Automation Manager

LITEON Careers - U.S.; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

Lite-On is seeking a seasoned Automation Leader to shape and execute site and program automation roadmaps across assembly, test, and packaging lines. You will guide ROI-driven projects, coordinate with Manufacturing, Quality, and Maintenance, and drive standardization of automation platforms globally.

Candidates should have 10+ years in manufacturing automation, strong PLC/SCADA and robotics experience, and a track record of delivering measurable efficiency gains and cost reductions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in engineering with automation focus.
• 10–12+ years in automation or industrial engineering, electronics preferred.
• 7+ years leading automation teams and programs; cross-functional work.
• Experience with robotics, PLC/SCADA, vision systems, and MES/ERP.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute site and program automation roadmaps.
• Lead end-to-end automation projects with ROI analysis.
• Oversee system architecture: robotics, PLCs, vision, conveyors, MES/ERP.
• Partner with manufacturing for throughput, uptime, quality goals.
• Drive KPI tracking: ROI, OEE, cycle time, cost per unit.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Lean Six Sigma

Data-driven decision making

Stakeholder management

Strong communication

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Team development

Education

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

Master's degree preferred

Tools

PLC programming

SCADA systems

MES/ERP integration

Robotics integration

Vision systems

Industrial controls

Job description

• Define and execute the site and program-level automation roadmap aligned with Lite-On global manufacturing strategy.
• Identify high-impact automation opportunities across assembly, test, material handling, packaging, and inspection processes.
• Lead automation technology selection, standardization, and best-practice deployment.

Project & Program Management:

• Lead end-to-end automation projects from concept, feasibility, and ROI analysis through design, build, validation, and handover to production.
• Manage multiple concurrent automation programs with clear timelines, budgets, and risk mitigation plans.
• Ensure projects meet safety, quality, performance, and cost objectives.

Technical Oversight:

• Oversee automation system architecture including robotics, PLCs, vision systems, conveyors, testers, and MES/ERP integration.
• Provide technical guidance to automation, controls, and software engineering teams.
• Ensure automation solutions are robust, scalable, and maintainable.

Manufacturing & Operations Support:

• Partner with Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance to ensure automation supports throughput, yield, and uptime goals.
• Drive reduction in labor dependency, cycle time, defects, and operational variation.
• Support new product introductions (NPI) and production ramp-ups with automated solutions.

Cost & Performance Improvement:

• Deliver measurable improvements in productivity, labor efficiency, yield, and cost per unit through automation investment.
• Track automation KPIs including ROI, OEE improvement, cycle time reduction, and system uptime.
• Control capital expenditures and justify investments through data-driven business cases.

People Leadership & Capability Building:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of automation, controls, and engineering professionals.
• Build internal automation capabilities and knowledge sharing across sites.
• Support talent development, succession planning, and workforce upskilling.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 10-12+ years of experience in manufacturing automation or industrial engineering, preferably in electronics or high-volume manufacturing environments.
• 7+ years of leadership experience managing automation teams, projects, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong hands-on experience in:
• Factory automation, robotics, and process optimization.
• PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industrial controls.
• Vision systems, robotics integration, and smart manufacturing technologies.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering end-to-end automation projects with measurable improvements in efficiency, cost reduction, and quality.
• Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI) and scaling automation solutions in production environments.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to lead capacity planning, line design, and automation strategy for manufacturing operations.
• Experience collaborating with global teams, suppliers, and equipment vendors for automation deployment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership.
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies (IoT, data analytics, digital manufacturing) is a strong plus.
• Experience in cost justification, ROI analysis, and capital equipment planning (CAPEX) preferred.
• 401(k)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Travel Requirement:

• 10-15% travel, subject to change based on business needs.