. This position is key to building scalable, flexible, and reliable manufacturing systems aligned with Industry 4.0, lean principles, and operational excellence.

On-site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee

• Lead automation planning and execution for new facilities and production expansions.
• Support factory layouts, process flows, line balancing, and automation strategy deployment.
• Oversee installation, commissioning, debugging, and ramp up.
• Develop launch plans and ensure milestone adherence.
• Support model changes, line conversions, product transfers, and capacity increases.
• Participate in design reviews, PFMEA, and launch readiness.
• Develop automation concepts for machining, assembly, material handling, testing, and logistics.
• Write equipment specifications covering functional, safety, quality, cycle time, traceability, ergonomic, controls, maintenance, OEE, and error proofing requirements.
• Lead RFQs, supplier selection, technical reviews, and equipment buyoffs.
• Support PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision, servo systems, torque tools, and MES integration.
• Establish facility controls standards and automation architecture.
• Lead FAT/SAT and acceptance testing.
• Implement predictive maintenance, AI diagnostics, and smart factory tools.
• Improve efficiency, quality, throughput, and labor utilization.
• Perform cycle time, bottleneck, and line balancing analysis.
• Support lean initiatives: standardized work, Kaizen, Poka yoke, Jidoka, TPM, SMED, and OEE improvement.
• Develop scalable automation strategies for future growth.
• Analyze downtime trends and improve equipment reliability.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for automation failures.
• Conduct ergonomic assessments using RULA, REBA, NIOSH, and digital tools.
• Ensure equipment/workstation designs meet safety and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with EHS to reduce ergonomic risks and improve operator safety.
• Develop capital plans aligned with automation strategy and growth needs.
• Build business cases: ROI, IRR, payback, labor and scrap reduction, quality and capacity improvements, and safety gains.
• Manage capital budgets, project timing, and cost control.
• Track performance against budget, schedule, and operational targets.
• Lead internal automation and controls engineers and technical specialists.
• Manage integrators, suppliers, and contractors.
• Coordinate with production, maintenance, quality, logistics, IT, and finance.
• Mentor technical staff and support workforce development.
• Establish engineering standards, best practices, and documentation systems.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing, industrial automation, or advanced manufacturing engineering.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing automation or manufacturing engineering teams.
• Experience supporting new factory launches, model changes, production ramp-ups, high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Experience with machining, assembly, robotic automation, and material handling systems.
• PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Robotics integration.
• MES/ERP integration.
• Manufacturing process development, Lean manufacturing principles, Business case analysis, and Project management.
• CAD and layout review.
• Strong technical leadership capability.
• High sense of urgency.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with data-driven decision-making processes.
• Hands-on approach to manufacturing support with the ability to thrive in fast-paced start-up environments.
• Strong communication and organizational skills with a continuous…