Automation Engineer

Job Summary

Act as a staff specialist with technical expertise in electrical, mechanical, and structural engineering. Develop and evaluate plans and criteria for a variety of projects and activities that are to be carried out by others. Assess the feasibility and soundness of proposed engineering evaluation tests, products, or equipment when necessary data are insufficient or when confirmation by testing is advisable. Participate in establishing design plans, prepare engineering development proposals and feasibility studies, and contribute to the setting of technical objectives. Contribute significantly to the solution of applied problems. Coordinate efforts at all levels with other units of the company, including engineering, manufacturing, marketing, etc. May develop new or modified components, products, manufacturing processes, materials, and equipment.

Automation Manager Job Description

Position Title: Automation Manager

Department: Engineering / Maintenance

Reports To: Plant Manager or Engineering Director

Location: Manufacturing Plant

Position Summary

The Automation Manager is responsible for leading and managing all automation, controls, and industrial technology systems within the manufacturing facility. This position oversees the design, implementation, maintenance, optimization, and continuous improvement of automated production equipment and control systems to maximize safety, quality, reliability, and operational efficiency. The Automation Manager works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, and EHS teams to support plant performance objectives and capital improvement projects.

Key Responsibilities

Automation Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute the plant automation strategy aligned with business and operational goals.
• Lead automation projects from concept through implementation and startup.
• Manage automation technicians, controls engineers, and external contractors.
• Establish standards for control systems, programming, instrumentation, and industrial networking.
• Drive digital transformation and Industry 4.0 initiatives throughout the facility.

Controls Systems Management

• Oversee PLC, HMI, SCADA, DCS, and MES systems across manufacturing operations.
• Ensure reliability and performance of production control systems.
• Review and approve PLC, HMI, and SCADA programming modifications.
• Develop backup, cybersecurity, and disaster recovery strategies for automation systems.
• Manage system upgrades, migrations, and lifecycle replacement planning.

Equipment Reliability & Continuous Improvement

• Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex automation and controls issues.
• Analyze equipment downtime and identify automation-related improvement opportunities.
• Implement predictive and preventive maintenance strategies for control systems.
• Support Lean Manufacturing, TPM, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop performance metrics and dashboards to monitor automation effectiveness.

Capital Projects & Engineering

• Lead automation aspects of capital investment projects.
• Collaborate with equipment suppliers, contractors, and engineering firms.
• Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, and technical specifications.
• Manage commissioning, validation, and startup activities for new equipment.
• Ensure automation projects meet safety, quality, and production requirements.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA, electrical codes, and company safety standards.
• Promote Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and machine safety programs.
• Support Process Safety Management (PSM) requirements where applicable.
• Participate in risk assessments and machine safety evaluations.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, ISO, FDA, or other applicable standards.

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop and manage the automation department budget.
• Control maintenance and project expenditures related to controls and automation.
• Manage inventory of critical automation spare parts.
• Evaluate and select automation technologies, vendors, and service providers.
• Support workforce planning and skills development initiatives.

Team Development

• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop automation and controls personnel.
• Conduct performance evaluations and career development planning.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Provide technical leadership and coaching to maintenance and operations teams.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.

Experience

• 7-10 years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or manufacturing technology.
• Minimum 3-5 years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience in high-speed manufacturing, chemical processing, consumer products, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, fragrance, or similar industries preferred.

Technical Skills

• Advanced knowledge of PLC systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider, Omron).
• Experience with SCADA, HMI, MES, and industrial data collection systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols: EtherNet/IPProfinetModbusOPC UA
• Experience with robotics and motion control systems.
• Knowledge of instrumentation and process controls.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity practices for industrial control systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and technical drawings.
• Experience managing automation projects and system integrations.

Core Competencies

• Strategic leadership
• Project management
• Technical expertise
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Team development and coaching
• Change management
• Communication and stakeholder management
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Business acumen

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment.
• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to walk production areas and climb stairs or ladders when necessary.
• Availability for emergency support, planned shutdowns, and off-hours project work.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Production uptime and reliability
• Automation system availability
• Downtime reduction
• Capital project completion (budget and schedule adherence)
• Preventive maintenance compliance
• Safety performance
• Cost savings from automation improvements
• Team development and training completion
• Cybersecurity and controls system compliance

Typical Salary Grade (U.S.)

Automation Manager:

For a fragrance/scent manufacturing facility, the role would additionally oversee automated blending systems, bulk fragrance handling, batch processing controls, filling lines, packaging automation, inventory tracking systems, and compliance with safety requirements related to flammable chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.

Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more

Salary Ranges:

61,558.00-87,940.00USD