Manager, Automation Engineering

Milacron; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Milacron in Batavia, OH seeks a Manager of Automation Engineering & Integrated Systems to lead automation strategy and execution from concept through implementation. You will partner with Production, Applications, Service, and Commercial teams to deliver integrated customer solutions on a growing automation platform.

You will mentor engineers, drive standards, and manage project scopes, budgets, and FATs while traveling 25–30% to support customers and teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field required.
• 7+ years in automation, robotics, controls, or capital projects preferred.
• Experience leading automation projects from concept to implementation.
• Experience with robotics integration and manufacturing automation systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical strategy, development, and execution of automation and integrated systems projects.
• Build and expand automation engineering capabilities in partnership with the Automation Product Manager.
• Support automation quotations, scope development, customer requirements, and solution design.
• Evaluate automation suppliers, robotics partners, and system integration technologies.
• Develop innovative automation concepts and customized customer solutions.
• Establish engineering processes, technical standards, and best practices for automation projects.
• Lead customer technical reviews, FATs, and project execution support activities.
• Mentor and develop automation engineering talent while building a growing team.
• Collaborate with Production Engineering, Applications, Service, and Commercial teams to deliver integrated solutions.

Skills

Automation leadership

Project management

Robotics integration

Customer communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related fields

Tools

Fanuc

ABB

Yaskawa

KUKA

Sepro

B&R

Beckhoff

Job description

Milacron is looking for a Manager, Automation Engineering & Integrated Systems to join our team in Batavia, OH. In this position, you will be responsible for leading the development and execution of Milacron's automation engineering capabilities, supporting customer automation solutions, and driving integrated automation projects from concept through implementation.

Work You'll Do:

• Lead the technical strategy, development, and execution of automation and integrated systems projects.
• Build and expand Milacron's automation engineering capability in partnership with the Automation Product Manager.
• Support automation quotations, scope development, customer requirements, and solution design activities.
• Evaluate automation suppliers, robotics partners, and system integration technologies.
• Develop innovative automation concepts and customized customer solutions.
• Establish engineering processes, technical standards, and best practices for automation projects.
• Lead customer technical reviews, Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), and project execution support activities.
• Mentor, coach, and develop automation engineering talent while helping build a growing team.
• Collaborate closely with Production Engineering, Applications Engineering, Service, and Commercial teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Direct the technical approach of the automation group and develop system interfaces for automation applications.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Business, or related fields required. Engineering degree preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in automation, robotics, controls, capital equipment, or capital project environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading automation projects from concept through implementation.
• Experience with robotics integration and manufacturing automation systems.
• Strong customer-facing communication, leadership, and technical problem-solving skills.
• Experience with Fanuc, ABB, Yaskawa, KUKA, Sepro, B&R, Beckhoff, or similar automation platforms preferred.
• Experience supporting quotations, proposal development, and capital project estimating preferred.
• Greenfield facility startup or automation capability buildout experience preferred.
• Experience in plastics, injection molding, packaging, automotive, or industrial manufacturing preferred.
• Experience working with service teams on automation training, commissioning, or customer support preferred.
• Willingness to travel approximately 25-30%.

Reports To: Sr. Director, Production Engineering