Global Smart Manufacturing Manager

MSA, The Safety Company • $120K — $145K *

Cranberry Township, PA 16066In-Person

Manufacturing & Automotive

8 - 10 years of experience

Today

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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

5+ years of experience in digital manufacturing and automation technologies
Extensive knowledge of industry 4.0 concepts and applications
Proven success in managing cross-functional teams
Experience in multinational manufacturing environments
Strong project management and organizational change management skills
Excellent communication skills to convey technical concepts to diverse stakeholders

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of the Factory of the Future technology vision
Identify and prioritize Industry 4.0 initiatives to support business goals
Oversee implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies across global facilities
Collaborate with executives to define digital manufacturing strategies and investment plans
Drive enterprise-wide adoption of innovative manufacturing technologies
Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement
Develop capital investment plans and ROI models for digital initiatives

Benefits

Opportunity to work at the forefront of Industry 4.0 technologies
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and senior leadership
Potential for career growth and leadership development
Involvement in global initiatives and projects
Access to continuous learning and professional development resources

Full Job Description

Overview

Responsibilities

We are looking for a subject matter expert with applicable experience within a manufacturing leadership role.
Define and execute MSA's global Factory of the Future technology vision.
Develop and prioritize Industry 4.0 initiatives that align with business objectives and operational strategies.
Identify emerging technologies and assess their potential to create business value across the manufacturing network.
Partner with executive leadership to establish digital manufacturing priorities, investment strategies, and long-term transformation plans.
Drive enterprise-wide adoption of innovative manufacturing technologies that improve competitiveness and operational agility.
Partner with plant leadership to identify, prioritize, and implement high-value digital manufacturing opportunities.
Communicate strategy, progress, risks, and business outcomes to senior leadership and key stakeholders.

Develop multi-year capital investment plans supporting Factory of the Future technologies.
Lead the evaluation, development, and deployment of scalable advanced manufacturing technologies, including MES, IIoT, AI/ML, Digital Twins, automation, analytics platforms, ERP integrated solutions, robotics, Cobots, AMRs/AGVs.
Develop tools, templates and framework to evaluate new technologies and factories readiness for the scalable technology. Establish engineering standards and best practices for deploying.
Oversee implementation of scalable digital manufacturing solutions across global manufacturing facilities.
Steer partnership with data scientists, AI engineers, and business leaders to identify high-value applications including predictive maintenance, process optimization, vision inspection, and digital process control.
Ensure seamless integration of shop-floor equipment, automation systems, manufacturing data, and enterprise platforms.
Drive standardization of system architectures, connectivity models, and technology platforms to support a connected manufacturing ecosystem.
Support equipment procurement, commissioning, qualification, validation, and technology readiness activities.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external technology partners to develop and deploy innovative manufacturing solutions.

Lead cross-functional teams through technology assessments, pilot programs, and global rollouts.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global team of smart manufacturing, automation, analytics, and digital technology experts.
Build organizational capabilities in digital manufacturing, AI, data analytics,and Industry 4.0 technologies.
Foster a culture of innovation, knowledge sharing, technical excellence, and continuous learning.
Support workforce adoption of new technologies through training, change management, and leadership engagement.
Drive succession planning and capability development to meet future manufacturing technology needs.
Establish and maintain global standards, governance frameworks, and best practices for smart manufacturing technologies and digital systems.
Ensure consistent deployment methodologies, performance metrics, and technology management processes across all manufacturing locations. Establish and govern global manufacturing technology standards, MES templates, automation architectures, and digital deployment methodologies.
Lead efforts to improve manufacturing productivity, quality, asset utilization, reliability, and cost performance through data-driven decision making.
Promote disciplined process documentation, system lifecycle management, and continuous improvement practices.
Develop business cases, capital investment proposals, and ROI models to prioritize and justify digital manufacturing initiatives
Monitor and measure the financial and operational impact of smart manufacturing initiatives.

Qualifications

Required Experience:

Experience and strong knowledge of: Digital Manufacturing Applications (MES), Industrial IoT (IIot), Automation and Controls Systems, SCADA and PLC environments, Data analytics and visualization tools, ERP integration (SAP), Robotics & cobots.

