Advanced Automation Solutions Supervisor

Role Purpose

Serve as the regional leader for advanced automation, driving the design, implementation, and optimization of innovative manufacturing solutions. The supervisor champions creativity, technical excellence, and operational impact, ensuring projects deliver measurable results in productivity, quality, and cost efficiency. This role fosters cross-plant collaboration and team growth while maintaining a strong focus on business outcomes and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and mentor a multidisciplinary team of automation and controls engineers.
• Drive the automation project portfolio, from concept to deployment, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and operational needs across multiple plants.
• Oversee project management: planning, resource allocation, timeline control, risk management, and progress tracking using industry-standard methodologies.
• Champion the integration of new technologies (robotics, advanced controls, machine vision, fiber optic automation, etc.) to solve complex manufacturing challenges.
• Develop and review business cases for automation initiatives, including ROI, NPV, and savings calculations, to ensure robust project justification.
• Define, monitor, and report on key metrics to measure team and project performance, translating results into actionable improvements.
• Ensure compliance with all technical standards, safety regulations, and documentation requirements (e.g., electrical drawings, system integration protocols).
• Act as a liaison between the automation team and internal/external stakeholders: plant operations, maintenance, quality, safety, suppliers, and system integrators.
• Organize and lead effective team meetings, communications, and cross-functional workshops to align priorities and maximize results.
• Promote a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and knowledge sharing within the team and across the organization.

Experiences/Education - Required

Education.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering or related field. 

 Work Experience.

• Minimum 3+ years in automation, controls, or manufacturing engineering roles, with at least 1 year in leadership/supervisory capacity.
• Experience leading automation projects from design through implementation, ideally in high-volume or complex manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams and drive results through others (direct and matrixed).

Technical Skills.

• Advanced skills in automation project management and structured methodologies (e.g., PMP, Agile, Lean).
• Expertise in electrical/control system design, PLC/HMI programming, motion control, robotics, and machine vision.
• Experience with fiber optics process automation and high-precision assembly preferred.
• Proficient in business case development, including ROI, NPV, and savings calculations.
• Ability to read, create, and update technical documentation (schematics, drawings, standards).
• Strong communication, meeting facilitation, and reporting skills clear, concise, and tailored to diverse audiences.
• High level of organization, prioritization, and follow-through.

Experiences/Education - Desired

• Experience with Beckhoff, Omron, or Allen-Bradley PLCs, structured text programming, C++ applications, SCADA systems, and laser process automation.
• Prior experience launching new products/processes into manufacturing environments.
• Exposure to cross-plant or regional automation leadership.