Automation Manager

Utz Group; Edinburgh (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Utz Group in Indiana is seeking an Automation Manager to lead design, implementation, and maintenance of automated systems, with focus on injection molding support and material transport via conveyors and AGVs. The role ensures safe, reliable operation of robotics, PLCs, vision systems, and tooling to meet production goals.

You will supervise automation technicians, collaborate with production, maintenance, and engineering, develop maintenance schedules, analyze downtime, and justify capital

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, industrial automation or related field.
• 5+ years of automation management experience in manufacturing, preferably injection molding.
• Strong PLC programming and robotics expertise; AGV and conveyor familiarity.
• Proven leadership and project management abilities.
• Lean manufacturing knowledge and data-driven improvement mindset.

Responsibilities

• Develop, install, and optimize automation systems for injection molding machines and secondary operations.
• Manage and provide technical support for robotics, conveyors, end-of-arm tooling, and other automated equipment.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify opportunities for process automation and continuous improvement.
• Create and manage preventive maintenance schedules for automated systems.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis to minimize downtime.
• Supervise and train automation technicians and maintenance staff on new systems and technologies.
• Work with vendors and integrators to evaluate new automation technologies and solutions.
• Maintain documentation, programs, and backups for all automation systems (PLCs, HMIs, robots…).
• Ensure all automation equipment complies with safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Develop automation cost analyses and ROI justifications for capital improvement projects.

Skills

Automation management

Robotics integration

PLC programming

AGV/Conveyors

End-of-arm tooling design

Lean manufacturing

Data-driven improvement

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Industrial Automation

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

Universal Robots

Fanuc

Conveyor tech

Job description

Position summary
The Automation Manager leads the design and development, implementation, and maintenance of automated systems within our organization with major focus on Injection molding support systems. Other Focus is related to material transportation by utilizing and expanding conveyors as well as AGV’s. This role ensures efficient, reliable, and safe operation of robotics, PLCs, vision systems, and auxiliary equipment to support production goals, improve quality, and reduce downtime. Continuous Improvement mindset is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, install, and optimize automation systems for injection molding machines and secondary operations.
• Manage and provide technical support for robotics, conveyors, end-of-arm tooling, and other automated equipment.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify opportunities for process automation and continuous improvement.
• Create and manage preventive maintenance schedules for automated systems.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis of automation-related issues to minimize downtime.
• Supervise and train automation technicians and maintenance staff on new systems and technologies.
• Work with vendors and integrators to evaluate new automation technologies and solutions.
• Maintain documentation, programs, and backups for all automation systems (PLCs, HMIs, robots…).
• Ensure all automation equipment complies with safety, quality, and environmental standards.
• Develop automation cost analyses and ROI justifications for capital improvement projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automation, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience with automation management in a manufacturing environment ideally with a plastic injection molding manufacturer.
• Strong understanding of PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.), robotics (Universal Robots, Fanuc, or similar), and control systems.
• Solid understanding on robot to machine integration and experience with AGV and conveyor technology.
• Experience with end-of-arm tooling design, sensors, and pneumatic systems.
• Proven team leadership and project management abilities.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and data-driven process improvement.

Preferred Skills

Join our team as an Automation Technician and gain valuable hands-on experience in the field of automation. You will have the chance to work with innovative technology, support our production processes, and contribute to our operations' success.

• Familiarity with Industry 4.0/IoT systems, predictive maintenance, and digital integration such as MES Systems.
• Experience integrating vision inspection systems or automated quality testing.
• CAD or industrial design software proficiency for tooling and fixture development.

Work Environment

• Typical manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, noise, and periodic physical activity.
• Occasional travel is required for vendor coordination and training.