Automation Engineering Manager

A leading provider of highly engineered springs, specialty fasteners, machined parts, and other precision components serving more than 45,000 customers in more than 35 countries. It’s more than 100,000 products are sold through a combination of direct sales, catalogs, and distributors to original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket customers in aerospace, medical, electronics, energy, agriculture, , and other sectors.

With 25 manufacturing facilities strategically located across the United States to support a diverse customer base, they employee a highly skilled, knowledgeable and motivated workforce dedicated to continual innovation, genuine value and exceptional service.

Job Summary

The Automation Engineering Manager will lead the MW Innovation Center (MIV) — a cross-functional engineering group focused on advancing automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing technologies across MW Components’ business units. This role serves as both a hands-on engineering leader and strategic project manager, driving the identification, development, and implementation of automation solutions that improve safety, quality, and efficiency throughout our operations.

The ideal candidate is a technically proficient, experienced engineer with a strong background in industrial automation, robotics integration, and project leadership. They will provide structure, guidance, and mentorship to a young team of engineers while building alignment and engagement with General Managers and site leaders to ensure the successful execution and adoption of MIV projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and mentor a team of early-career engineers (Mechanical, Software, and Automation disciplines), providing coaching, structure, and clear accountability.
• Foster collaboration, problem-solving, and professional growth within a diverse and developing engineering team.
• Instill a culture of ownership, follow-through, and continuous improvement.
• Manage team workload, project assignments, and performance expectations.

Automation Strategy & Project Management

• Drive identification, evaluation, and execution of automation and robotics opportunities across MW Components’ business units.
• Partner with General Managers, Presidents, and Engineering leaders to define priorities, project scope, timelines, and ROI expectations.
• Translate conceptual automation ideas into actionable engineering solutions.
• Oversee project lifecycle — from concept and design through implementation, validation, and handoff to operations.
• Ensure consistent documentation, process control, and knowledge sharing across projects.
• Establish metrics to measure project effectiveness and utilization of automation assets.

Technical Execution & Oversight

• Apply hands-on experience in designing, programming, and integrating automation systems, robotics, controls, and supporting equipment.
• Guide the team in selecting hardware, PLCs, sensors, robots, and vision systems suited to specific manufacturing applications.
• Review and validate engineering designs, electrical schematics, control logic, and safety interlocks.
• Support troubleshooting and continuous optimization of installed systems.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with divisional and site-level Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, and Quality teams to ensure automation projects meet production needs and business goals.
• Build trust and alignment with site leadership by demonstrating credibility, communication, and results.
• Serve as the central liaison between MIV and the business units to promote adoption and return on automation investments.
• Partner with suppliers, integrators, and technology vendors as needed to support complex automation implementations.

Education, Experience & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (or related field) required.
• 8 years of engineering experience in industrial automation, robotics, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• 3 years of leadership or project management experience within a technical or engineering organization.
• Strong knowledge of automation system design, robotics integration, PLC programming, motion control, and vision systems.
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering initiatives and implementing automation projects from concept through production.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor early-career engineers.
• Proven success influencing stakeholders and driving adoption of new technologies within manufacturing operations.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and presentation skills.
• Working knowledge of safety standards, risk assessments, and industrial controls.