Automation Manager - J455

The Automation Manager leads and coordinates improvement projects in production areas, collaborating with senior leadership and various managers. Responsibilities include identifying opportunities, scoping and justifying projects financially, managing activities, and presenting proposals for approval. The role involves obtaining quotes for capital expenditures, planning and integrating new equipment with minimal disruption, and ensuring efficient material flow. The Automation Manager also creates and maintains process documentation, supports change management activities, benchmarks best practices, and stays current with automation technologies. They communicate with suppliers, assist with process design, provide cost information, and justify new tooling and technology. The role includes training assistance, machine programming, and mentoring colleagues. Strong human relations, communication, project management, and organizational skills are essential.

Duties

Including but not limited to:

• Lead and manage production process improvement projects, ensuring they stay within scope, schedule, and budget to enhance customer satisfaction and quality, reduce costs and cycle times, increase profits, and eliminate waste in production.
• Maintain expertise in current and future technologies used by the company and implement automation to reduce labor-intensive operations on the shop floor.
• Collaborate with the Process Improvement Oversight Committee to select projects that align with the company’s strategic goals and key performance measures.
• Program various programmable controllers and machines used in manufacturing processes, including PLCs, robots, CNC machines, and inspection equipment.
• Assess the feasibility of production improvement projects to ensure a return on investment by reducing labor and materials while maintaining product quality. Provide cost input for improvement efforts and new product introductions.
• Ensure the Maintenance & Facilities Engineer, Assembly Coach, and Manufacturing Manager are informed of process design matters impacting their areas. Lead technical investigations and root cause analyses to resolve manufacturing issues.
• Maintain manufacturing documentation and information, including schematics, instructions, cell layouts, and prints.
• Integrate improved processes with other business activities and documentation upon project completion. Capture project case histories, identify other applicable processes, and document lessons learned. Design cell layouts and supervise equipment and system installations to improve efficiency and profitability.
• Support and comply with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and ISO 14001 requirements to ensure continued certification to international standards.
• Stay updated on government requirements and regulations (EPA, OSHA, etc.) to ensure compliance of cells, systems, and equipment with established standards.
• Support the continual improvement and compliance of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Environmental Management Systems (EMS).
  
  

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in a related technical field and/or 5-8 years of project management and/or technical experience is desired.
• Project management skills to ensure projects perform within scope, budget, and schedule.
• Ability to create procedures, instructions, diagrams, etc., and train personnel to operate and maintain newly installed or modified equipment according to approved procedures.
• Ensure production processes meet goals for safety, efficiency, reliability, and capability.
• Develop and utilize systems/software to organize and track work progress.
• Work cooperatively with others to produce innovative solutions.
  
  

Working Conditions

The office area is air-conditioned, providing excellent working conditions. Some outside work is required, which will vary with the weather and season. Work may also occur in areas where exposure to chemicals or lubricants can cause irritation. The noise level ranges from 50-80 dB. Normal or corrected vision without color deficiency, normal depth perception, and 180-degree peripheral vision are required. Safety glasses are mandatory for all personnel in the plant production area. While hearing protection is not required, it is encouraged in designated high-noise areas for extended visits. Safety shoes and safety glasses with side shields are required in the plant production area. Wearing watches or rings is prohibited in this area.

Disclaimer: Please note that we are unable to provide job sponsorships, including, but not limited to, visas, corp-to-corp arrangements (C2C), or any other form of sponsorship for employment. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.