Automation Manager

Job Title: Automation Manager

Job Description

The Automation Manager develops and implements advanced automation solutions to achieve optimal, cost-effective manufacturing processes that meet product specifications and quality standards. This role leads the introduction of new technologies, including Industry 4.0 and other state-of-the-art production methods and controls, while driving continuous improvement in cost, quality, safety, and productivity across the manufacturing operation.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, design, and implement manufacturing concepts and production cells using effective systems, lean principles, and simulation tools to optimize space utilization, equipment usage, material flow, process flow, and standard work while reducing motion and waste.
• Develop and implement automation strategies that support optimal, cost-effective manufacturing processes in accordance with product specifications and quality standards.
• Support all current and new product introductions by defining and refining manufacturing processes and automation requirements.
• Assist production operations in reducing throughput time and improving product quality through process improvements and automation solutions.
• Stay current on new manufacturing technologies, automation equipment, and Industry 4.0 solutions to enhance manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
• Lead or support cost reduction initiatives through re-engineering of products, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Assist in developing and updating plant layouts, including rearrangement of facilities, equipment, and operations to improve space utilization and workflow.
• Determine root causes of poor manufacturing process performance and implement corrective and preventive actions to reduce recurrence.
• Evaluate and assist in the selection of automation vendors and subcontractors to ensure manufacturing processes meet internal specifications and quality standards.
• Develop technology support strategies that align with business objectives and long-term manufacturing plans.
• Prepare quotations and cost estimates for labor, tooling, and equipment required to support business unit requirements and automation projects.
• Participate in concurrent engineering design reviews to ensure manufacturability, automation readiness, and process robustness.
• Evaluate and approve drawings, routings, specifications, and other technical documents related to manufacturing processes and automation systems.
• Ensure training is developed and delivered to introduce new processes, equipment, and technologies to production teams.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and technical guidance to direct reports and cross-functional teams to support talent development strategies and objectives.
• Conduct performance reviews, provide feedback, and offer coaching to team members to support their professional growth.
• Manage team members' time off, time approvals, and workload to ensure efficient use of resources and coverage of operational needs.
• Prioritize team activities and ensure projects and tasks are completed efficiently and on schedule.
• Promote and sustain a culture of continuous improvement focused on cost, quality, safety, and personal development.
• Support capital improvement initiatives and contribute to the planning and execution of automation and equipment investments.
• Collaborate with vendors, customers, and internal stakeholders to align automation and manufacturing solutions with business requirements.
• Prepare and deliver verbal and written communications and presentations related to projects, process changes, and performance results.
• Travel locally during the business day, with occasional out-of-area and overnight travel as needed to support projects and facilities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support manufacturing, automation, and engineering objectives.

Essential Skills

• Proven leadership and coaching skills with the ability to develop and guide technical and production teams.
• Strong experience in automation engineering, manufacturing engineering, or engineering management in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with production automation and robotics in an industrial setting.
• Knowledge and application of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to drive process improvement and cost reduction initiatives.
• Proficiency in computer use, including the ability to work fluently with the Microsoft 365 Suite.
• Experience working with automation systems and industrial machinery.
• Ability to analyze, design, and implement manufacturing concepts and cells using systems thinking and simulation tools.
• Knowledge of statistics and strong numeracy skills to support data-driven decision-making.
• Ability to plan and think ahead over a time horizon of at least two years, including long-term technology and capacity planning.
• Experience in manufacturing engineering or a commensurate level of experience with related products and processes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to make presentations to various audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively with vendors, customers, and internal employees at all levels.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, and use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls on a regular basis.
• Physical ability to frequently talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and crouch while performing job duties.
• Ability to occasionally lift items up to 50 pounds as part of normal work activities.
• Willingness and ability to work indoors in a shop environment and outdoors in various weather conditions as required.
• Willingness to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses, when performing specific tasks or while in manufacturing areas.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with MRP systems.
• Project management experience, including planning, execution, and follow-up of automation or process improvement projects.
• Proficiency with computer-assisted design (CAD) software, preferably SolidWorks with PDM.
• Experience with Rockwell or similar industrial automation platforms.
• Welding experience or familiarity with weld processes in a manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to capital improvement projects and justification of automation investments.
• B.S. degree in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Company-sponsored continuing education may be required and a willingness to participate in ongoing professional development is important.
• Ability to contribute to and thrive in a growth-oriented organization that invests heavily in innovation and expansion.

Work Environment

This role operates primarily in a manufacturing environment that combines office, shop floor, and occasional outdoor work. The position supports multiple facilities and may involve some travel as the organization expands its market share, including primarily local travel during the business day and occasional out-of-area or overnight trips. The work involves regular presence on the production floor, where the Automation Manager will interact closely with industrial machinery, automation systems, and production equipment. Safety glasses and other personal protective equipment are required when performing specific tasks or while in designated manufacturing areas. The company has demonstrated strong growth and a commitment to innovation, including significant investment in new and acquired factories over the past several years. A hybrid work arrangement may be available, with the expectation of being on-site at least twice per week to support operations, collaborate with teams, and oversee automation initiatives. The culture emphasizes continuous improvement, collaboration, and employee ownership, supported by benefits such as an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) and opportunities for ongoing training and development.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Garner, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $125000.00/yr.

Competitive 401k Standard holidays and PTO

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Garner,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 23, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.