Manager - Manufacturing Automation And Controls Engineering

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world.

A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary.

Job Summary

About the Role

Flex is seeking a Manager of Manufacturing Automation & Controls Engineering to lead automation strategy and execution for our medical device manufacturing operation in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

This mission-critical position reports to the Director of Automation Engineering. In this highly visible leadership role, you will guide a team of automation engineers, controls engineers, and technical specialists responsible for automated manufacturing systems that drive safety, quality, reliability, compliance, and operational excellence. You will play a critical role in shaping the site's long-term automation roadmap, leading advanced manufacturing technologies including PLCs, robotics, machine vision, motion control, industrial networking, SCADA, MES integration, and Industry 4.0 initiatives. This position is ideal for an engineering leader who combines strong technical expertise with strategic vision, team development skills, and a passion for building world-class manufacturing systems within a highly regulated environment.

What You'll Do

Lead Automation Strategy

• Define and execute the site's automation and manufacturing technology roadmap.
• Develop standards for controls architecture, software lifecycle management, cybersecurity, backup strategies, and hardware standardization.
• Drive adoption of Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, IIoT, and data-driven automation solutions.

Develop and Lead Engineering Talent

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of automation and controls engineers.
• Provide technical coaching, career development, and succession planning.
• Drive accountability, resource planning, and engineering excellence.

Advance Manufacturing Performance

• Improve equipment reliability, uptime, and manufacturing efficiency through automation innovation.
• Lead initiatives focused on OEE, MTBF, MTTR, predictive maintenance, and operational performance.
• Implement data-driven solutions that improve productivity, cost, quality, and throughput.

Deliver New Technology and Capital Projects

• Lead automation and controls activities for capital investments and new product introductions.
• Guide projects from concept, design, and supplier selection through commissioning, validation, and production release.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver best-in-class manufacturing solutions.

Ensure Regulatory and Quality Compliance

• Support compliance with FDA, GMP, ISO 13485, validation, and change control requirements.
• Ensure automation systems meet applicable regulatory, quality, and cybersecurity standards.

Partner Across the Organization

• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing Operations, Quality, Maintenance, IT, Supply Chain, Program Management, and EHS teams.
• Serve as a key member of the site engineering leadership team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Automation Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline.
• 6+ years of industrial automation, controls, or manufacturing technology experience.
• 2+ years of engineering leadership, people management, or technical team leadership experience.
• Strong expertise in PLC programming, HMI development, robotics, machine vision, motion control, SCADA, and industrial networking.
• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage manufacturing systems and data including MES, CMMS, SCADA, ERP, and analytics platforms to drive operational performance.
• Proven success leading equipment reliability, automation projects, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Medical device, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, or other regulated manufacturing experience.
• Experience with Rockwell Automation and Siemens automation platforms.
• MES integration and digital manufacturing experience.
• Knowledge of FDA Quality System Regulations (QSR) and ISO 13485 requirements.
• Lean Six Sigma and/or PMP certification.
• Experience implementing smart factory, Industry 4.0, or advanced manufacturing technologies.

Key Competencies

• Automation & Controls Leadership
• Manufacturing Systems Engineering
• Team Development & Coaching
• Reliability Engineering
• Capital Equipment & Project Management
• Digital Manufacturing & Industry 4.0
• Continuous Improvement
• Data Analytics & Operational Excellence
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Strategic Planning & Execution

JT05

AA01

MS14

CC11

What you'll receive for the great work you provide:

• Full range of medical, dental, and vision plans
• Life Insurance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability
• Matching 401(k) Contributions
• Vacation and Paid Sick Time
• Tuition Reimbursement

Application Deadline:

Applications for this job position will be accepted for at least five days following the job posting start date below and continuing until the end date below or until the position is filled. This posting may close sooner due to application volume.

Job Posting Start Date 08-10-2026 Job Posting End Date

The base pay range for this position is provided below. The final base rate offered will be determined using job-related, non-discriminatory criteria, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, geographic location, education, external market data, and internal equity.

$146,700.00 USD - $201,700.00 USD Annual

Job Category

Production Engineering

Is Sponsorship Available?

No

Flex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email accessibility@flex.com and we'll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance. To be considered for a position at Flex, you must complete the application process first).