Manufacturing Automation Manager

KEB America, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of industrial automation solutions, including industrial PCs, HMIs, I/O modules, variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo and induction motors, integral gear motors, and clutches and brakes.

The company operates a 150,000 sq. ft., ISO 9001:2015-certified facility in Shakopee, Minnesota, providing full design, assembly, and manufacturing capabilities. With approximately 125 employees, KEB America combines local expertise with the global strength of KEB Automation KG, headquartered in Germany, with production and sales operations worldwide.

Candidates joining KEB America can expect a technically advanced, quality-focused manufacturing environment with opportunities for collaboration across engineering, production, and global teams.

KEB America is seeking a Manufacturing Automation Manager to lead an established four-person automation team and drive the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing processes.

This role is ideal for an experienced automation leader who combines proven people-management experience with strong industrial automation and controls expertise
. The manager does not need to spend every day programming PLCs, but must have the technical depth to guide the work, troubleshoot issues, and step in when needed.

• Lead, coach, and develop manufacturing automation team.
• Provide day-to-day direction, prioritization, accountability, and technical guidance.
• Design, implement, and optimize automated manufacturing systems and processes.
• Develop new automation processes and improve existing systems.
• Drive improvements in manufacturing efficiency, quality, safety, and throughput.
• Collaborate closely with production, engineering, maintenance, and other cross-functional teams.
• Manage automation projects, including planning, budgeting, resource allocation, testing, and implementation.
• Provide technical guidance around PLCs, HMIs, motion control, industrial controls, and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Troubleshoot automation and controls issues and support the team in resolving technical challenges.
• Evaluate new automation technologies and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Analyze system and production performance, identify root causes, and implement practical solutions.
• Develop automation standards, documentation, and best practices.
• Support Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Balance hands-on technical involvement with team leadership and project oversight.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Approximately 8+ years of professional experience
  , including 5+ years in industrial manufacturing automation, controls, or a closely related field
  .
• Proven experience directly managing, coaching, and developing technical employees.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, motion control, industrial controls, and automated manufacturing equipment
  .
• Experience managing technical automation or manufacturing projects.
• Knowledge of manufacturing process optimization, Lean principles, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of safety standards and best practices related to automated manufacturing equipment and systems.
• Experience working within a manufacturing facility strongly preferred.
• Experience in an ISO-certified or similarly quality-focused manufacturing environment is beneficial.
• Working knowledge of C# or similar programming languages is a plus.
• Ability and desire to work full-time on-site in Shakopee, MN (no relocation assistance is provided at this time.)
• Base salary in the $100K- $160K range
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Flexible…