Physical Automation Leader

First Quality • Lewistown, PA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Physical Automation Leader is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing automation solutions that enhance manufacturing efficiency, safety, and quality across the division. This role will lead the strategic roadmap for physical automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies, ensuring alignment with business goals and operational excellence standards. A primary focus will be to integrate cutting-edge automation systems — including robotics, autonomous material handling, and machine vision — into production environments, harmonizing best practices across sites. The role requires deep expertise in automation engineering, strong project leadership skills, and the ability to partner with cross-functional teams to deliver measurable improvements in productivity, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. This position will require frequent travel to our Absorbent Hygiene companies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Automation Engineering; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in automation engineering, robotics integration, or industrial controls within a high-speed manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of designing and implementing successful physical automation solutions.
• Experience with Manufacturing 4.0 concepts, including connected equipment, IoT integration, and smart manufacturing systems.
• Expertise in PLC programming, robotics control systems, and machine vision technologies.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proven root cause analysis capabilities.
• Exceptional project management skills, able to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills, adept at working with both technical teams and business stakeholders.
• Ability to coach, benchmark, and work closely with different sites and operations.
• Vendor management and negotiation skills.
• Data-driven, disciplined, objective, and detail-oriented.
• Passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Supports and promotes safe practices and environmental commitments in alignment with company policies and compliance requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of manufacturing regulatory standards (ISO 9001, OSHA, FDA) desirable.

Responsibilities

• Establish automation goals, objectives, and overall strategy for the division.
• Lead the design, selection, and deployment of physical automation systems, including robotics, conveyors, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and machine vision solutions.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of manufacturing processes to identify automation opportunities and efficiency gains.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, IT, and safety teams to ensure automation solutions meet safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Work with BU’s to develop and manage automation project roadmaps, budgets, and timelines.
• Support BU’s through installation, commissioning, and integration of automation equipment into existing manufacturing lines.
• Apply advanced engineering principles and digital tools to optimize automation performance and reliability.
• Partner with vendors and technology providers to evaluate emerging automation technologies and ensure best-in-class solutions.
• Set standards and drive accountability to create and maintain technical documentation, including equipment specifications, operating procedures, and maintenance plans.
• Train and mentor engineering and operations teams on automation systems and best practices.
• Establish metrics and KPIs to measure automation effectiveness and ROI.
• Champion continuous improvement by integrating automation into Lean and Six Sigma initiatives.
• Responsible for defining the life cycle management method of automation assets, and execution will be the responsibility of the Business as Usual (BAU) Team.
• Additional duties as required.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and bonus opportunities
• Paid time off (three-week minimum)
• Medical, dental and vision starting day one
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid parental leave
• Child and family care assistance (dependent care FSA with employer match up to $2500)
• Bundle of joy benefit (year's worth of free diapers to all team members with a new baby)
• Tuition assistance
• Wellness program with savings of up to $4,000 per year on insurance premiums

What This Job Offers

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