Manager of Automation Project Engineering

MKS Instruments • Andover Shattuck, MA

1d

About The Position

We are looking for an exceptional Automation Project Manager to join our team and lead the development of automation solutions for new and existing products across business units & global production sites in our Vacuum Systems Division. In this role, you will lead a team of manufacturing and automation professionals in the development of automation solutions that enable the production of high tolerance instrumentation products, improving efficiency, cost, quality, and capacity in our global factories. This role will be a key member of the Global Operations leadership team reporting to the Sr Dir, Technical Operations / Manufacturing Engineering.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or technical discipline such as Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Industrial Engineering or similar
• 5+ years of direct full lifecycle project management experience leading capital automation projects in a high-tech manufacturing environment or similar
• 2+ years of direct people management or leadership
• Project experience with a wide range of automation types to include: traditional automation, HMI development, and control systems for custom machinery, robotics & vision systems, autonomous material movement for part transport or similar
• Proven commitment to driving continuous improvement and innovation in manufacturing processes

Nice To Haves

• Prior hands-on experience as an automation or controls engineer is highly desirable
• Excellent organizational skills and leadership abilities with strong communication and people skills
• Familiarity with factory data collection systems (SCADA, MES), industrial networking protocols (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET), and big data management

Responsibilities

• Managing the automation project lifecycle, including requirements gathering, scope definition, conceptual design, vendor selection, detailed design, procurement, installation, commissioning, validation, and training
• Developing project budgets, tracking spending, and reporting on performance, including operational improvements post-deployment
• Identifying project risks (technical, schedule, budget, resource) and developing robust mitigation strategies to achieve business objectives
• Writing detailed Statements of Work (SOW) and equipment specifications, negotiating contracts, and managing external automation partners and suppliers to ensure deliverables are met on time and within budget
• Supporting implementation of design for automation guidelines and influencing cross-functional NPI teams during the product development process
• Collaborating with automation professionals in other divisions to align on best practices, automation standards, and control frameworks that accelerate implementation of automation solutions across global factories and production supercenters

Benefits

• MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

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