Senior Manager, Automation Systems Engineering (San Francisco)

Role Overview

CreateMe is seeking a Senior Manager, Automation Systems Engineering to lead the strategy, execution, and growth of the engineering organization responsible for automation system architecture, controls integration, and manufacturing technology development.

In this leadership role, you will oversee a multidisciplinary team of systems, controls, and automation engineers who design and deploy next‑generation apparel manufacturing systems.

This position is not eligible for new employment visa sponsorship. Candidates must have full authorization to work in the United States.

The CreateMe office is in Newark, CA and this role is not eligible for relocation assistance.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and grow a multidisciplinary engineering team encompassing systems, controls, and automation engineers.
• Foster a collaborative, high‑performance culture focused on innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Build hiring plans, develop career paths, and coach team members in technical and professional growth.
• Manage resource planning, staffing, and performance management across multiple concurrent projects.

• Define and maintain the automation systems architecture roadmap, ensuring alignment with business and manufacturing goals.
• Establish and enforce design standards, best practices, and documentation processes for automation systems.
• Guide the definition of control architectures, network structures, and vision integration frameworks across the enterprise.
• Drive technical reviews and ensure quality, reliability, and safety standards are upheld in all system designs.
• Partner with senior technical staff to evaluate emerging technologies and strategically adopt solutions that enhance throughput, flexibility, and scalability.

• Collaborate closely with Product, Manufacturing, and Software teams to define system requirements and deliver integrated automation solutions.
• Partner with external vendors, integrators, and technology suppliers to ensure alignment with CreateMe specifications and standards.
• Drive seamless handoff of validated systems to Advanced Manufacturing for production deployment.

• Oversee planning, scheduling, and resource allocation for multiple automation development programs.
• Establish project metrics and KPIs for system readiness, reliability, and performance.
• Manage budgets and ensure delivery on cost, quality, and schedule commitments.
• Ensure compliance with machine safety and industrial standards (OSHA, CE, ISO, UL).

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Controls, Systems, Mechatronics, or related engineering discipline.
• 12+ years of experience in automation, systems, or controls engineering; 5+ years in technical and people management. Candidates without management experience will not be considered.
• Proven success leading engineering teams delivering complex, automated manufacturing systems.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing automation strategy, standards, and team structures.
• Strong understanding of industrial automation platforms (PLC, HMI, robotics, machine vision, SCADA, MES).
• Experience managing vendor relationships and external integration partners.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and cross‑functional leadership skills.
• Strong ability to translate technical goals into actionable business outcomes.
• Experience in early‑stage tech startup business.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Familiarity with Cognex or Zebra machine vision systems and their integration within automated processes.
• Background in system‑level validation, FAT/SAT processes, and design transfer.
• Experience deploying smart factory, IIoT, or data‑driven manufacturing systems.
• Background in high‑throughput manufacturing.
• Experience with textiles/fabrics/softgoods is a plus.
• Exposure to adhesive‑based assembly of products.
• MBA or leadership training in technology management.

Working at CreateMe

• Stay healthy and happy through our comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans, life and disability coverage, and supplemental health and wellness benefits and perks
• Save for the future with our 401(k) retirement program
• Take time away from the office through our Flexible Paid Time Off program
• Be an owner! CreateMe’s equity program offers the opportunity to own stock in the company that we’re building together
• Learn and grow through formal and informal learning opportunities, and a culture of feedback and development as you grow your talent and career

At CreateMe Technologies, we value diversity and treat all employees and job applicants based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

WE DO NOT ACCEPT UNSOLICITED RESUMES FROM STAFFING AGENCIES OR THIRD‑PARTY RECRUITERS.