Manufacturing Automation Engineering Lead

Socket.dev

Wichita (KS)

On-site

USD 140,000 - 190,000

Full time

14 days+

Get more replies from employers

Send a job-specific resume in minutes.

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Paid vacation/holidays/sick time

Comprehensive benefits including 401K,

On the job/cross training

Encouraging and collaborative team

Job summary

BOSCH-HC in Wichita, KS is seeking a Manufacturing Automation Engineering Lead to drive development and continuous improvement of automation systems across operations. You will advance productivity, quality, safety, and cost through robotics, PLC-based controls, and Industry 4.0 solutions.

You will collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, IT, and leadership to meet business goals and lead capital projects from concept to production launch while upholding safety and compliance standards.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or combination education and experience.
7+ years of manufacturing engineering, controls engineering, automation, or related experience.
2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
Experience managing automation and capital equipment projects.
Strong knowledge of industrial automation systems, including PLCs, HMI/SCADA, robotics, vision systems, industrial networking, and MES.

Responsibilities

Lead development and implementation of automation roadmaps aligned with business objectives.
Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, throughput, and cost through automation.
Oversee capital projects involving robotics, automated assembly, material handling, vision systems, and process automation.
Manage equipment specifications, vendor selection, procurement, installation, and commissioning.
Ensure project execution from concept through production launch and sustainment.

Skills

PLC Programming & Troubleshooting

Robotics Integration

Vision Inspection Systems

SCADA/MES Systems

Industrial Ethernet Networks

Data Analytics & KPIs

Machine Safety Standards

Capital Project Management

Lean & Six Sigma

Root Cause Analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Job Summary

The Manufacturing Automation Engineering Lead drives the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automation systems within manufacturing operations. This position is responsible for driving productivity, quality, safety, and cost improvements through the deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies, robotics, PLC-based controls, industrial networking, and Industry 4.0 solutions. The lead collaborates with operations, maintenance, quality, IT, and plant leadership to achieve business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

Work with, develop, and possibly mentor teammates and or manufacturing engineers.
Establish departmental goals, priorities, and resource plans.
Support the management of engineering budgets, staffing, and contractor resources.
Foster a culture of innovation, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Automation Strategy & Implementation

Develop and execute manufacturing automation roadmaps aligned with business objectives.
Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, throughput, and cost through automation.
Lead capital projects involving robotics, automated assembly, material handling systems, vision systems, and process automation.
Manage equipment specifications, vendor selection, procurement, installation, and commissioning activities.
Ensure successful project execution from concept through production launch.

Controls & Industrial Systems

Oversee design and support of PLC, HMI, SCADA, and industrial network systems.
Establish controls standards and best practices across manufacturing facilities.
Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of automation-related equipment issues.
Ensure cybersecurity considerations are incorporated into industrial control systems.

Continuous Improvement

Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and TPM methodologies to drive operational excellence.
Analyze production performance and implement process improvements.
Lead initiatives focused on OEE improvement, downtime reduction, cycle time optimization, and quality enhancement.
Support digital transformation and smart manufacturing initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and IT to achieve manufacturing goals.
Coordinate with equipment suppliers, integrators, and external contractors.
Present project updates and business cases to senior leadership.

Compliance & Safety

Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and company safety requirements.
Incorporate machine safety standards into automation system designs.
Support risk assessments, safety audits, and regulatory compliance activities.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Automation, or related field) or combination education and experience.
7+ years of manufacturing engineering, controls engineering, automation, or related experience.
2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
Experience managing automation and capital equipment projects.
Strong knowledge of industrial automation systems, including:
- PLC programming (Rockwell, Siemens, Mitsubishi, etc.)
- HMI and SCADA systems
- Robotics and Vision Systems
- Industrial networking and communication protocols
- Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, or Business Administration.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Experience with Industry 4.0, IoT, AI-driven manufacturing analytics, and digital transformation initiatives.
Experience in aerospace, automotive, electronics, consumer products, or high-volume manufacturing environments.

Technical Skills

PLC Programming and Troubleshooting
Robotics Integration
Vision Inspection Systems
SCADA/MES Systems
Industrial Ethernet Networks
Data Analytics and Manufacturing KPIs
Machine Safety Standards
Capital Project Management
Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma
Root Cause Analysis

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
Production Throughput
Automation Project ROI
Manufacturing Cost Reduction
Downtime Reduction
First Pass Yield (FPY)
Safety Performance
Capital Project Schedule and Budget Performance

Leadership Competencies

Strategic Thinking
Project Management
Team Development
Change Management
Problem Solving
Communication and Influence
Continuous Improvement Mindset
Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work Environment

Manufacturing production floor and professional office environment.
Occasional travel may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability / veterans

*Bosch adheres to Federal, State, and Local laws regarding drug-testing. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug screen and background check. Candidates who have been offered the position must pass both screenings before their start date.

Your well-being matters at Bosch! We offer a competitive compensation and a benefits package designed to empower you in every area of your life. This includes premium health coverage, a 401(k) with generous matching, resources for financial planning and goal setting, ample paid time off, parental leave, and comprehensive life and disability protection. We're investing in your success!

#LI-CB1

Company Overview

“Build your best future with BOSCH-HC.” Join a winning team that enables you to build your best future! Our teams are uniquely positioned to support a multitude of industries across the globe. You will have the opportunity to develop yourself through meaningful work projects and learning opportunities. We strive to provide our employees with an experience focused on supporting their physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing.