Job Summary:The Automation Manager leads the central Automated Systems Group (ASG) team responsible for supporting and advancing the facility's automation and operational technology (OT) systems. This team provides 24/7 Level 1 support for critical production systems and processes, ensuring reliable, around-the-clock operation of plant equipment and control systems. The group recommends, plans, and executes automation projects across the facility and maintains Level 2 systems, including HMIs and associated data exchange and control interfaces.
The team oversees all real-time data acquisition and analytics platforms, as well as plant-wide camera and NVR systems. The group additionally functions as the facility's OT organization, collaborating closely with local IT resources to design and maintain critical network infrastructure, manage system patching, and ensure secure and resilient operation of all automation-related technologies.
Responsibilities- Lead day-to-day automation support for the facility's critical systems and processes to ensure uninterrupted machine safety and production.
- Develop and grow automation team talent through coaching, mentoring, and recruiting.
- Manage all budgetary aspects of the automation team.
- Oversee 24/7 automation support with a focus on achieving zero downtime.
- Plan, execute, and document automation projects from concept through completion, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.
- Develop, implement, and enforce automation technical standards across internal and capital projects.
- Identify, recommend, and implement automation improvements to enhance facility performance and competitiveness.
- Address system obsolescence issues and implement long-term sustainable upgrade plans and solutions.
- Manage direct reports and external resources to meet departmental goals.
- Ensure full documentation of team projects and program changes.
- Oversee real-time data acquisition and analytics systems, along with all facility camera and NVR assets.
- Provide occasional off-hours support via phone, VPN, and on-site response as needed.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline preferred.
- 10 years of industrial automation experience preferred.
- Proficiency with automation platforms such as Studio 5000, FactoryTalk development, and Siemens TIA Portal preferred.
- Experience managing resources and budgets in an industrial environment required.
- Strong knowledge of industrial network design, cyber security, and communication protocols, including Profinet, ModbusTCP, Ethernet/IP, and custom TCP/IP required.
- Working knowledge of Windows applications developed in .NET (C# or Visual Basic) preferred.
- Experience with high-speed, real-time data acquisition, analytics, and dashboarding systems required.
- Knowledge and experience in artificial intelligence applications preferred.
- Proven experience managing automation projects from start to finish required.
- Willingness to be a hands-on manager involved in project execution while actively mentoring internal team members and plant personnel.
- Experience in a manufacturing environment particularly with aluminum fabrication (rolling mills, furnaces, saws, stretchers, finishing lines) preferred.
- Advanced skills in working with cross functional teams that span multiple departments and disciplines.
