Automation Team Lead

Abbott • Columbus, OH

4d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Automation Team Lead to lead a team of hourly Controls Technicians supporting our manufacturing, laboratory, and warehouse operations. This role is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient execution of preventive maintenance, troubleshooting automation and electrical systems, and partnering with Engineering to implement system improvements and capital projects across the site. The Automation Team provides 24/7 support for critical operations through the maintenance, troubleshooting, optimization, and continuous improvement of PLC-based control systems, VFDs, process control loops, industrial networks, and automated production equipment. The Team Lead will play a critical role in developing technical talent, improving equipment reliability, enhancing automation performance, and supporting manufacturing through advanced controls troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and automation lifecycle management, including obsolescence identification and replacement planning.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Demonstrated experience leading maintenance, controls, automation, or technical teams in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience troubleshooting and repairing mechanical and electrical systems associated with high-speed manufacturing, filling, or packaging equipment.
• Strong technical knowledge of PLCs, VFDs, HMIs, industrial networks, motor control systems, and plant equipment, including pumps, hydraulics, pneumatics, and utility systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and P&ID diagrams.
• Experience troubleshooting control systems, analyzing automation failures, and supporting PLC- and HMI-based equipment.
• Working knowledge of Maximo or a similar computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

• 4+ years of hands-on experience supporting industrial controls and automation systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading or mentoring technicians in troubleshooting, maintenance, and continuous improvement activities.
• Knowledge of process controls, PID loops, and loop tuning.
• Working knowledge of Rockwell Automation platforms, including RSLogix 5000 and Studio 5000.
• Familiarity with industrial communication networks and protocols, including DeviceNet, EtherNet/IP, HART, IO-Link, and Foundation Fieldbus.
• Experience supporting VFDs, servo systems, motion control applications, and motor control centers.
• Prior experience in a liquid manufacturing, processing, or packaging facility.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Controls Technicians, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Prioritize, coordinate, and manage daily and long-term work activities to support operational objectives and equipment reliability.
• Onboard, train, and mentor new team members while supporting career development and succession planning.
• Establish and maintain site automation standards around, ensuring control systems are properly documented, labeled, and supported with up-to-date drawings, manuals, and troubleshooting resources.
• Ensure current backups are maintained for PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and other programmable devices, along with the software and tools required to support and recover systems.
• Provide technical leadership and support for PLC, HMI, VFD, servo, motion control, industrial network, and process control systems throughout the facility.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis efforts for complex automation, controls, electrical, and process-related issues.
• Identify automation and controls obsolescence risks and develop replacement strategies, partnering with Engineering teams to establish long-term capital plans.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, and project teams to successfully integrate new equipment, system upgrades, and capital projects into plant operations.
• Maintain strong working relationships with internal customers and cross-functional partners.

Benefits

• Training and career development
• Onboarding programs for new employees
• Tuition assistance
• Competitive compensation
• Incentives
• Retirement plans
• Medical, dental, vision, wellness and occupational health programs
• Medical Benefits start day 1
• Vacation – 120 hours of accrued vacation (1st yr is prorated) + vacation buy program + 5 personal days + 10 paid holidays
• Retiree Healthcare program
• Robust 401(k) retirement savings with a generous company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Freedom 2 Save student debt program
• FreeU education benefit
• Great place to work recognition
• Stable company with a record of strong financial performance
• Actively involved in local communities
• Recognized as one of the best big companies to work for
• Recognized as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level