Process & Automation Engineering Manager

Mountaintop Beverage; Morgantown (WV); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Mountaintop Beverage seeks a Process & Automation Engineering Manager to lead the engineering team, advancing manufacturing processes and automation systems across the facility. You will drive continuous improvement, develop talent, and deliver solutions that improve throughput, yield, and product quality.

The role partners with Operations, Maintenance, and Reliability to eliminate losses and ensure safety, quality, and efficiency while maintaining engineering standards and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Industrial, Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical) required.
• MBA preferred.
• At least 7 years of manufacturing engineering experience with leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Process & Automation Engineering team, including coaching and performance management.
• Prioritize resources to support manufacturing operations, improvements, and project execution.
• Own blending, aseptic processing and filling, and downline performance within operating parameters.
• Drive throughput, yield, quality, and equipment utilization through engineering excellence.
• Develop and maintain engineering standards, procedures, and specifications.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Reliability, and external vendors.
• Support commissioning, startup, validation, optimization, and lifecycle management of new systems.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, Food Safety, FDA, PMO, and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Process engineering

Automation systems

Controls architecture

Manufacturing technologies

GMP knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Problem solving

Communication skills

Technical documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

MBA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Engineering software

Job description

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.