Automation Engineering Manager

• Department:
  Operations
• Compensation: USD 122,000 - USD 160,000 - yearly

At Jack Link’s, we feed the journey. We take pride in rolling up our sleeves and getting things done together. Fueled by creativity, passion, and a commitment to doing things the right way, we tackle the hard stuff first and focus on real progress, bold moves, and no excuses. We create opportunities, celebrate wins, own our misses, and push forward as a team, knowing our strength comes from supporting one another and having fun along the way.

We cultivate a workplace where passion meets purpose and our Team Members are inspired, recognized,and rewarded for their contributions.

If you’re ready to make a difference and build something meaningful, we want you!

Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Headquartered in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s is strategically positioned with production, distribution, and support centers in key locations throughout North America, Brazil, Europe, and the Pacific Rim. This global network allows Jack Link's to deliver a wide variety of high-quality, great tasting protein snacks to consumers around the world.

The company’s portfolio of brands includes Jack Link’s®, Lorissa’s Kitchen®, Wild River®, Golden Island®, Country Fresh Meats®, BiFi®, Peperami® , Mariani and Local Legends Meat Snacks.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Automation Engineering Manager oversees implementation & optimization of automated equipment and systems to reduce costs, increase uptime and drive efficiency improvements. Focused on leading a team to improve efficiency and productivity through automation technology. Involves identifying automation opportunities, developing and executing automation strategies, while managing projects, developing teams and maintaining systems.

The position is responsible for system integration, troubleshooting and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Staying up to date with the latest automation technologies to implement them into process.

DIRECT REPORTS

• Automation Engineers
• Controls Engineers
• Systems Engineers
• Process Engineers

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Essential Job Functions)

• Technical leadership – Oversee the design and implementation of new automation solutions; guide the team in troubleshooting tactics, analyzing system performance while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Strategic development – Develop cost-effective methods for production processes, collaborating with cross functional teams & department to align on automation strategies for the facility and network. Will develop new automation solutions to meet production improvement goals. Serve as liaise with stakeholders working cross functionally with production, maintenance, IT and quality to align automation solutions that fit the business needs.
• Team management – Hire, mentor, develop and evaluate the automation engineering staff, managing timelines, budgets and resources while directing the team’s workload.
• Project Management – Manage projects from start to finish, including development of schedules, coordinating with team and ensuring deliverables are met.
• System Oversight – Oversees the deployment, troubleshooting and optimization of automated systems, including monitoring performance.
• Reporting – Communicate project status, performance metrics, and other key information to leadership and stakeholders.
• Administrative Tasks - Perform administrative duties necessary for the effective management of the department, including team member safety, selection and development, salary and budget administration, team member counseling and motivation, organization goals and objectives, planning, organizing, integrating, measuring, and reporting the work performed within the department.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, automation technology or related field
• 5+ years’ experience in controls automation, robotics, IoT or PLC programming
• Proven experience in automation, project management and process improvement

Preferred:

• Significant experience 7+ years in automation technologies and…