What are the responsibilities and job description for the Automation Manager position at Hitchiner Manufacturing?
Prime Responsibilities and Major Factors in Evaluating Performance:
1.Explore, conceptualize, prototype, evaluate, validate, launch and iterate new mechanical, electro-mechanical and other innovative technologies and methodologies that have the potential to significantly improve safety, manufacturing efficiencies, quality, integration and throughput.
2.Achieve cost savings through leveraging vertical integration efforts, opportunities crossing plant boundaries, etc.
3.Review existing automation and lead the efforts to identify opportunities to improve overall safety, manufacturing efficiencies, quality, integration and throughput.
4.Work with finance group to develop capital justification and process request through approvals
5.Work with Procurement when evaluating equipment suppliers, negotiating contracts and managing financial milestones and assist in writing performance requirements for potential automation projects.
6.Develop specifications for automated equipment.
7.Define, implement and enforce methodologies, standards and policies for deployed projects.
8.Implement the use of automation for various production applications
9.Identify, communicate, and gain consensus on needed technical resources for deployment and sustainment of automation projects. Provide “technical” leadership from deployment onward to those resources within the Hitchiner matrix organizational structure.
10.Train shop floor personnel and maintenance/engineering technicians on the operation and troubleshooting of automated equipment.
11.The Automation Manager will liaise with Manufacturing, Facilities, Process Development, Quality Assurance, Research, and Project Management in developing requirements and recommendations for automation system modifications/upgrades/retrofits.
12.Meet regularly with plant leaders to influence growth or new process and equipment technologies and methodologies across the organizations.
13.Working with the Production, Maintenance, and Engineering departments, as well as outside contractors to troubleshoot problems on the production line to minimize downtime and to support continuous process improvement
14.Collaborate with all functions, including R&D throughout equipment development
15.Develop process automation strategy. Communicate the strategy and gain its understanding amongst all stakeholders. Execute against that strategy.
16.Develop and design infrastructure processes to ensure tracking, documentation and upgrades to all equipment
Additional Responsibilities:
1.Provide oversight, leadership and support for the US and international facilities, as requested.
2.Observe the Hitchiner code of conduct, safety and quality principles.
3.Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Acceptable Qualifications:
1. B.S. degree in Engineering, Robotics, or related discipline
2. A minimum of 10 years’ experience in the specification, development, testing, integration, and validation of automated manufacturing equipment
3. Working knowledge of system communications and ability to configure system interfaces via industry standards, e.g., OPC, XML, Modbus, etc.
4. Working knowledge in the test and use of diagnostic equipment.
5. Ability to manage multiple projects
6. Lean Six Sigma experience – Green Belt preferred or Black Belt
7. Microsoft Office proficiency required
8. Ability to effectively present technical information and communicate with all levels of the organization.
9. Significant experience in industrial type equipment.
10. Ability to think beyond standard engineering solutions and move the organization forward with minimal supervision is necessary for this position.
We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or handicap, or any other legally protected status. EOE/Veterans/Disabled are encouraged to apply.
