Automation Manager

About the Role
This position is for a functional leader responsible for the automation, controls, robotics, vision systems, SCADA/historian, OT cybersecurity, and MES-OT integration across AMP-2 Drive Unit and HV Battery shops. The individual will oversee the process from commissioning through stable high-volume operations to deliver safe, capable, and sustainable Powertrain operations while enhancing local technical capability and launch readiness.

Key Responsibilities
Strategy, Architecture & Governance

• Define PLC/HMI/SCADA/Ignition safety-control standards, network, naming, code-library, backup, and version-control standards.
• Govern Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000, and Beckhoff TwinCAT populations; establish lifecycle and obsolescence roadmaps.
• Own OT cybersecurity governance including segmentation, secure remote access, privilege management, backup/recovery, and patch coordination.

Robotics, Vision & Digital Manufacturing

• Own Robotics standards for systems like FANUC or ABB, including safety validation, uptime, recovery, program governance, and management of critical spares.
• Govern Cognex/Keyence and other machine-vision applications, focusing on inspection integrity, recipe control, and traceability.
• Sponsor historian, IIoT, digital SPC, condition monitoring, and analytics use cases with Data, IT/OT, and MES teams.

Launch & Operational Excellence

• Own automation FAT/SAT, controls lists, production-release criteria, run-at-rate support, and safe launch escalation.
• Establish controls response model, escalation matrix, KPI cadence, and permanent-corrective-action governance.
• Lead functional safety compliance with applicable ISO 13849, IEC 62061, IEC 60204, and robot-safety requirements.

Organization, Budget & Suppliers

• Recruit, organize, and develop engineers/technicians; define on-call/shift coverage and technical progression.
• Own Capex/Opex, service contracts, integrator performance, software licenses, training, and spare strategy.

Enterprise, Launch & Workforce Expectations

• Safety: Ensure adherence to LOTO, guarding, interlocks, HV controls, and approved work instructions.
• Quality: Protect product conformity, traceability, and calibrated-tool discipline; manage abnormalities and preserve objective evidence.
• Delivery: Support stable flow, takt/cycle achievement, and rapid escalation of constraints.
• Cost: Reduce scrap, rework, downtime, energy, and consumable losses using data-driven countermeasures.
• People: Build local workforce capability through coaching, cross-training, on-the-job training, progression, and knowledge transfer.
• Continuous Improvement: Actively participate in tier meetings, 5S initiatives, Kaizen, and closed-loop corrective actions.

Decision Rights & Required Interfaces

• Operate within approved standards, competency authorization, and change-control boundaries; halt work when safety, quality, or traceability is at risk.
• Interface with Production, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, EHS, Supply Chain, IT/OT, HR/L&D, and equipment suppliers as necessary.

Skills

• Multi-platform PLC and industrial network expertise.
• Robot programming/recovery and cell-safety governance.
• SCADA, historian, MES/OT, and database integration.
• Functional safety and OT cybersecurity leadership.
• Executive communication, financial acumen, and supplier governance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in controls, electrical, mechatronics, robotics, or related engineering field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in industrial automation/robotics, with 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Proven experience with greenfield launches and high-automation in the automotive sector.
• Experience with EV Powertrain equipment.
• Fluency in English; Arabic is strongly preferred.
• Preferred certifications include IEC 62443, functional-safety, robot-safety, and Lean/Six Sigma credentials.
• Experience in greenfield industrial launch and ramp-up.
• Familiarity with TPM/Autonomous Maintenance and Lean problem-solving methods.
• Ability to develop technical talent in a multicultural workforce.
• Must be able to work around automated equipment and, where authorized, high-voltage Powertrain products.

Compensation & Benefits
A comprehensive and competitive benefits package is offered, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life and disability coverage.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Paid sick leave.
• A 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Hourly/non-exempt employees accrue up to 120 hours of paid time off, and salaried/exempt employees accrue up to 160 hours.
• Eligible employees can participate in equity programs and/or discretionary annual cash incentive programs based on individual performance, role scope, market conditions, and overall company results, according to applicable policy terms.