Manager, Digital Manufacturing

Institute For Advanced Learning And Research; Danville (VA); On-site; USD 106,200 - 113,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Virginia Retirement System retirement

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Health plans

Job summary

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, VA seeks a Manager, Digital Manufacturing to lead the Industry 4.0 Lab and advance smart manufacturing initiatives. You will act as the technical expert on robotics, automation, PLCs, and industrial connectivity, guiding educators, manufacturers, and students in practical applications.

You will design hands-on trainings, demonstrations, and workshops, build partnerships with industry, and drive technology adoption across the region

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronic Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related field.
• Minimum of five years of manufacturing experience with robotics, automation, and process control.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting Allen‑Bradley PLC systems.
• Ability to travel as needed and represent the organization professionally.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical expert in digital manufacturing, Industry 4.0, automation, robotics, industrial connectivity, and emerging manufacturing technologies.
• Lead the vision, development, and continuous enhancement of the Industry 4.0 Lab, ensuring demonstrations remain relevant, innovative, and aligned with evolving industry needs.
• Design and deliver hands‑on training, workshops, educational programs, and experiential learning opportunities for manufacturers, educators, workforce partners, and students.
• Develop engaging demonstrations, presentations, tours, and technology showcases for industry leaders, government officials, educators, and other visitors.
• Partner with manufacturers to identify opportunities for automation, modernization, process improvement, and digital transformation.
• Support manufacturing optimization and applied technology projects through technical consultation, evaluation of emerging technologies, and practical implementation strategies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, technology providers, educational institutions, workforce organizations, economic development partners, and government agencies.
• Represent IALR at conferences, technical committees, industry associations, and professional organizations.
• Contribute to grants, contracts, strategic initiatives, and organizational projects by providing technical expertise and stakeholder support.
• Track, analyze, and communicate program outcomes, project metrics, and impact data.
• Manage multiple initiatives while balancing strategic priorities, technical execution, stakeholder engagement, and program deliverables.

Skills

Robotics

Automation

Industrial Controls

PLCs

Industrial Networking

Communication

Training Delivery

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical/Industrial Technology or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

FANUC Certification

Job description

Job Details

Location: The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research - Danville, VA 24540

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: 4 Year Degree

Salary: $106,200.00 - $113,900.00 / year

Travel: Up to 25%

Job Shift: Day

Job Category: Manufacturing

Due to the nature of the work environment, candidates must be a US person as defined by US export control regulations and eligible to access controlled unclassified information (CUI).

Pay, Perks, and Benefits

• Annual Salary of $106,200 - $113,900
• Retirement benefits are provided through the Virginia Retirement System with employer match.
• Generous time off is provided, including vacation, paid sick leave, and paid family leave after one year.
• Paid holidays are provided, including a two week paid winter break.
• Anthem PPO and HSA health plans are offered, with excellent dental options.

Shape the Future of Manufacturing

Are you passionate about robotics, automation, Industry 4.0, and the future of advanced manufacturing? The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is seeking a strategic and technically skilled Manager, Digital Manufacturing to lead the continued growth and evolution of the Center for Manufacturing Advancement's Industry 4.0 Lab.

In this role, you will serve as a recognized subject matter expert, helping manufacturers, educators, students, workforce partners, and community stakeholders understand and adopt emerging manufacturing technologies. You will combine technical expertise, industry engagement, workforce development, and innovation leadership to advance digital manufacturing across the region and beyond.

What You Will Do

• Serve as the primary technical expert in digital manufacturing, Industry 4.0, automation, robotics, industrial connectivity, and emerging manufacturing technologies.
• Lead the vision, development, and continuous enhancement of the Industry 4.0 Lab, ensuring demonstrations remain relevant, innovative, and aligned with evolving industry needs.
• Design and deliver hands‑on training, workshops, educational programs, and experiential learning opportunities for manufacturers, educators, workforce partners, and students.
• Develop engaging demonstrations, presentations, tours, and technology showcases for industry leaders, government officials, educators, and other visitors.
• Partner with manufacturers to identify opportunities for automation, modernization, process improvement, and digital transformation.
• Support manufacturing optimization and applied technology projects through technical consultation, evaluation of emerging technologies, and practical implementation strategies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, technology providers, educational institutions, workforce organizations, economic development partners, and government agencies.
• Represent IALR at conferences, technical committees, industry associations, and professional organizations.
• Contribute to grants, contracts, strategic initiatives, and organizational projects by providing technical expertise and stakeholder support.
• Track, analyze, and communicate program outcomes, project metrics, and impact data.
• Manage multiple initiatives while balancing strategic priorities, technical execution, stakeholder engagement, and program deliverables.

How You Will Help the Team

• Expand awareness and adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies across Virginia and beyond.
• Enhance IALR's position as a leader in digital manufacturing, workforce development, and manufacturing innovation.
• Strengthen industry partnerships and support manufacturers on their journey toward Industry 4.0 implementation.
• Inspire future manufacturing talent through innovative educational experiences and technology demonstrations.
• Ensure the Industry 4.0 Lab remains a premier destination for learning, collaboration, and innovation.

Qualifications: Your Knowledge and Expertise

• Strong knowledge of robotics, automation systems, industrial controls, PLCs, industrial networking, and smart manufacturing technologies.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Experience developing and delivering training, presentations, workshops, and technical demonstrations.
• Understanding of manufacturing operations, process optimization, and technology integration.
• Strong relationship‑building, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven ability to stay current on emerging technologies and translate innovations into practical applications.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronic Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five years of manufacturing experience with demonstrated expertise in robotics, automation, and process control.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting Allen‑Bradley PLC systems.
• Experience managing budgets and fiscal resources.
• Ability to travel as needed and represent the organization professionally.

Preferred Experience

• FANUC Robotics Certification.
• Certifications from FANUC, Yaskawa, Universal Robots, or similar automation platforms.
• Experience working for an automation systems integrator.
• Experience with mobile industrial robotics and autonomous manufacturing systems.
• Experience supporting grants, contracts, workforce development initiatives, or applied manufacturing projects.
• Candidates without a FANUC certification must be willing to obtain certification within one year of employment.

What Makes Working Here Different

At IALR, you will have the opportunity to directly influence the future of manufacturing through innovation, education, and industry engagement. You'll work with cutting‑edge technologies, collaborate with industry leaders, support transformational projects, and help develop the workforce needed for tomorrow's manufacturing economy.

This position offers a unique opportunity to combine technical expertise with leadership, innovation, workforce development, and industry impact in a highly collaborative environment dedicated to advancing manufacturing excellence.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.