Director of Automation

Director of Automation

Suwanee Plant - Suwanee, GA 30024

Overview

Level: Senior Position Type: Full Time Education Level: 4 Year Degree Travel Percentage: Up to 25% Category: Engineering

Description

Price Industries is seeking a corporate Automation Manager / Director of Automation to accelerate identification, prioritization, and execution of automation opportunities across our sheet metal HVAC component manufacturing operations. Serving as an expert consultant to plant Engineering leaders and cross-functional site teams, this role helps scope projects, build business cases, and drive successful startup and hand-off of new automated systems. In parallel, the position partners with manufacturing sites and IT to ensure the OT network, cybersecurity, and data infrastructure required for automated equipment and connected plant assets is defined, available, and supportable.

Responsibilities

• Enterprise automation roadmap: Build and maintain the enterprise automation strategy, standards, and prioritized opportunity funnel; partner with sites to translate opportunities into executable capital projects.
• Plant consulting & project execution: Serve as an expert consultant to plant Engineering and cross-functional teams to scope concepts, develop ROI/business cases, manage risks, and support execution governance through commissioning.
• Integrator/OEM leadership & startup: Lead coordination with integrators, OEMs, and subject-matter experts; define FAT/SAT and acceptance criteria; ensure safe startup, performance validation (cycle time, quality, uptime), and strong hand-off to Operations/Maintenance (training, documentation, spares).
• Digital enablement & data systems: Enable reliable collection and use of automation/asset data to support OEE, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement (e.g., downtime, throughput, quality signals), aligned to site capabilities and support models.
• Safety, compliance & sustainment: Ensure automation solutions meet machine safety and EHS requirements; develop sustainment standards for reliability, maintenance readiness, and long-term supportability.
• Technology scouting, AI & external engagement: Stay current on automation and AI-enabled manufacturing technologies; benchmark and engage with external resources (including GAMEP and MLC) to identify partners and best practices applicable to Price Industries.
• IT/OT infrastructure & cybersecurity: Bridge manufacturing and IT to define OT network architecture, cybersecurity controls/segmentation, and data infrastructure needed for connected assets; ensure new systems meet security, access, backup, and support requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, Industrial) or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience delivering automation, controls, or advanced manufacturing projects in an industrial environment (sheet metal, fabrication/assembly, or similar discrete manufacturing preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional automation projects across multiple sites, including capital justification and stakeholder engagement.
• Working knowledge of industrial controls and automation systems (PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks), and the practical requirements for deploying and supporting OT systems at scale.
• Experience partnering with IT teams on OT network architecture, cybersecurity requirements, and data system integration for plant assets.
• Vendor/integrator management experience, including specification development, quotation review, and oversight through startup.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate between operational needs and technical/IT requirements.
• Experience with robotics, machine vision, automated material handling, and integration in sheet metal fabrication and assembly environments.
• Familiarity with OT data platforms (historians, MQTT/OPC UA, SCADA/MES connectivity) and analytics/OEE systems.
• Understanding of machine safety standards and practices (risk assessments, guarding, interlocks, functional safety concepts).
• Lean/CI background with demonstrated use of automation as an enabler (not a substitute) for waste elimination and process stability.
• Project management experience and/or certification (e.g., PMP) and experience with stage-gate capital processes.

Core Competencies

• Enterprise mindset with the ability to standardize while respecting site realities.
• Strong technical judgment across controls, mechanical integration, networking, and manufacturing processes.
• Program leadership: sets priorities, manages interdependencies, and drives consistent execution.
• Consultative influence: coaches and elevates plant teams without owning day-to-day operations.

Work Environment

This role involves regular engagement at manufacturing sites and time in industrial environments with moving equipment and active production lines. Travel is expected and will vary based on the active project portfolio and startup schedules. Off-shift or weekend support may be required during critical commissioning and ramp-up periods.

About Price Industries

We are the leading provider of non-residential air distribution products across North America. We are committed to nurturing passionate and adaptable individuals who will play pivotal roles in shaping our future. After 75 years, Price remains a privately held family company with a deep heritage and commitment to innovation and service, and social responsibility. Our long-standing vision, values, and the Price way of doing business are the cornerstones of our company.

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We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Third Party Recruiting Agencies

Please be advised that Price Industries is NOT currently engaging third-party recruiting services. Any resumes submitted without a signed contract dated on or after January 2025 AND specifically engaged for a specific search from Price Industries' Human Resources department will be considered the property of Price Industries, with no fee obligation. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.