Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Automation

$78,100 - $128,500

Position Summary: 

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for planning, designing, and maintaining manufacturing processes across Filling, Kitting, Packaging, and Shipping. Ensures systems run to specifications and comply with regulations while supporting cross-functional teams to optimize materials, labor, equipment, and systems.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead the design, architecture, and deployment of advanced automation systems, including robotics, vision systems, PLCs, and collaborative robots (COBOTs), across manufacturing operations.
• Define and execute automation strategy and roadmap, aligning with business objectives for cost, quality, throughput, and scalability.
• Drive end-to-end process optimization initiatives, leveraging Lean Six Sigma, data analytics, and digital manufacturing tools to deliver sustained KPI improvements (OTD, cycle time, yield, and labor efficiency).
• Own capital automation projects from concept through commissioning, including business case development, equipment specification, vendor selection, FAT/SAT, and full lifecycle validation (IQ/OQ/PQ).
• Act as technical authority for automation systems, providing advanced troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and long-term corrective actions for complex manufacturing and equipment issues.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives with Quality, Operations, Supply Chain, and R&D to industrialize new products and scale manufacturing processes.
• Establish and standardize engineering best practices, including automation standards, validation protocols, and documentation systems.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers and technicians, building organizational capability in automation, controls, and process engineering.
• Drive supplier strategy and partnerships, including qualification, performance management, and co-development of automation solutions.
• Champion digital transformation initiatives, including integration of MES, data systems, and smart factory technologies.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Requires a master’s degree with 2-5 years of relevant experience  Or, a bachelor's degree with 5-8 years of relevant experience; Or, an associate degree with 10 or more years of relevant experience
• 5+ years of automation or process engineering experience.
• Mechanical and electrical aptitude required.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma and CI methodologies.
• Skilled in detailed, accurate, and organized work.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office, Smartsheet, and statistical software (Minitab/JMP).
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate across departments.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment and systems.

Working Conditions:

• Onsite role supporting multiple production departments; may require extended hours as needed.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand.
• Move through production areas.
• Operate equipment as necessary.