Automation Engineer

Automation Manager Job DescriptionPosition Title: Automation Manager Department: Engineering / Maintenance Reports To: Plant Manager or Engineering Director Location: Manufacturing PlantThe Automation Manager is responsible for leading and managing all automation, controls, and industrial technology systems within the manufacturing facility. This position oversees the design, implementation, maintenance, optimization, and continuous improvement of automated production equipment and control systems to maximize safety, quality, reliability, and operational efficiency. The Automation Manager works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and EHS teams to support plant performance objectives and capital improvement projects.Automation Strategy & LeadershipDevelop and execute the plant automation strategy aligned with business and operational goals.Lead automation projects from concept through implementation and startup.Manage automation technicians, controls engineers, and external contractors.Establish standards for control systems, programming, instrumentation, and industrial networking.Drive digital transformation and Industry 4.0 initiatives throughout the facility.Controls Systems ManagementOversee PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS, and MES systems across manufacturing operations.Ensure reliability and performance of production control systems.Review and approve PLC, HMI, and SCADA programming modifications.Develop backup, cybersecurity, and disaster recovery strategies for automation systems.Manage system upgrades, migrations, and lifecycle replacement planning.Equipment Reliability & Continuous ImprovementLead troubleshooting efforts for complex automation and controls issues.Analyze equipment downtime and identify automation-related improvement opportunities.Implement predictive and preventive maintenance strategies for control systems.Support Lean Manufacturing, TPM, and continuous improvement initiatives.Develop performance metrics and dashboards to monitor automation effectiveness.Capital Projects & EngineeringLead automation aspects of capital investment projects.Collaborate with equipment suppliers, contractors, and engineering firms.Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, and technical specifications.Manage commissioning, validation, and startup activities for new equipment.Ensure automation projects meet safety, quality, and production requirements.Compliance & SafetyEnsure compliance with OSHA, NFPA, electrical codes, and company safety standards.Promote Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and machine safety programs.Support Process Safety Management (PSM) requirements where applicable.Participate in risk assessments and machine safety evaluations.Ensure compliance with GMP, ISO, FDA, or other applicable standards.Budget & Resource ManagementDevelop and manage the automation department budget.Control maintenance and project expenditures related to controls and automation.Manage inventory of critical automation spare parts.Evaluate and select automation technologies, vendors, and service providers.Support workforce planning and skills development initiatives.Team DevelopmentRecruit, train, mentor, and develop automation and controls personnel.Conduct performance evaluations and career development planning.Foster a culture of safety, accountability, innovation, and continuous learning.Provide technical leadership and coaching to maintenance and operations teams.QualificationsEducationBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field required.Master's degree preferred.Experience7–10 years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or manufacturing technology.Minimum 3–5 years of leadership or supervisory experience.Experience in high-speed manufacturing, chemical processing, consumer products, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, fragrance, or similar industries preferred.Technical SkillsAdvanced knowledge of PLC systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, Omron).Experience with SCADA, HMI, MES, and industrial data collection systems.Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols: EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, OPC UAExperience with robotics and motion control systems.Knowledge of instrumentation and process controls.Familiarity with cybersecurity practices for industrial control systems.Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and technical drawings.Experience managing automation projects and system integrations.Core CompetenciesStrategic leadershipProject managementTechnical expertiseProblem-solving and analytical thinkingTeam development and coachingChange managementCommunication and stakeholder managementContinuous improvement mindsetBusiness acumenPhysical RequirementsAbility to work in a manufacturing environment.Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.Ability to walk production areas and climb stairs or ladders when necessary.Availability for emergency support, planned shutdowns, and off-hours project work.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)Production uptime and reliabilityAutomation system availabilityDowntime reductionCapital project completion (budget and schedule adherence)Preventive maintenance complianceSafety performanceCost savings from automation improvementsTeam development and training completionCybersecurity and controls system complianceFor a fragrance/scent manufacturing facility, the role would additionally oversee automated blending systems, bulk fragrance handling, batch processing controls, filling lines, packaging automation, inventory tracking systems, and compliance with safety requirements related to flammable chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).Salary Ranges: 61,558.00-87,940.00USD