Automation Lead

ITG Brands; Cayey (PR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ITG Brands in Cayey, Puerto Rico is seeking an Automation Lead to guide automation, controls, and continuous improvement across manufacturing and packaging operations. You will design, implement, and optimize systems while serving as the site automation expert and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

The role requires 5+ years in automation, strong PLC/HMI/SCADA knowledge, and a proven track record in leading projects and improving equipment performance and reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field and 5+ years in industrial automation.
• 2+ years of leadership, supervision, or project management.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and control systems.
• Experience with automation upgrades, maintenance strategies, and data-driven improvements.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation and controls projects from concept through implementation.
• Develop roadmaps, budgets, schedules, and risk assessments.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, OHSE, Engineering, and vendors.
• Drive reliability, uptime, throughput, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide mentorship and training to operations and engineering teams.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Troubleshooting

Equipment reliability management

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Automation Engineering

Mechatronics Engineering

Industrial Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI

SCADA

Servo Motion

VFDs

Pneumatic Systems

Industrial Networking

Sensors & Instrumentation

Electrical Systems

Job description

The Automation Lead is responsible for leading automation, controls, and continuous improvement initiatives across the manufacturing and packaging operations. This role ensures the reliability, efficiency, safety, and compliance of all automated production systems while supporting operational excellence, quality standards, and company performance objectives.

The Automation Lead will oversee the design, implementation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of automation systems across manufacturing and packaging equipment. This position serves as the site subject matter expert for automation and controls, collaborating closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, OHSE, Engineering, and external vendors to drive equipment performance, reliability, and continuous improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the site's automation strategy and roadmap to improve reliability, efficiency, and productivity.
• Provide technical leadership for PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, servo controls, VFDs, sensors, instrumentation, and industrial networks.
• Establish and maintain automation standards, programming practices, documentation requirements, and control system architectures.
• Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance strategies for control systems and automated equipment.
• Manage automation software backups, version control, and disaster recovery processes.
• Act as the primary technical resource for automation related troubleshooting and problem-solving activities.
• Develop and deliver technical training and mentorship programs to Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to strengthen site automation expertise and support workforce development.

Equipment Reliability & Performance

• Monitor and optimize the performance of manufacturing and packaging equipment to maximize uptime and throughput.
• Analyze equipment performance data and identify opportunities to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Lead root cause investigations for automation related failures and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, pneumatic, communication, and software issues.
• Support maintenance teams during complex troubleshooting activities and equipment failures.
• Recommend and implement automation upgrades that improve safety, quality, and operational performance.

Project Management

• Lead automation and controls projects from concept through implementation.
• Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, risk assessments, and resource plans.
• Coordinate with equipment manufacturers, contractors, integrators, and vendors.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with company standards.
• Identify process improvement opportunities through data analysis and operational assessments.
• Develop KPIs to monitor equipment reliability, downtime, throughput, and quality.
• Support digital transformation and Industry 4.0 initiatives, including data collection, reporting, and system integration.
• Drive standardization and best practices across manufacturing operations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience supporting industrial automation systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 2 years of leadership, supervisory, or project management experience.
• Experience supporting automated manufacturing and packaging equipment.
• Strong knowledge of:
• o PLC Programming (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or equivalent)
• o HMI Development and Troubleshooting
• o SCADA Systems
• o Servo Motion Control
• o Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• o Pneumatic Systems
• o Industrial Networking (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Profibus)
• o Sensors and Instrumentation
• o Industrial Electrical Systems
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Equipment Reliability Management
• Strategic Thinking

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to moving mechanical parts, noise, dust, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, bend, reach, and lift up to 25 pounds as needed.
• Ability to respond to equipment issues during off‑hours, weekends, and production emergencies when required.

What We Offer

At ITG Brands, we are committed to supporting our employees through competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

This job description outlines the essential functions of the position as of the date it was created. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the role. Business needs may require that responsibilities evolve or change over time, and such changes may not be reflected in this document until it is updated.

We All Belong

ITG Brands and ITG Cigars are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

The job posting highlights key aspects of the position and is not intended to be a complete job description. All candidates selected for employment must successfully complete pre-employment requirements, which may include background checks, reference verification, employment and education verification, criminal history review, and drug screening, in accordance with applicable laws and company policies.