Automation Associate Manager

LITEON Technology Corp.; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Lite-On Technology Corp. in Plano, TX seeks an Associate Manager, Automation Engineering to lead automation initiatives across manufacturing operations.

You will oversee automation engineers and cross-functional teams, driving design, implementation, and optimization of automated production systems, robotics, controls, and Industry 4.0 capabilities. Responsibilities include creating roadmaps, managing projects, coaching staff, and promoting Lean/Six Sigma improvements to boost OEE and throughput

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Automation, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 5-8 years of automation engineering experience in high-volume manufacturing.
• Minimum 2 years of leadership, project management, or supervisory experience.
• Experience with electronics manufacturing, automotive, semiconductor, or industrial manufacturing preferred.
• Proven success implementing automation and process improvement projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from concept through production support.
• Develop and execute automation roadmaps aligned with objectives.
• Supervise and develop automation engineers and staff.
• Manage priorities, resources, budgets, and timelines.
• Support Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and CI initiatives.
• Oversee design and deployment of automated assembly, test, and packaging systems.
• Lead integration of robotics, PLCs, HMIs, machine vision, sensors, and networks.
• Evaluate emerging automation technologies to improve productivity and reduce costs.
• Ensure safety and regulatory compliance of automation systems.
• Provide technical leadership for troubleshooting automation and controls issues.
• Improve OEE, reliability, and throughput; collaborate across teams.
• Support new product introductions with scalable automation solutions.
• Manage automation capital projects, including vendor selection and startup.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Lean Six Sigma

Team coaching

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Automation Engineering

Master’s Degree preferred

Tools

PLC programming

Robotics systems

CAD software

SCADA

MES

Industrial networks

Job description

The Associate Manager, Automation Engineering is responsible for leading automation initiatives that improve manufacturing efficiency, quality, safety, and operational performance across Lite-On's manufacturing operations. This role manages automation engineers, technicians, and cross-functional project teams while driving the design, implementation, and optimization of automated production systems, robotics, controls, and Industry 4.0 technologies to support business growth and continuous improvement objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead automation engineering projects from concept development through implementation and production support.
• Develop and execute automation roadmaps aligned with manufacturing, quality, and business objectives.
• Supervise, coach, and develop automation engineers and technical staff.
• Manage project priorities, resource allocation, budgets, and timelines.
• Support organizational goals through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.

System Design & Implementation

• Oversee the design and deployment of automated assembly, test, material handling, and packaging systems.
• Lead integration of robotics, PLCs, HMIs, machine vision systems, sensors, and industrial networks.
• Evaluate emerging automation technologies and recommend solutions that improve productivity and reduce operational costs.
• Ensure automation systems comply with safety regulations, industry standards, and company requirements.

Manufacturing Support

• Provide technical leadership for troubleshooting complex automation and controls issues.
• Improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), equipment reliability, and manufacturing throughput.
• Collaborate with production, quality, maintenance, and process engineering teams to optimize manufacturing performance.
• Support new product introductions (NPI) by developing scalable automation solutions.

Project Management

• Manage automation capital projects, including vendor selection, equipment procurement, installation, validation, and startup.
• Track project budgets, schedules, risks, and deliverables.
• Coordinate internal stakeholders and external suppliers to ensure successful project execution.
• Develop and maintain project documentation, standard operating procedures, and technical specifications.

Continuous Improvement & Industry 4.0

• Implement smart manufacturing solutions including data acquisition, MES integration, predictive maintenance, and digital manufacturing technologies.
• Analyze production and equipment data to identify automation opportunities and performance improvements.
• Lead Kaizen events and root cause analysis activities to eliminate recurring process issues.
• Establish automation standards and best practices across manufacturing operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field. Master’s Degree preferred
• 5-8 years of automation engineering experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 2 years of leadership, project management, or supervisory experience.
• Experience with electronics manufacturing, automotive, semiconductor, or industrial manufacturing preferred.
• Proven success implementing automation and process improvement projects.
• Proficiency with PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, or Omron).
• Experience with robotics systems such as FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, or Universal Robots.
• Knowledge of machine vision, industrial controls, sensors, drives, and motion control systems.
• Experience with SCADA, MES, Industry 4.0, and industrial networking technologies.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, PFMEA, and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Proficiency with CAD software and project management tools.

Travel Requirement:

• Up to 10% travel, including international site visits