Automation Manager at Salcomp Manufacturing USA – Arlington, Texas

The Automation Manager is responsible for leading automation strategy, execution, and performance for Through-Hole Placement (API) and SMT assembly processes within the manufacturing facility. This role manages a team of engineers and technicians, drives equipment reliability and process yield, and leads automation initiatives to support production efficiency and product quality. The Automation Manager works closely with production, quality, maintenance, and supply chain teams to achieve operational targets for cost, delivery, and performance.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of approximately 50 automation engineers, technicians, and support staff.
• Own automation strategy and execution for Through-Hole Placement (API) and SMT production lines including placement machines, pick-and-place systems, conveyors, soldering equipment, and material handling systems.
• Perform hands-on troubleshooting, programming, and validation of placement equipment, PLCs, motion control systems, robotics, and related automation technologies.
• Plan and manage automation projects including requirements definition, vendor selection, installation, commissioning, qualification, acceptance testing, and production handover.
• Improve equipment uptime, overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), process yield, and manufacturing cost through preventive maintenance programs and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams to resolve process issues and implement corrective actions.
• Manage automation budgets, capital expenditure (CAPEX) requests, and vendor relationships.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and internal engineering standards.
• Establish automation performance KPIs, prepare management reports, and present progress updates to the Site Engineering Manager and leadership team.
• Support workforce planning by hiring, allocating, and developing team members to support automation projects and operational needs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in electronics manufacturing automation, including hands-on experience with Through-Hole Placement automation and SMT processes.
• Proven experience managing engineering and technician teams, preferably 20+ employees, with the ability to lead larger teams.
• Strong technical expertise in PLC programming, motion control, robotics integration, vision systems, servo systems, HMI interfaces, and electrical/mechanical troubleshooting.
• Experience working with SMT equipment such as pick-and-place machines, AOI, SPI, and reflow systems, as well as through-hole insertion or placement equipment.
• Experience managing equipment installations, line upgrades, and manufacturing process validations.
• Strong root cause analysis and structured problem-solving skills (8D, DMAIC, or similar methodologies).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Experience in power electronics, microinverter, or energy electronics manufacturing environments.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification.
• Familiarity with MES and ERP system integration and data-driven manufacturing control systems.
• Experience managing automation equipment vendors and external engineering service providers.

• Strong leadership and team development skills.
  
• Advanced technical expertise in automation and manufacturing systems.
  
• Strategic thinking and operational execution.
  
• Cross-functional collaboration with engineering, production, and supply chain teams.
  
• Continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.

Work is performed primarily in a manufacturing facility environment with frequent interaction with production equipment and automation systems. The role requires regular presence on the production floor and may involve extended working hours during project rollouts or equipment troubleshooting activities.

The above statements describe the general nature of the work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications associated with the job.

Salcomp Manufacturing USA Corp. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.