Process & Automation Engineering Manager

Socket.dev; Morgantown (WV); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a Process & Automation Engineering Manager to lead the Process & Automation Engineering team and partner with Operations and Maintenance to optimize manufacturing processes and automation systems.

The role focuses on improving throughput, yield, process stability, and equipment capability while ensuring compliance with GMP and food safety standards across the facility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required (Industrial, Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical).
• MBA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Process & Automation Engineering team, including coaching, development, succession planning, recruiting, onboarding, and performance management.
• Prioritize engineering resources and daily activities to support manufacturing operations, continuous improvement initiatives, and project execution.
• Own blending, aseptic processing and filling, and downline performance, ensuring processes operate safely, consistently, and within established operating parameters.
• Drive improvements in throughput, yield, process stability, product quality, equipment utilization, and overall manufacturing performance through engineering excellence and structured problem solving.
• Lead the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of controls and automation systems, including automation standards, programming standards, and manufacturing technology solutions.
• Develop and maintain technical standards, engineering best practices, process documentation, specifications, and operating procedures supporting manufacturing operations.
• Partner with Operations and Maintenance & Reliability to eliminate chronic process and equipment losses while maintaining ownership of process capability and automation systems.
• Analyze manufacturing performance data and provide technical recommendations that improve safety, quality, efficiency, reliability, and operational performance.
• Support the commissioning, startup, validation, optimization, and lifecycle management of new process and automation systems.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement emerging technologies, automation solutions, and engineering improvements that enhance manufacturing capability and business performance.
• Collaborate with Technical Operations, Maintenance, Production and external vendors to coordinate priorities, resources, and execution plans that support business objectives.
• Ensure compliance with engineering policies, technical standards, SQF, Food Safety requirements, and all applicable regulatory and company standards.
• Communicate project timelines, critical updates, and team priorities on a weekly basis.

Skills

Manufacturing engineering experience

Leadership

Process engineering

Automation systems

Controls architecture

Manufacturing technologies

GMP/Food Safety knowledge

Project management

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

MBA

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Role Impact:

The Process & Automation Engineering Manager provides day-to-day leadership for Process Engineers and Controls Engineers while supporting the design, optimization, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes and automation systems. This role is responsible for executing the Process & Automation Engineering strategy, developing engineering talent, and delivering technical solutions that improve throughput, yield, process stability, and equipment capability.

The position is a part of the Technical Operations team and partners closely with Production and Maintenance to support operational performance, troubleshoot technical challenges, and implement sustainable improvements across the manufacturing facility.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Process & Automation Engineering team, including coaching, development, succession planning, recruiting, onboarding, and performance management.
• Prioritize engineering resources and daily activities to support manufacturing operations, continuous improvement initiatives, and project execution.
• Own blending, aseptic processing and filling, and downline performance, ensuring processes operate safely, consistently, and within established operating parameters.
• Drive improvements in throughput, yield, process stability, product quality, equipment utilization, and overall manufacturing performance through engineering excellence and structured problem solving.
• Lead the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of controls and automation systems, including automation standards, programming standards, and manufacturing technology solutions.
• Develop and maintain technical standards, engineering best practices, process documentation, specifications, and operating procedures supporting manufacturing operations.
• Partner with Operations and Maintenance & Reliability to eliminate chronic process and equipment losses while maintaining ownership of process capability and automation systems.
• Analyze manufacturing performance data and provide technical recommendations that improve safety, quality, efficiency, reliability, and operational performance.
• Support the commissioning, startup, validation, optimization, and lifecycle management of new process and automation systems.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement emerging technologies, automation solutions, and engineering improvements that enhance manufacturing capability and business performance.
• Collaborate with Technical Operations, Maintenance, Production and external vendors to coordinate priorities, resources, and execution plans that support business objectives.
• Ensure compliance with engineering policies, technical standards, SQF, Food Safety requirements, and all applicable regulatory and company standards.
• Communicate project timelines, critical updates, and team priorities on a weekly basis.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Oversee the strategic and tactical workflow of the Process & Automation Engineering function.
• Recruit, develop, and retain Process and Controls Engineering team members.
• Assign and prioritize work based on business needs, technical expertise, and operational priorities.
• Provide leadership and coaching to build technical capability, strengthen problem solving, and support continuous improvement.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required (Industrial, Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical).
• MBA preferred.

Experience & Skills

• At least 7 years of manufacturing engineering experience, including leadership of technical teams preferred.
• Strong knowledge of process engineering, automation systems, controls architecture, and manufacturing technologies; aseptic, UHT, and beverage manufacturing experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success improving throughput, yield, quality, process stability, and overall operational performance through engineering and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience supporting commissioning, startup, optimization, and troubleshooting of manufacturing processes and automation systems.
• Working knowledge of GMP, Food Safety, FDA, PMO, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical, project management, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to effectively partner across Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering functions.
• Proficiency with engineering software, manufacturing systems, Microsoft Office, and technical documentation standards

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  
• Must be able to move throughout a manufacturing facility, including production, utility, and equipment areas.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to safely work around industrial equipment, automation systems, electrical components, and manufacturing processes.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with all facility safety requirements.
• Ability to occasionally work extended hours or adjust schedules to support commissioning, startup activities, troubleshooting, and operational needs.
• Must be able to work with equipment that contains electric magnetic components.