Automation Manager

Utz Group; Edinburgh (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Utz Group in Indiana leads the design, development and maintenance of automated systems, with a major focus on injection molding support, conveyors, and AGVs to boost production efficiency.

The Automation Manager will oversee PLCs, robotics, vision systems, and related equipment, mentor technicians, and partner with production, maintenance, and engineering to pursue continuous improvement while meeting safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, automation, or related field.
• 5+ years of automation management experience in manufacturing, ideally injection molding.
• Strong PLC programming, robotics, and control systems knowledge.
• Experience with AGV and conveyor technologies and robot-to-machine integration.
• Experience with end-of-arm tooling, sensors, and pneumatic systems.
• Proven team leadership and project management abilities.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and data-driven process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Develop, install, and optimize automation systems for injection molding machines and secondary operations.
• Provide technical support for robotics, conveyors, end-of-arm tooling, and other automated equipment.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify automation opportunities and drive improvements.
• 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 leadership

PLC programming

Robotics

Conveyor/AGV integration

Lean manufacturing

Data-driven improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Industrial Automation

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

HMI/SCADA

CAD software

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.