Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Elite Recruiting; Fairborn (OH); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Elite Recruiting is seeking a Sector Lead, Manufacturing Automation in Fairborn, OH to guide strategy, deployment, and scaling of automation across aerospace and defense programs.

You will bridge manufacturing engineering, digital systems, and operations, drive factory modernization, integrate robotics, AI, and Industry 4.0 tech to improve productivity, quality, and cost efficiency. Travel up to 30% and security clearance required.

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years in manufacturing or automation.
• Leadership experience in aerospace, defense, or regulated environments.
• Expertise in automation systems, robotics, and smart manufacturing technologies.
• Experience with Industry 4.0 and digital manufacturing initiatives.
• Proven track record in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Lean Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt) preferred.
• Experience with MES/ERP systems is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end manufacturing automation strategy, roadmap, and execution.
• Design and deploy automation solutions across production.
• Improve throughput, efficiency, and first-time quality.
• Partner with engineering to integrate digital manufacturing systems.
• Support production ramp-up, NPI, and scaling of automated systems.
• Establish and track KPIs (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost).
• Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, engineering, quality, and supply chain.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams, driving automation innovation.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Automation strategy

Cross-functional collaboration

Lean manufacturing

Digital transformation

Project management

Tools

MES/ERP systems

Robotics/automation tools

Job description

Job Title: Sector Lead, Manufacturing Automation

Location: Fairborn, OH

About

Our client delivers advanced engineering, manufacturing, and digital transformation solutions supporting DoD and aerospace clients. The organization focuses on smart manufacturing, automation, and Industry 4.0 technologies to enhance production efficiency, quality, and mission readiness.

Position Overview

The Sector Lead, Manufacturing Automation, will lead the strategy, deployment, and scaling of automation solutions across aerospace and defense manufacturing programs. This role is responsible for driving factory modernization initiatives, integrating robotics, AI, and advanced automation systems to improve production performance, quality, and cost efficiency. This leader will bridge manufacturing engineering, digital systems, and operational execution to enable next-generation automated production environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end manufacturing automation strategy, roadmap, and execution
• Design and deploy automation solutions
• Improve throughput, efficiency, and first-time quality across production lines
• Partner with engineering to integrate digital manufacturing systems
• Support production ramp-up, NPI, and scaling of automated systems
• Establish and track KPIs (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost)
• Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, engineering, quality, and supply chain
• Lead and develop high-performing teams, driving automation innovation

Required Qualifications

• 10--15+ years in manufacturing, automation, or production engineering
• Leadership experience in aerospace, defense, or highly regulated environments
• Strong expertise in automation systems, robotics, and smart manufacturing technologies
• Experience with Industry 4.0 and digital manufacturing initiatives
• Proven track record in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
• Lean Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt) preferred
• Experience with MES/ERP systems is a strong plus

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to attain a United States Security Clearance
• Ability to travel 30% of the time