Automation Manager: Injection Molding & Robotics Leader

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

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.