Automation Engineering Manager

JLL•Niagara Falls, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an Automation Engineering Manager to lead a team of Senior Automation Engineers, Automation Engineers, and Apprentices in supporting and optimizing automation control systems across JLL-managed facilities. This role blends technical leadership, strategic program management, and team development to drive equipment reliability, enhance safety, and maximize operational performance. You will work with advanced material handling equipment — including conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print-and-apply systems, robotics, and SCADA platforms — while driving continuous improvement initiatives and cross-site collaboration. Safety, operational excellence, and mentoring future technical leaders will be central to your success.

Requirements

7+ years of experience with PLC-controlled automation, including Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Codesys Ladder Logic and structured programming.
7+ years troubleshooting and optimizing industrial controls, robotics, motor controls, and automated equipment.
Proven leadership experience directing, training, and mentoring engineering teams.
Strong understanding of industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus) and SCADA/OEE platforms.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate across multiple teams and levels.
Expected to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays when required, 40 hours plus per week as needed.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in computer science, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or equivalent.
5+ years of leadership experience managing automation programs across multiple sites.
Proficiency in programming tools such as RSLogix5000 Studio, FT View, FactoryTalk, and other advanced control platforms.
Experience designing and implementing HMI systems, motor control solutions (VFDs, servo drives, DC drives), and high-speed sortation equipment.
Strong background in robotics integration, field service engineering, and technical training programs.
Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent continuous improvement certification.

Responsibilities

Lead the site and network-level automation engineering program, serving as the primary technical and program leader.
Manage a team of automation engineers to drive success within the network.
Set program goals, define priorities, and manage Automation Engineers to meet client objectives and safety requirements.
Provide subject matter expertise (SME) for troubleshooting complex control system issues, leading root cause analysis, and implementing corrective actions to reduce downtime.
Design, develop, implement, and optimize control systems and automation software, including PLC/PC controllers, SCADA/OEE platforms, and industrial networks.
Oversee change management processes and maintain complete, accurate automation documentation for compliance and reliability.
Partner with operations, engineering, vendors, and client stakeholders to deliver automation projects and drive system optimization.
Develop and execute training plans, mentoring Automation Engineers, Apprentices, and site-level technicians to expand technical capability across the network.
Monitor system KPIs, analyze performance metrics, and lead continuous improvement initiatives to improve uptime, throughput, and safety.
Champion JLL's safety culture to ensure compliance with existing safety rules and procedures.
Provide escalation support for controls-related downtime, coordinating with local, remote, and vendor resources to restore system functionality quickly.
Participate in a 24/7 rotational on-call support schedule for automation hardware and software systems.
Travel up to 25% to support other JLL-managed client sites as needed.