Sr. Automation Engineer

Johns Manville•Littleton, CO

21d•$120,700 - $181,100•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Automation Engineer leads complex automation projects through proactive collaboration with Johns Manville locations and external vendors. The role identifies, evaluates, justifies, and implements automation technologies across the company. It assesses the technical viability of solutions and suppliers, supports business-case development and vendor partnerships, and provides subject-matter expertise during implementation. Applicable systems may include industrial robots, computerized production lines, packaging solutions, and cleaning systems, with safety improvements incorporated into each solution. The engineer leads cross-functional feasibility studies, develops short- and long-term solutions, assesses suppliers, supports project funding and purchasing processes, and coordinates supplier and contractor work. The role executes smaller funded projects under $3 million from start to finish and supports larger projects as a subject-matter expert after transition to capital resources. It also documents and standardizes automation solutions and work instructions, supports existing automation systems, communicates project status, helps prioritize the automation project pipeline, and ensures intellectual property is properly captured and protected. The position requires travel of more than 25–50%, including international travel, typically about one week per month but varying with project needs. The incumbent must be comfortable working in an industrial manufacturing facility and physically able to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made. The position is eligible for an incentive bonus in addition to the stated base salary range.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably mechanical, controls/electrical, or mechatronic.
Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in engineering and/or technical fields.
Demonstrated experience automating processes in a manufacturing environment.
Innovative, entrepreneurial spirit with strong verbal and written communication skills, sound judgment, and high energy.
Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders in a complex matrix organization.
Highly developed oral and written communication skills for presenting complex and diverse or conflicting information.
Ability to work in a team-oriented environment with extremely high standards.
Must be willing to travel more than 25–50%, including internationally; travel is typically about one week per month but may vary with project demands.
Comfortable and able to work in an industrial manufacturing facility environment.
Physically able to perform essential job functions; reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Nice To Haves

Ability to scale up pilot processes to plant operations.
At least one year of plant-based process engineering experience.
Experience as a key contributor on automation scaleups in a manufacturing environment.
Experience managing capital projects from start to finish.
Experience in machine learning.
Knowledge of PLCs and control systems.

Responsibilities

Identify and evaluate automation projects with Engineering, Process Research, Operations, Division Engineering, and Capital and Engineering Services leadership to improve safety and meet business needs.
Lead cross-functional teams and plan and execute feasibility and evaluation studies of automation technologies; resolve automation-related issues and customer complaints.
Develop parallel potential short-term solutions and longer-term automated solutions independently.
Determine applications and recommend modifications to established department practices or procedures.
Identify and assess vendors and contribute to a matrix of potential suppliers in key technology areas.
Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Finance, or Product Management to develop business-case details for automation solutions.
For larger projects, transition projects to capital resources for implementation and serve as a subject-matter expert for the remainder of the funded project.
Work with Capital Engineering resources to prepare bid-request documentation and supplier lists, evaluate bids, and recommend purchases.
Coordinate, review, oversee, and manage supplier and contractor activities on and off site, including commissioning, startup, and training for plant personnel.
Execute funded smaller projects under $3 million from start to finish.
Communicate project status, problems, and changes to management and project customers.
Contribute data to prioritize projects in the automation project pipeline.
Provide expertise in automation, packaging, and material transport, including support for existing system operation and AC&R.
Document and standardize automation solutions and work instructions across plants and divisions.
Present compelling technical recommendations to business stakeholders and influence their buy-in.
Proactively seek support and mentoring and demonstrate tangible results aligned with JM Leadership Attributes.
Ensure intellectual property is captured and protected through proper procedures.
Model JM core values and leadership attributes, hold self and others accountable, and value diversity as a strength for teams and organizational effectiveness.