Sr. Program Manager - Automation

ArtiFlex Manufacturing, Inc; Wyoming (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Comprehensive Health & Welfare plans

Annual performance bonus

Job summary

AutoMatrix, an ArtiFlex company, is seeking a Senior Program Manager for Automation Systems to lead multiple 5M+ automation programs from concept through customer acceptance. You’ll own technical execution, customer satisfaction, financial performance, quality, and schedule, collaborating across Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and Operations.

Responsibilities include managing budgets and risks, driving FAT/SAT milestones, and delivering continuous improvement in project management.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of program or project management experience in automation, machine building, capital equipment, manufacturing, or a similar technical industry.
• Strong understanding of industrial automation systems, controls integration, robotics, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with program management best practices and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple complex automation programs through the complete project lifecycle.
• Build trusted customer relationships and serve as the primary program contact.
• Partner with Engineering, Controls, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, and Operations to deliver automation solutions.
• Own program budgets, forecasting, profitability, scope changes, and commercial performance.
• Proactively manage technical, operational, commercial, and financial risks.
• Lead key milestones including design reviews, FAT, SAT, launch, and final customer acceptance.
• Drive continuous improvement in program execution and project management processes.

Skills

Program management

Automation systems

Customer relationships

Budgets & forecasting

Leadership

Risk management

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

APQP

Job description

Senior Program Manager – Automation Systems

Lead Complex Automation Programs. Drive Customer Success. Own the Business.

At AutoMatrix, we don't just build automation systems— we build solutions that solve complex manufacturing challenges.

What You'll Do

You’ll have full ownership of multiple custom automation programs valued at $5M+, leading them from PO issuance through customer acceptance. You’ll be accountable for technical execution, customer satisfaction, financial performance, quality, and schedule.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple complex automation programs through the complete project lifecycle.
• Build trusted customer relationships and serve as the primary program contact.
• Partner with Engineering, Controls, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, and Operations to deliver successful automation solutions.
• Own program budgets, forecasting, profitability, scope changes, and commercial performance.
• Proactively manage technical, operational, commercial, and financial risks.
• Lead key milestones including design reviews, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), launch, and final customer acceptance.
• Drive continuous improvement in program execution and project management processes.

What You'll Bring

• A technical foundation developed through experience in Controls Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Integration, Manufacturing Engineering, or another related technical discipline. You understand automation because you've lived it and can confidently participate in engineering discussions, ask the right questions, and challenge assumptions when needed.
• 7+ years of program or project management experience in automation, machine building, capital equipment, manufacturing, or a similar technical industry.
• Proven success leading large, complex customer programs from concept through launch, including ownership of budgets, profitability, schedules, risks, and customer expectations.
• Strong understanding of industrial automation systems, controls integration, robotics, manufacturing processes, and system commissioning.
• Experience with program management best practices, APQP, risk management, and driving continuous improvement.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to influence cross‑functional teams and executive stakeholders.

Why AutoMatrix?

You’ll have the opportunity to lead challenging automation programs that require both technical expertise and strategic business thinking. Our teams work collaboratively to solve complex manufacturing problems, and you’ll play a key role in shaping solutions for some of our most important customers.

This role offers significant autonomy, the opportunity to influence business decisions, and the chance to work alongside talented engineers, project teams, and manufacturing professionals who are passionate about delivering exceptional automation solutions.

Work Environment

This position works in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment that includes office, engineering, manufacturing, and customer locations. Candidates should be comfortable working both at a desk and on the shop floor while supporting automation system builds and customer activities.

Travel

Travel is required based on project and customer needs, approximately 5–10%, including occasional international travel.

Who We Are

AutoMatrix, an ArtiFlex company, designs and builds custom automation systems that improve manufacturing productivity, quality, and efficiency. Our teams combine engineering expertise, innovation, and craftsmanship to deliver world‑class automation solutions for customers across a wide range of industries.

Benefits & Employee Ownership

ArtiFlex employees are ArtiFlex owners with our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). We provide a full array of Health and Welfare plans including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Long & Short-Term Disability, Life, Flexible Spending or Health Savings Accounts, 401(k) with Company Matching, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, Annual Bonus, Tuition Reimbursement, Prescription Safety Glasses Reimbursement, Tool Purchase Program, Career Development, Training, Vehicle Purchase Supplier Discount, Company Events, Celebrations, and more!