Automation Engineering Manager

Ferrotec; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K Matching

Flexible Work Hours

Tuition Reimbursement

Leadership Development

Travel and Hotel Discounts

Paid Time Off

Sick & Wellness

Job summary

Ferrotec is seeking an Automation Manager to lead a multidisciplinary automation team supporting advanced manufacturing systems in Livermore, CA. You will guide hardware and software development for high-voltage power supplies, electronics firmware, and C#-based control software.

You will drive integration across RSLogix/Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, and robotics for semiconductor wafer handling, with emphasis on reliability, safety, and quality in cleanroom environments.

Qualifications

• 7–15 years on engineering software with industrial control or embedded systems.
• Strong ladder logic, structured text, HMI scripting and graphics skills.
• Experience with PLC hardware, fieldbus networks, I/O modules, and motion control.
• Proficiency in Visual Studio, C#, .NET, WinForms, and WPF; Git for source control.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for an automation team across projects.
• Oversee development, integration, and lifecycle of HV power systems and firmware.
• Lead RSLogix/Allen-Bradley and Beckhoff control software efforts.
• Direct robotics automation for wafer handling in cleanroom environments.

Skills

Ladder Diagram

Structured Text

HMI scripting

HMI graphics

PLC hardware

Tools

Visual Studio

C#

NET Framework

Win Forms

WPF

Git

Beckhoff PC-based controllers

Job description

HOW YOU MAKE AN IMPACT

The Automation Manager is responsible for providing technical leadership, strategic vision, and day-to-day management for a multidisciplinary automation team supporting advanced manufacturing systems.

This role oversees the development, integration, and lifecycle management of high-voltage power supply systems, electronics controller firmware, and C#-based control software for next-generation equipment.

The Automation Manager leads software and controls engineering efforts using RSLogix for Allen-Bradley PLCs and Beckhoff PC-based control platforms, ensuring robust, scalable, and maintainable automation solutions. In addition, this role directs robotics automation for semiconductor wafer handling and processing, driving high reliability, precision, and safety in cleanroom environments.

The Automation Manager aligns technical execution with business objectives, mentors engineering teams, and ensures compliance with industry standards, safety requirements, and best practices in semiconductor manufacturing automation.

Achievement of objectives must include an overriding commitment to quality that must permeate the areas of responsibility. Enable and Drive Change in the Organization.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

Technical Experience

• Very strong mechanical aptitude, including the ability to read and understand assembly drawings and P&ID’s.
• Familiarity with ultra-low pressure vacuum systems and vacuum measurement is highly desired.
• Solid foundation in basic electronics, passive components, NPN/PNP switches, as well as electrical power distribution, transformers, relays, contactors, and circuit breakers.
• Competence and confidence to troubleshoot basic electrical and electronic circuits using schematics and DMM.
• Possess an aptitude to acquire new technical knowledge organically and a desire for lifelong learning.

Managerial Experience

• Have participated in and led automation (or other engineering) projects throughout the development lifecycle.
• Familiarity with engineering processes, including document control procedures, and source code control, like Git.
• Experience leading and motivating individual contributors, maximizing their unique strengths, and mentoring where needed to drive continuous improvement.
• Recognize when progress has slowed and help guide subordinates towards solutions to difficult and complex problems.
• Maintain internal project schedules and employee priorities to ensure on-time revenue recognition and favorable meshing with other production and development teams.

Not a comprehensive list of duties. Duties may change without notice at management’s sole discretion

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL

• Minimum, seven to fifteen years of hands-on engineering software development experience with industrial control systems, factory automation, and/or embedded control systems. High proficiency with Ladder Diagram, Structured Text, HMI scripting, HMI graphics and animation.
• Experience with industrial automation hardware, such as PLC’s, field bus networks, I/O modules, communications modules, as well as servo and stepper motion control subsystems.
• Microprocessors, digital signal processing, and board-level software. Familiarity with I2C, SPI, and RS-232 communications. Embedded C language programming under a real-time operating system.
• Desktop applications development with Visual Studio, C#, .NET Framework, Win Forms, and WPF.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of T-SQL, ADO.NET, LINQ, and Power Shell highly desired.

PERKS OF JOINING OUR TEAM

With positive values, a productive atmosphere, and a commitment to excellence, Ferrotec encourages employees to maximize and realize their potential.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life & Disability
• 401K Matching
• Flexible Work Hours
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Leadership Development
• Travel and Hotel Discounts
• Paid Time Off
• Sick & Wellness and Volunteer Time
• Employee Recognition Program
• Employee Engagement & Appreciation Events hosted throughout the year
• Virtual Wellness Activities and Classes are available to all employees & family members and Much More!

The salary range included in this job posting is relevant to applicants who reside or work in the Livermore, CA area only. Salary offers will depend on experience, knowledge, skills, education, and location. Actual salary may vary due to these and other factors.

Ferrotec is proud to offer a Competitive Benefits Package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability, 401K Matching, Flexible Work Hours, Tuition Reimbursement, Leadership Development, Travel and Hotel Discounts, Paid Time Off, Sick & Wellness and Volunteer Time, Employee Recognition Program, Employee Engagement & Appreciation Events hosted throughout the year. Virtual Wellness Activities and Classes are available to all employees & family members and Much More!

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.