Automation Manager
Location:
Kansas City, KS (On-Site)
Salary:
$110,000–$130,000 annually, plus up to 6% annual bonus
The Opportunity
This leadership role will drive the development and implementation of innovative automation solutions that improve safety, quality, productivity, and overall plant performance. The Automation Manager will oversee plant automation systems, lead capital improvement projects, and partner with cross-functional teams to optimize manufacturing processes and advance smart manufacturing capabilities.
The ideal candidate brings a strong combination of hands-on technical expertise, project management experience, and proven leadership within the automotive industry. This individual will play a key role in advancing automation strategies, supporting new product launches, and implementing scalable technologies that support operational excellence and long-term business growth.
This is an on-site position reporting directly to the Plant Manager.
Key Responsibilities
Lead plant-wide automation, controls, robotics, and industrial technology initiatives to improve manufacturing efficiency, safety, quality, and productivity.
Develop, implement, and standardize PLC programming, HMI systems, machine controls, and automated manufacturing solutions.
Oversee the integration, optimization, and troubleshooting of industrial robots, vision systems, automated equipment, and manufacturing controls.
Lead automation capital projects from initial concept and equipment specifications through vendor selection, installation, commissioning, and production startup.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying automation opportunities, reducing downtime, eliminating waste, and improving manufacturing processes.
Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and IT to develop and execute plant automation strategies.
Support automotive manufacturing programs, new product launches, equipment installations, and production process improvements.
Manage automation budgets, capital expenditures, controls hardware, software licensing, and relationships with equipment suppliers and system integrators.
Establish and maintain automation standards, controls architecture, technical documentation, and best practices across plant operations.
Evaluate and implement emerging manufacturing technologies, including robotics, connected equipment, Industrial IoT, and data-driven process optimization.
Provide technical leadership, coaching, and troubleshooting support to engineers, maintenance technicians, and plant personnel.
Ensure automation systems meet applicable safety, machine safeguarding, cybersecurity, quality, and regulatory requirements.
Monitor equipment performance and manufacturing data to identify opportunities for improved uptime, reliability, throughput, and operational efficiency.
Qualifications & Experience
Required: Automotive industry background , with experience supporting automotive manufacturing operations, production equipment, or automotive manufacturing processes.
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline preferred.
Minimum of 8 years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, robotics, or manufacturing engineering.
Demonstrated experience leading automation initiatives, technical projects, and cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment.
Strong hands-on knowledge of PLC programming, preferably Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley platforms.
Experience with industrial robotics, preferably FANUC, along with machine vision systems and automated production equipment.
Working knowledge of HMI, SCADA, industrial communication networks, and controls system integration.
Proven ability to manage capital projects, coordinate equipment installations, and lead commissioning and startup activities.
Experience with manufacturing process optimization, troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
Understanding of industrial safety standards, machine guarding, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and applicable electrical safety requirements.
Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and project management skills.
Ability to translate complex manufacturing challenges into practical automation solutions that deliver measurable operational improvements.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary: $110,000–$130,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
Annual bonus: Eligible for up to 6% based on applicable performance criteria.
Opportunity to lead strategic automation initiatives and influence plant performance within an automotive manufacturing environment.
Work Environment, Safety & Travel
This is an on-site leadership position based at the Kansas City, KS manufacturing facility.
Work is performed in both office and manufacturing environments, with exposure to industrial automation systems and electrical equipment.
Travel of up to 15% may be required.
Must comply with all applicable safety procedures, including PPE and Lockout/Tagout requirements.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
What Success Looks Like
The successful Automation Manager will strengthen the facility’s automation capabilities, improve equipment reliability and production performance, lead successful capital projects, and implement technology solutions that support safe, efficient, and competitive automotive manufacturing operations.