Demonstrated ability to successfully manage and implement Industry 4.0 projects with positive financial impact from the solution.

Driving and ensuring regular process documentation is developed and maintained.

Multinational manufacturing environment experience.

Experience in manufacturing equipment procurement, setup and commissioning, including a clear understanding of equipment/software qualification and validation processes.

Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams in the development and optimization of new technologies.

Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and convey technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.

Organizational change management

KPI ownership

Vendor management

Experience Preferred:

Experience and knowledge of: Machine Learning, Industrial connectivity architectures, AI in manufacturing, Digital Twins, Advanced vision systems, AMRs/AGVs.

Deploying AI/ML solutions in production environments with an understanding of cloud manufacturing platforms including but not limited to: (Azure, AWS, Snowflake)

Developing a multi-year digital manufacturing roadmap including capital investment planning, ROI modeling, and prioritization.

Creating governance models of global manufacturing systems including but not limited to: data architecture, data quality management, master data governance, historian strategies, and data ownership models.

Working with data scientist & AI engineers to develop manufacturing solutions and creating prioritization of those AI use cases. Some applications could include: predictive maintenance, process optimization, computer vision quality inspection, and digital process control.
Connecting shop-floor machines to enterprise systems.
Developing digital skills within manufacturing organizations, influencing plant leadership and driving workforce adoption with stakeholder engagement.
Apply advanced engineering principles and process control strategies to improve operating efficiency of new and existing automation systems.
Understanding of common Manufacturing/Operations technology cybersecurity requirements: Industrial network security, ISA/IEC 62443 familiarity, Operations Technology cybersecurity risk assessments.
Proven ability to drive technology at scale across 20+ facilities including developing standard automation platforms, global equipment catalogs, MES templates, KPI governance.

Education Required:

B,S. in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.

This position is available at two different career levels based upon individual qualifications, experience, and education:

Level II Engineering Manager: 10 years relevant experience including a minimum of 2 years' experience in direct staff management.
Senior Engineering Manager: 12 years relevant experience including a minimum of 2 years' experience in direct staff
management.
- MS degree may be substituted for up to 2 years of relevant experience; PhD may be substituted for up to 4 years.

Education Preferred:

MBA, Operations certification a plus, such as lean systems

Continuing Education in Management studies

PMP certification

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About MSA, The Safety Company

MSA, The Safety Company Careers

Join the dedicated team at MSA, The Safety Company, a global leader in the development, manufacture, and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures. MSA is recognized for its commitment to innovation, quality, and service.

Explore Job Opportunities

MSA, The Safety Company offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and professional interests. Each position at MSA is designed to contribute significantly to the safety and protection of lives at work and beyond.

Professional Growth and Employment Benefits

MSA, The Safety Company is committed to the professional growth of its team members. The company supports career advancement through leadership training programs, diversity initiatives, and continuous learning opportunities. Employment at MSA comes with competitive benefits, fostering a culture that values health, well-being, and job satisfaction.

Internship Programs

For those starting their careers, internships at MSA provide invaluable industry experience and a chance to develop essential skills in a real-world setting. Interns at MSA, The Safety Company work on projects that matter, gaining knowledge and expertise that are crucial for future employment.

Innovation and Leadership

At MSA, innovation is at the core of everything they do. The team is encouraged to lead with creativity and embrace new ideas that drive the industry forward. MSA’s leadership is deeply involved in ensuring that every team member has the resources and support needed to innovate.

Culture of Diversity and Inclusion

The culture at MSA, The Safety Company is built on a foundation of diversity and inclusion. Every team member’s unique background and perspective are valued, contributing to a richer, more creative, and productive work environment.

Networking and Career Development

MSA, The Safety Company encourages its employees to engage in professional networking and career development activities. These opportunities enhance their skills and connect them with professionals across the industry, opening doors to new career possibilities.

Hiring Process

The hiring process at MSA, The Safety Company is thorough, ensuring that both the company and its potential employees are a perfect match. Candidates who submit their resume and pass the initial screening will be invited for an interview to discuss their experiences and career aspirations.

Join the Team

MSA, The Safety Company is looking for passionate, curious, and innovative individuals to join their team. Explore open positions that match your skills and interests on the MSA Careers page. Discover how your expertise can contribute to a safer world.

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