Automation Manager

Rush Group Limited LLC; Kansas City (KS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k)

Job summary

Emotiv is seeking a strategic Automation Manager to lead development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automation and controls across Kansas City plant operations, driving Industry 4.0 adoption.

The ideal candidate will collaborate across engineering, operations, maintenance, and IT to deliver scalable solutions that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and business growth, reporting to the Plant Manager.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in industrial automation and manufacturing systems.
• Hands-on PLC programming, robotics (Fanuc preferred), vision systems, and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, SCADA, HMIs, and industrial networks.
• Strong project management and cross-functional leadership to drive automation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage plant automation, controls, and industrial technology initiatives to improve safety, quality, productivity, and performance.
• Develop, implement, and standardize machine controls, PLC programming, HMIs, and automation solutions across operations.
• Drive adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies including robotics, IIoT, AI, ML, analytics, and connected systems.
• Oversee SCADA, controls architecture, networks, data integration, and cybersecurity standards.
• Establish and continuously improve automation standards, practices, and documentation.
• Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Operations, and IT to identify automation opportunities.
• Lead automation-related capital projects from specs to commissioning and startup.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics (Fanuc)

Vision systems

Automated manufacturing equipment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Automation Engineering / Mechatronics

Tools

Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley

SCADA systems

HMIs

Industrial communication networks

Job description

At Emotiv, we don’t just move materials. We accelerate possibility. We are reimagining mobility with advanced warehousing and sequencing solutions trusted by leading automotive OEMs. We are a team of doers, thinkers, and builders who believe operational excellence is achieved through empowered people and a constant drive to improve.

If you’re looking for a company where you can be seen, grow, and help shape the future of supply chain innovation, we’d love to meet you.

The Role

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Automation Manager to lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automation and controls systems across plant operations. This role is responsible for advancing manufacturing capabilities through innovative automation solutions, robotics, industrial controls, and Industry 4.0 technologies that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and operational performance.

The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking technical leader with deep expertise in automation, controls engineering, and smart manufacturing. They are passionate about leveraging technology, data, and continuous improvement principles to drive operational excellence, optimize manufacturing processes, and support business growth. This individual will collaborate across engineering, operations, maintenance, and IT teams to deliver scalable automation solutions that enable a high-performing and future-ready manufacturing environment.

This position is based on-site at our Kansas City, KS facility and reports to the Plant Manager as part of the plant operations team.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and manage all plant automation, controls, and industrial technology initiatives to improve safety, quality, productivity, and operational performance.
• Develop, implement, and standardize machine controls, PLC programming, HMI systems, and automation solutions across manufacturing operations.
• Drive the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, including robotics, Industrial IoT (IIoT), artificial intelligence, machine learning, advanced analytics, and connected manufacturing systems.
• Oversee plant SCADA systems, controls architecture, industrial networks, data integration, and cybersecurity standards.
• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve automation and controls standards, best practices, and documentation.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Operations, and IT teams to identify and execute automation opportunities that enhance plant performance.
• Lead automation-related capital projects, including equipment specifications, vendor selection, installation, commissioning, and startup support.
• Manage automation budgets, software licensing, controls hardware, and external vendor and integrator relationships.
• Support new product launches by defining automation requirements, developing controls strategies, and ensuring equipment readiness.
• Analyze manufacturing data and system performance to identify opportunities for continuous improvement, waste elimination, and process optimization.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching, and troubleshooting support for controls engineers, maintenance technicians, and plant personnel.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, quality, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements related to automation and control systems.

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, and manufacturing systems.
• Strong hands-on experience with PLC programming, robotics (preferably Fanuc), vision systems, and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Expertise with Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley platforms, SCADA systems, HMIs, and industrial communication networks.
• Proficient in controls design, system integration, troubleshooting, commissioning, and process optimization.
• Proven experience leading automation projects, managing capital investments, and coordinating with external vendors and system integrators.
• Solid understanding of industrial safety requirements, machine safeguarding, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) standards.
• Strong project management, problem-solving, and cross-functional leadership skills with the ability to drive automation initiatives from concept through implementation.
• Ability to analyze complex manufacturing challenges and implement innovative, data-driven automation solutions that improve operational performance.

Health, Safety, Physical & Travel Requirements

• Work performed in office and manufacturing environments with exposure to automation systems and electrical equipment.
• Travel up to 15% required.
• Must follow all safety protocols including LOTO and PPE requirements.
• Must have valid drivers license

Life at Emotiv

We believe great work happens when people feel valued, supported, and connected. At Emotiv, you will find a culture built on collaboration, learning, and celebrating wins of all sizes.

• We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities to grow your career alongside industry leaders who are shaping the future of sustainable mobility.
• Our benefits include paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a 401(k) plan for eligible employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.