Automation Engineering Manager - Plastic Packaging - Indiana

George Thomas; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

George Thomas partnered with a leading manufacturer to hire an Automation Engineering Manager for Indiana, near Indianapolis. The role leads automated systems across injection molding and secondary operations, with robotics, AGVs and vision systems in scope.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years managing automation in manufacturing, with a BS in a related engineering field and strong PLC/robotics experience. Base salary up to $120,000, plus bonus and fringe benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years leading automation in onsite manufacturing.
• Experience with plastic injection molding, thermoforming is ideal.
• Strong PLC knowledge and robotics experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, installation and maintenance of automated systems.
• Support robotics, conveyors, AGVs, and vision systems.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance and engineering to drive automation improvements.
• Develop preventive maintenance programs to increase reliability.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Train automation technicians and coordinate with external vendors.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Robotics integration

Lean manufacturing

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automation

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

Vision systems

Job description

George Thomas has recently partnered with a leading manufacturer of technical plastic packaging solutions, who are looking to hire an Automation Engineering Manager for their team.

Location: Indiana - Approx 30 mins from Indianapolis

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, installation, optimisation, and maintenance of automated systems supporting injection molding and secondary production operations.
• Manage and provide technical support for robotics, conveyors, automated material handling systems, AGVs, end-of-arm tooling, PLCs, HMIs, vision systems, and other auxiliary equipment.
• Collaborate effectively with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify opportunities for automation, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and manage preventive maintenance schedules for automated systems to improve reliability and reduce production downtime.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis of automation-related issues, implementing effective corrective actions to ensure successful outcomes.
• Supervise, support, and train automation technicians and maintenance staff on new systems, equipment, and technologies.
• Work closely with external vendors and systems integrators to evaluate and implement new automation technologies and solutions.

To be considered for this role you require:

• 5+ years of experience managing automation within an onsite manufacturing environment, ideally within plastic injection molding, thermoforming, or a related industry.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automation, or a related discipline would be an added benefit. Equivalent technical experience will also be considered.
• Strong knowledge of PLC programming, including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar control systems, as well as robotics and industrial automation.
• Experience integrating robots with injection molding machines and secondary operations.
• Knowledge of AGVs, conveyor systems, material transportation, sensors, pneumatic systems, and end-of-arm tooling.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage technical projects, and work effectively with production, maintenance, engineering, and external suppliers.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, continuous improvement methodologies, and data-driven process optimisation.

Base salary up to $120,000 (Flexible depending on experience) + Bonus + Fringe Benefits