Manufacturing Automation Manager (Shakopee, MN- Onsite)

JOB SUMMARY

KEB is seeking a Manufacturing Automation Manager as our company continues to grow!

The Manufacturing Automation Manager plays a key role in supporting and guiding the Manufacturing Automation Team. This position is hands-on and highly collaborative, working with advanced technologies to monitor, control, and improve production processes. The role will assist in designing, programming, simulating, and testing automated machinery and systems to ensure accurate, efficient, and reliable execution of manufacturing tasks.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Design layout of equipment or workspaces to achieve maximum efficiency
• Design, install, or troubleshoot manufacturing equipment
• Design testing methods and test finished products or process capabilities to establish standards or validate process requirements
• Apply continuous improvement methods such as lean manufacturing to enhance manufacturing quality, reliability, or cost-effectiveness
• Identify opportunities or implement changes to improve products or reduce costs using knowledge of fabrication processes, tooling and production equipment, assembly methods, quality control standards, or product design, materials and parts
• Communicate manufacturing capabilities, production schedules, or other information to facilitate production processes
• Evaluate manufactured products according to specifications and quality standards
• Incorporate new methods and processes to improve existing operations
• Investigate or resolve operational problems, such as material use variances or bottlenecks
• Estimate costs, production times, or staffing requirements for new designs
• Prepare documentation for new manufacturing processes or engineering procedures
• Purchase equipment, materials, or parts
• Review product designs for manufacturability or completeness
• Prepare reports summarizing information or trends related to manufacturing performance
• Provide technical expertise or support related to manufacturing
• Ability to apply leadership skills for future team department growth
• Follow safety rules and keep clean/orderly work area
• Perform other duties as required or assigned

** Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.**

Requirements

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate is a problem-solver with strong technical expertise, a passion for automation, and the ability to lead and support a high-performing team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The requirements listed below are representative of the education, certifications, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with controls focus preferably
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing automation, controls engineering or related industrial automation environments.
• Experience leading automation projects from concept through implementation and continuous improvement.
• Ability to coach, train others, delegate tasks.
• Experience implementing automation and robotic equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting and programming skills involving PLCs, HMIs, vision systems, robots, and other automation equipment.
• Working knowledge of C# or similar programming languages.
• Experience with Solidworks and other CAD software.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, mentor employees, and collaborate effectively across various departments. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities 

• Expertise in manufacturing automation, controls engineering, robotics, and Industry technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead automation strategy, capital projects, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of PLC programming, motion control, robotics, machine vision systems, and industrial networking.
• Proven ability to identify opportunities for automation and successfully implement solutions that improve operational performance.
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Strong project planning, budgeting, and resource management capabilities.
• Effective communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Advanced troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency interpreting electrical schematics, engineering drawings, and technical documentation.
• Experience with CAD software and engineering design principles.
• Results-driven with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety and operational excellence.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to work sedentary at a desk as well as on the production floor
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to lift, push, pull as needed
• Occasional travel potentially 3-4 times per year (as needed)
• Must be able to work on safety sensitive equipment including but not limited to high voltage electronics

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP(S):

Reports directly to the VP of Operations 

Compensation details: 100000-170000 Yearly Salary

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