Position Overview: The Automation Manager leads the development, implementation, and sustainment of automation systems for a rapidly growing manufacturing operation. The role oversees automation strategy, equipment specifications, capital project execution, process optimization, ergonomic analysis, and launch readiness for new factories and product updates.
The ideal candidate combines strong industrial automation expertise with project management, business acumen, and leadership skills. This position is key to building scalable, flexible, and reliable manufacturing systems aligned with Industry 4.0, lean principles, and operational excellence.
The Automation Manager collaborates with Engineering, Production, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Safety, IT, and external integrators to deliver world-class automation capable of supporting rapid growth and future expansion.
Location: On-site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Your Day to Day as an Automation Manager: - Lead automation planning and execution for new facilities and production expansions.
- Support factory layouts, process flows, line balancing, and automation strategy deployment.
- Oversee installation, commissioning, debugging, and ramp up.
- Develop launch plans and ensure milestone adherence.
- Support model changes, line conversions, product transfers, and capacity increases.
- Participate in design reviews, PFMEA, and launch readiness.
- Develop automation concepts for machining, assembly, material handling, testing, and logistics.
- Write equipment specifications covering functional, safety, quality, cycle time, traceability, ergonomic, controls, maintenance, OEE, and error proofing requirements.
- Lead RFQs, supplier selection, technical reviews, and equipment buyoffs.
- Support PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision, servo systems, torque tools, and MES integration.
- Establish facility controls standards and automation architecture.
- Lead FAT/SAT and acceptance testing.
- Implement predictive maintenance, AI diagnostics, and smart factory tools.
- Improve efficiency, quality, throughput, and labor utilization.
- Perform cycle time, bottleneck, and line balancing analysis.
- Support lean initiatives: standardized work, Kaizen, Poka yoke, Jidoka, TPM, SMED, and OEE improvement.
- Develop scalable automation strategies for future growth.
- Analyze downtime trends and improve equipment reliability.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for automation failures.
- Conduct ergonomic assessments using RULA, REBA, NIOSH, and digital tools.
- Ensure equipment/workstation designs meet safety and regulatory requirements.
- Partner with EHS to reduce ergonomic risks and improve operator safety.
- Develop capital plans aligned with automation strategy and growth needs.
- Build business cases: ROI, IRR, payback, labor and scrap reduction, quality and capacity improvements, and safety gains.
- Manage capital budgets, project timing, and cost control.
- Track performance against budget, schedule, and operational targets.
- Lead internal automation and controls engineers and technical specialists.
- Manage integrators, suppliers, and contractors.
- Coordinate with production, maintenance, quality, logistics, IT, and finance.
- Mentor technical staff and support workforce development.
- Establish engineering standards, best practices, and documentation systems.
Required Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related technical discipline
- 8+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing, industrial automation, or advanced manufacturing engineering.
- 5+ years of leadership experience managing automation or manufacturing engineering teams.
- Experience supporting new factory launches, model changes, production ramp-ups, high-volume manufacturing environments.
- Experience with machining, assembly, robotic automation, and material handling systems.
- Experience managing large capital equipment projects.
- PLC programming and troubleshooting
- Robotics integration
- Industrial controls systems, Servo motion systems, vision inspection systems, industrial safety systems
- MES/ERP integration
- Manufacturing process development, Lean manufacturing principles, Business case analysis, and Project management
- Equipment commissioning
- CAD and layout review
- Strong technical leadership capability.
- High sense of urgency.
- Excellent problem-solving skills with data-driven decision-making processes.
- Hands-on approach to manufacturing support with the ability to thrive in fast-paced start-up environments.
- Strong communication and organizational skills with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a D.O.E. security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications: - Master's degree preferred.
- Experience supporting advanced manufacturing operations at automotive or high-volume manufacturing facilities
- Industry 4.0 implementation
- Digital twin simulation
- AI-based predictive maintenance
- Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), AGVs, Advanced data analytics
- CNC automation systems, Machine connectivity platforms, automated torque systems, traceability systems
- Lights-out manufacturing strategies
What We Offer: - Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
- Flexible work schedules and paid time off to promote a healthy work-life balance.
- Professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs and sponsorship for continuing education.
- An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations.
- The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.
- Opportunities for continuous learning and training to grow throughout your career!
Pay: $114,000 - $180,000
The base salary range for this position in Tennessee (US-TN) at the start of employment is expected to be between $114,000 and $180,000 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,' unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The company further reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and other market factors.
