Manager Manufacturing Automation and Controls Engineering

About the Role

Flex is seeking a Manager of Manufacturing Automation & Controls Engineering to lead automation strategy and execution for our medical device manufacturing operation in Buffalo Grove Illinois.

This mission-critical position reports to the Director of Automation this highly visible leadership role you will guide a team of automation engineers controls engineers and technical specialists responsible for automated manufacturing systems that drive safety quality reliability compliance and operational excellence. You will play a critical role in shaping the sites long-term automation roadmap leading advanced manufacturing technologies including PLCs robotics machine vision motion control industrial networking SCADA MES integration and Industry 4.0 initiatives. This position is ideal for an engineering leader who combines strong technical expertise with strategic vision team development skills and a passion for building world-class manufacturing systems within a highly regulated environment.

What Youll Do

Lead Automation Strategy

• Define and execute the sites automation and manufacturing technology roadmap.
• Develop standards for controls architecture software lifecycle management cybersecurity backup strategies and hardware standardization.
• Drive adoption of Industry 4.0 smart manufacturing IIoT and data-driven automation solutions.

Develop and Lead Engineering Talent

• Lead mentor and develop a high-performing team of automation and controls engineers.
• Provide technical coaching career development and succession planning.
• Drive accountability resource planning and engineering excellence.

Advance Manufacturing Performance

• Improve equipment reliability uptime and manufacturing efficiency through automation innovation.
• Lead initiatives focused on OEE MTBF MTTR predictive maintenance and operational performance.
• Implement data-driven solutions that improve productivity cost quality and throughput.

Deliver New Technology and Capital Projects

• Lead automation and controls activities for capital investments and new product introductions.
• Guide projects from concept design and supplier selection through commissioning validation and production release.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver best-in-class manufacturing solutions.

Ensure Regulatory and Quality Compliance

• Support compliance with FDA GMP ISO 13485 validation and change control requirements.
• Ensure automation systems meet applicable regulatory quality and cybersecurity standards.

Partner Across the Organization

• Collaborate closely with Manufacturing Operations Quality Maintenance IT Supply Chain Program Management and EHS teams.
• Serve as a key member of the site engineering leadership team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering Automation Engineering Controls Engineering Mechatronics or a related technical discipline.
• 6 years of industrial automation controls or manufacturing technology experience.
• 2 years of engineering leadership people management or technical team leadership experience.
• Strong expertise in PLC programming HMI development robotics machine vision motion control SCADA and industrial networking.
• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage manufacturing systems and data including MES CMMS SCADA ERP and analytics platforms to drive operational performance.
• Proven success leading equipment reliability automation projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Medical device pharmaceutical food & beverage or other regulated manufacturing experience.
• Experience with Rockwell Automation and Siemens automation platforms.
• MES integration and digital manufacturing experience.
• Knowledge of FDA Quality System Regulations (QSR) and ISO 13485 requirements.
• Lean Six Sigma and/or PMP certification.
• Experience implementing smart factory Industry 4.0 or advanced manufacturing technologies.

Key Competencies

• Automation & Controls Leadership
• Manufacturing Systems Engineering
• Team Development & Coaching
• Reliability Engineering
• Capital Equipment & Project Management
• Digital Manufacturing & Industry 4.0
• Continuous Improvement
• Data Analytics & Operational Excellence
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Strategic Planning & Execution

JT05

AA01
MS14
CC11

What youll receive for the great work you provide:

• Full range of medical dental and vision plans
• Life Insurance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability
• Matching 401(k) Contributions
• Vacation and Paid Sick Time
• Tuition Reimbursement

Application Deadline:

Applications for this job position will be accepted for at least five days following the job posting start date below and continuing until the end date below or until the position is filled. This posting may close sooner due to application volume.

The base pay range for this position is provided below. The final base rate offered will be determined using job-related non-discriminatory criteria including but not limited to experience qualifications geographic location education external market data and internal equity.

Is Sponsorship Available