Senior Automation Program Lead: Manufacturing Transformation

Confidentiel; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidentiel is seeking a Senior Automation Program Manager to lead manufacturing automation and capital equipment projects from concept through commissioning across North American facilities. The role drives the transition from manual processes to scalable automated solutions, including robotic welding, chassis fabrication, fiberglass manufacturing, machine tending, and automated assembly.

The ideal candidate combines manufacturing engineering expertise with program management, capital

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 10+ years in manufacturing engineering, automation, advanced manufacturing, or industrial engineering.
• At least 5 years leading projects or programs for complex technical initiatives.
• Proven success leading automation projects from concept through commissioning and production launch.
• Experience transitioning traditional, low-volume/high-mix manual manufacturing to automated production processes.
• Proven ability to develop capital expenditure proposals, evaluate ROI, manage budgets, and present to leadership.
• Experience working with external automation vendors, equipment manufacturers, or system integrators.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, Lean principles, and continuous improvement.
• Working knowledge of industrial automation safety standards (RIA, ANSI, ISO, IEEE, NFPA).
• Willingness to travel extensively to North American facilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple manufacturing automation projects simultaneously from opportunity identification through commissioning and production launch.
• Develop CapEx proposals with financial justifications, cost estimates, and robust business cases.
• Drive Lean manufacturing improvements to enhance flow, reduce waste, and improve quality.
• Manage system integrators and equipment suppliers; RFQs, vendor reviews, and acceptance testing.
• Lead cross-functional programs with manufacturing engineering, operations, quality, safety, maintenance, finance, and plant leadership.
• Maintain project scope, budget, timelines, resources, PO management, and milestones per standards.
• Support production readiness through validated equipment designs, installation, and ramp-up.
• Facilitate workshops to define scope, evaluate technologies, and establish preliminary cost estimates.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline

Job description

Confidentiel is seeking a Senior Automation Program Manager to lead manufacturing automation and capital equipment projects from concept through commissioning across North American facilities. The role drives the transition from manual processes to scalable automated solutions, including robotic welding, chassis fabrication, fiberglass manufacturing, machine tending, and automated assembly.

The ideal candidate combines manufacturing engineering expertise with program management, capital