Manager - Automation Systems Engineering

Flex•Buffalo Grove, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager of Automation Systems Engineering leads the design, development, implementation, and support of industrial automation and control systems. This role manages a team of engineers and technicians while driving standardization, reliability, safety, and continuous improvement across 24x7 automated manufacturing or process systems.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field.
3+ years of hire-fire engineering people management experience.
8+ years industry experience in industrial automation or control systems.
Hands-on experience with PLC platforms (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens), HMI/SCADA systems, and industrial networks.
Strong understanding of manufacturing or process environments.
Above industry experience must be from highly regulated, high-speed automated assembly/processing / manufacturing companies or contract manufacturing, e.g. medical devices, pharmaceutical, automotive, or food processing.
Proven ability to manage complex technical projects and cross-functional teams.
MS Office, e.g. strong proficiency with Excel and PowerPoint, are musts.
Excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, and organizational skills, all required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in engineering or engineering management.
Experience with robotics, motion control, vision systems, or MES integration.
Knowledge of industry standards (ISA, NFPA, IEC, ISO).
Experience with regulated industries (e.g., pharma, food & beverage, chemicals).
PMP, PE, or similar professional certification.

Responsibilities

Lead the architecture, design, and deployment of automation and control systems (PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS, robotics, vision systems).
Define automation standards, best practices, and system lifecycle strategies.
Drive modernization initiatives, including digitalization, IIoT, and data integration.
Ensure systems comply with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
Manage, mentor, and develop automation/controls engineers and technicians.
Set goals, conduct performance reviews, and support career development.
Allocate resources effectively across projects and operational support needs.
Foster a culture of safety, collaboration, and engineering excellence.
Lead automation-related capital and improvement projects from concept through commissioning.
Partner with project managers to define scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
Manage system integrators, OEMs, and technology suppliers.
Review and approve technical documentation, FAT/SAT results, and change controls.
Provide escalation support for automation-related production issues.
Improve system reliability, maintainability, and uptime.
Oversee change management, backups, version control, and cybersecurity practices.
Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Maintenance, IT, Quality, and EHS teams.
Identify opportunities to improve throughput, quality, and cost using automation.
Apply lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies where applicable.
Track KPIs related to system performance, downtime, and project execution.
Stay current on emerging automation technologies and industry trends.