Manager Digital Manufacturing Systems

generac; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Generac is seeking a Manager of Digital Manufacturing Systems to drive the vision, strategy, and execution of the digital factory ecosystem. You will lead initiatives across MES, connected worker solutions, data platforms, and analytics to boost safety, quality, productivity, and operational performance.

You will partner with Operations, Engineering, and IT to deliver real-time visibility and scalable digital solutions, enabling operational excellence and future Industry 4.0 readiness across the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Information Systems, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years supporting manufacturing systems within a discrete manufacturing environment.
• Ability to travel to manufacturing sites (approximately 20-50%).
• Experience leading cross-functional digital transformation or manufacturing systems initiatives.
• Proven ability to convert operational challenges into scalable technology solutions.

Responsibilities

• Own and advance the Digital Factory roadmap across manufacturing operations.
• Define scalable architectures for MES, connected worker technologies, data platforms, and analytics.
• Align digital initiatives with Lean manufacturing, operational excellence, and enterprise transformation goals.
• Drive standardized, repeatable solutions while supporting site-specific business needs.
• Lead integration of manufacturing systems with ERP, PLM, QMS, SCADA, PLC, and enterprise data platforms.
• Establish data standards that support analytics, AI, and automation initiatives.
• Build the digital foundation required for future Industry 4.0 initiatives.

Skills

Digital manufacturing

Lean manufacturing

Cross-functional leadership

Manufacturing systems

Industrial data platforms

Automation

Analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Manufacturing/Information Systems

Tools

Tulip

Ignition

Job description

We believe power is a promise - a shared commitment to be there for others when it matters most.

For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen businesses and build a more resilient, efficient, sustainable energy future.

Ready to Power a Smarter World with us?

The Manager, Digital Manufacturing Systems leads the vision, strategy, and execution of Generac's digital factory ecosystem. This role drives the adoption of manufacturing technologies including MES, connected worker solutions, industrial data platforms, and advanced analytics to improve safety, quality, productivity, and operational performance.

This leader will partner across Operations, Engineering, and IT to build scalable digital solutions that enable real-time visibility, operational excellence, and the future of smart manufacturing.

Major Responsibilities:

Digital Factory Strategy & Roadmap

Own and advance the Digital Factory roadmap across manufacturing operations.

Define scalable architectures for MES, connected worker technologies, data platforms, and analytics.

Align digital initiatives with Lean manufacturing, operational excellence, and enterprise transformation goals.

Drive standardized, repeatable solutions while supporting site-specific business needs.

Manufacturing Execution & Digital Shop-Floor Enablement

• Work order execution and production flow
• Electronic work instructions and standard work
• Routing, sequencing, and changeover efficiency
• Production, labor, and equipment visibility
• Downtime, exceptions, and issue escalation management

Partner with Operations and Industrial Engineering to digitize processes and improve shop-floor execution.

Connected Worker & Human-Centered Design

Implement technologies that enhance safety, quality, and productivity.

Ensure digital tools are intuitive, effective, and adopted by frontline teams.

Support digital capability development for operators and supervisors.

Quality, Traceability & Closed-Loop Improvement

Drive digital quality management including defect tracking, corrective actions, and issue resolution.

Enable product and process traceability across manufacturing operations.

Create closed-loop systems that connect quality insights to continuous improvement.

Data, Analytics & Performance Visibility

Build the foundation for real-time manufacturing visibility and decision-making.

Enable performance metrics including OEE, throughput, cycle time, downtime, scrap, and labor efficiency.

Automate data collection and reporting to improve accuracy and speed.

Provide leaders with trusted data to support operational excellence.

System Integration & Digital Architecture

Lead integration of manufacturing systems with ERP, PLM, QMS, SCADA, PLC, and enterprise data platforms.

Ensure solutions are secure, scalable, and reliable across sites.

Establish data standards that support analytics, AI, and automation initiatives.

Automation & Industry 4.0 Enablement

Help prepare manufacturing operations for advanced automation and smart factory capabilities.

Collaborate with Engineering and IT/OT teams on robotics, connected equipment, and advanced controls.

Build the digital foundation required for future Industry 4.0 initiatives.

Governance, Change Management & Adoption

Establish standards, governance, and best practices for digital manufacturing systems.

Drive adoption through training, communication, and partnership with plant leadership.

Serve as a key escalation point for critical digital manufacturing issues.

Team, Program & Vendor Leadership

Lead and develop a team of digital manufacturing professionals.

Manage external technology partners, vendors, and system integrators.

Own program budgets, timelines, and project delivery.

Prioritize initiatives based on business impact, strategic value, and operational needs.

Minimum Job Requirements:

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Information Systems, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Work Experience

5+ years supporting manufacturing systems within a discrete manufacturing environment.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Ability to travel to manufacturing sites (approximately 20-50%).

Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production execution, and Lean principles.

Experience leading cross-functional digital transformation or manufacturing systems initiatives.

Proven ability to convert operational challenges into scalable technology solutions.

Preferred Job Requirements:

Work Experience

Experience managing large-scale programs, portfolios, or digital transformation initiatives.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Experience with digital manufacturing platforms such as Tulip and Ignition.

Knowledge of ISA-95 standards and manufacturing systems architecture.

Experience supporting high-mix, configurable, or engineered-to-order manufacturing.

Prior leadership experience managing technical or manufact