Senior AI & Automation Program Manager - Manufacturing

McKinstry Company; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 191,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off & holidays

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

McKinstry is seeking a Senior Program Manager - AI and Automation to lead the pipeline of automation and AI initiatives for the Offsite Manufacturing division in Seattle, WA. The role drives discovery, evaluation, pilots, and full-scale deployment with cross-functional teams, delivering measurable business value.

The position requires deep experience in manufacturing automation and applied AI, plus the ability to build a robust business case and manage complex projects end-to-end.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field is required.
• Demonstrated experience taking technology from evaluation through pilot to production deployment.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing automation such as robotics, material handling, machine vision, sensors, PLC/controls integration.
• Strong ability to build and defend a quantified business case (ROI, payback, cost of ownership).

Responsibilities

• Own the pipeline for automation and AI initiatives, translating business needs into evaluated candidates and pilots.
• Design pilots with explicit hypotheses, success criteria, budget, and end date.
• Coordinate with Manufacturing Engineering for implementation and track benefits post-deployment.
• Present recommendations and secure sponsorship from the business function.

Skills

Manufacturing automation

AI/ML knowledge

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Vendor management

PMI certification

Lean methods

Collaborative communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

PLC/controls integration

Industrial robotics

Machine vision

Sensors

Job description

McKinstry is seeking a Senior Program Manager - AI and Automation to lead the pipeline of automation and AI initiatives for the Offsite Manufacturing division in Seattle, WA. The role drives discovery, evaluation, pilots, and full-scale deployment with cross-functional teams, delivering measurable business value.

The position requires deep experience in manufacturing automation and applied AI, plus the ability to build a robust business case and manage complex projects end-to-end.