Manufacturing & Automation Manager

SkyWater Search Partners; Little Canada (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SkyWater Search Partners partners with a well-established manufacturer in the Twin Cities to identify an Automation & Manufacturing Manager who will lead a multidisciplinary engineering team and drive robotics and automation initiatives across operations.

The ideal candidate has a strong engineering foundation, 10+ years in manufacturing with 4+ years in leadership, proven project delivery, and a passion for Lean and continuous improvement to raise productivity and quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in engineering.
• 10+ years of manufacturing experience; 4+ years leading a team.
• Experience implementing industrial automation, robotics, or manufacturing engineering projects.
• Experience leading capital projects from concept through production handoff.
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience.
• Strong communication and change-management skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders across levels and adapt to changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of mechanical, electrical, and robotics engineers.
• Drive manufacturing automation initiatives from concept through implementation, commissioning, and handoff.
• Oversee robotics and automation projects across CNC machining, injection molding, laser marking, and related processes.
• Lead capital projects and new-product introductions aligned with priorities and objectives.
• Champion Lean manufacturing and continuous-improvement initiatives.
• Establish standards, processes, and documentation to support automation improvements.
• Partner with stakeholders to prioritize projects and implement organizational change.
• Balance strategic leadership with hands-on shop-floor engagement.

Skills

Team leadership

Project leadership

Lean manufacturing

Change management

Stakeholder influence

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

We are partnering with a well-established manufacturer in the Twin Cities metro to identify an Automation & Manufacturing Manager. This is an opportunity to lead a talented engineering team, accelerate robotics and automation initiatives, and drive meaningful improvements across manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate brings a strong technical foundation, proven project leadership, and the ability to build a culture of continuous improvement while collaborating across the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a team of mechanical, electrical, and robotics engineers, providing direction, coaching, and support while removing roadblocks to execution.
• Drive manufacturing automation initiatives from concept through implementation, commissioning, and production handoff.
• Oversee robotics and automation projects involving CNC machine tending, injection molding, laser marking, and related production processes.
• Lead capital projects and new-product introduction initiatives, ensuring alignment with operational priorities, timelines, and business objectives.
• Champion Lean manufacturing and continuous-improvement initiatives to improve productivity, quality, efficiency, and process consistency.
• Establish standards, processes, and documentation to support sustainable automation and operational improvements.
• Partner with manufacturing, engineering, and cross‑functional stakeholders to prioritize projects and implement organizational change.
• Maintain a balance of strategic leadership, project management, and hands‑on engagement with shop‑floor operations.

Desired Skills And Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in engineering.
• 10+ years of manufacturing experience. 4+ years managing a team.
• Demonstrated experience implementing industrial automation, robotics, or manufacturing engineering projects.
• Experience leading capital projects from initial concept through implementation and production handoff.
• Leadership or project leadership experience, with the ability to develop technical talent and drive accountability.
• Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or related operational excellence methodologies.
• Strong communication, collaboration, prioritization, and change‑management skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and adapt to changing business and production priorities.