Automation Engineer Manager

alcon; Elkridge (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Alcon is seeking an Automation Engineering Technical Manager to lead field service operations, maintain complex automation systems, and partner with vendors to implement advanced solutions at the Elkridge, Maryland Distribution Center.

The role emphasizes project budgeting over $100K, KPI development, and safety/compliance across distribution operations. A strong background in PLCs and continuous improvement is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent years of directly related experience required.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in automation/controls engineering.
• Fluent reading, writing, and communication in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex team operations in field technical service engineering for automation systems.
• Ensure timely maintenance and reliability of automation equipment at the Elkridge, MD distribution center.
• Collaborate with internal teams and third-party vendors to implement tailored automation solutions.
• Manage projects over $100K, including budgeting and governance.
• Develop KPIs and integrate predictive analytics for distribution planning.
• Troubleshoot control systems and PLC logic; ensure change control compliance.
• Provide day-to-day system support and drive safety and environmental stewardship.

Skills

English fluency

Education

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Tools

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)

Job description

At Alcon, we're passionate about enhancing sight and helping people see brilliantly. With more than 25,000 associates, we innovate fearlessly, champion progress, and act swiftly to impact global eye health. We foster an inclusive culture, recognizing your contributions and offering opportunities to grow your career like never before. Together, we make a difference in the lives of our patients and customers. Are you ready to join us?

This role is part of Alcon's Engineering function, a team focused on improving quality, processes, products, packaging and materials across our business to help deliver brilliant outcomes.

The Manager, Automation & Control Engineering (Management Path) is primarily responsible for leading complex team operations in field technical service engineering, ensuring Alcon equipment functions effectively, solving problems, recommending new products, and building customer relationships.

As an Automation Engineering Technical Manager, you will be trusted to ensure compliant, accurate, and timely completion of corrective, emergency, and preventive maintenance on automation systems and equipment at our Elkridge Maryland Distribution Center.

• Collaborating with internal team on warehouse workflow optimization initiatives using best-in-class robotics and automation solutions.
• Collaborating with internal team to improve and optimize warehouse processes/ operations through consolidation, control, execution, and project management governance.
• Collaborate with third-party vendors to implement tailored automation solutions within the facility.
• Initiate, manage, and document equipment/process improvement projects, including budget oversight for projects over $100K.
• Collect and interpret information on present and future distribution needs for strategic planning purposes.
• Develop inter-company KPIs to strengthen supply chain collaboration, integrate predictive AI capabilities into a centralized shared drive model, and implement corrective actions to address scheduling delays/conflicts.
• Troubleshoot, document, and resolve equipment and process control system issues while ensuring compliance with change control activities.
• Diagnose automation technology failures using in-depth data analysis and control system logic review, including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC).
• Provide daily oversight of system support, coordinate special distribution efforts, and contribute to strategic planning for future distribution needs.
• Collaborate with and support coworkers to strengthen the organization's capabilities, facilitate knowledge transfer through peer-to-peer training, and drive personal and professional growth for both self and team.
• Estimate labor and equipment costs by analyzing engineering processes and preparing purchase requisitions.
• Provide oversight, guidance and leadership in the areas of Health, Safety and Environmental Operations/Stewardship. Work with peers in the distribution network to drive a culture of safety.
• Be actively engaged in developing and assimilating quality control processes and procedures that ensure the Distribution Center meets customer expectations.
• Assist with the selection, development and oversight of (1-2) Warehouse Automation Technicians who will be focused on the maintenance, planning and oversight of a diverse portfolio of automation equipment with the goal of 100% uptime

What You'll Bring to Alcon

• Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +13 yrs; Assoc.+9 yrs; M.S.+2 yrs; PhD+0 yrs)
• The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English
• 5 Years of Relevant Experience
• Work Schedule: 1st Shift - 8:00AM - 5:00PM (Monday-Friday)
• Work Location: Elkridge, Maryland
• Travel: 5-10% (To Fort Worth, Texas)
• Relocation Assistance/Sponsorship: None

Preferred Qualifications/Skills/Experience

• Familiarity with Continuous Improvement Models such as 5S and Six Sigma.
• Electrician certification
• Experience in HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment)
• Flexibility in hours and days of week based on business need.

How you can thrive at Alcon

• Work together with colleagues to share standard methodologies and discoveries as work progresses.
• Discover your career in a fresh way through specific growth and development possibilities.
• Join Alcon's mission to provide outstanding, innovative products and solutions to improve sight, improve lives, and grow your career!

Alcon provides a robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off for exempt associates, PTO for hourly associates, and much more!

ALCON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY

Alcon takes pride in ma