Controls and Robotics Operations Manager

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)