Controls & Robotics Engineering Operations Manager will lead the strategic direction, development, and execution of automation and controls initiatives across five operational centers. This role is responsible for overseeing a high-performing team of Professional Maintenance Specialists and skilled trades personnel, driving innovation in programmable logic control (PLC), robotics integration, and automation systems. The Manager will serve as a key technical and leadership resource, ensuring optimal performance, scalability, and reliability of robotic and control systems, including ABB, Kuka, Fanuc, Siemens, and other advanced platforms. 

 

This position plays a critical role in shaping the future of manufacturing automation, enhancing throughput, and enabling continuous improvement through data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and talent development. 

 

Specific Responsibilities:

 

Strategic Leadership & Team Development 

Lead, mentor, and grow a team of Controls and Robotics specialists, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning.  Develop and execute a long-term roadmap for automation and controls capability across multiple sites.  Champion workforce development initiatives to elevate technical competencies in PLCs, robotics, and automation systems.  

Operational Excellence & Technical Oversight 

Provide expert guidance in diagnosing and resolving complex controls and robotics issues across five manufacturing centers.  Establish and enforce standardized operating procedures for robotic and PLCs, HMIs, and Robotics (Fanuc/Comau) systems to minimize downtime and optimize performance.  Lead root cause analysis and corrective action planning for automation-related failures and inefficiencies.  Review, verify and diagnose design errors, omissions, and other deficiencies with controls logic and/or robotics logic provided by our suppliers and proactively recommend revisions and/or improvements.  Understanding of Sensors, Cameras, Vision Systems, Sorters, VFDs, End Effectors, Robots and related controls for automated systems. 

 Systems Integration & Innovation 

Oversee the design, programming, and integration of advanced control systems including Siemens, Rockwell, and Allen Bradley platforms.  Drive continuous improvement through software enhancements, logic optimization, and offline/online programming methodologies.  Collaborate with engineering, IT, and production teams to implement scalable automation solutions aligned with business goals.  Use thorough understanding of control systems in terms of electrical, motion, vision, pneumatic & hydraulic controls.  

Governance & Documentation 

Ensure comprehensive documentation of system changes, revision histories, and lessons learned.  Develop and maintain training programs for associates and maintenance personnel on robotic systems and automation protocols. 

Basic Qualifications  

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Automation, or related field  Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in manufacturing automation, with a focus on PLCs and robotics  Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional technical teams Expertise in robotic programming and troubleshooting (Fanuc, ABB, Kuka)  Strong understanding of Body-in-White processes and robotic welding applications  Proficiency in RS Logix, PLC-5, Allen Bradley Drive Systems 

Preferred Qualifications:

Advanced or Technical Degree (BSME or BSEE)  Knowledge of welding  processes  (resistance spot welding)  Experience with Control Net Networks, Device Net Networks, ABB   Proficiency with Microsoft application software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)