Automation Associate Manager

The Associate Manager, Automation Engineering is responsible for leading automation initiatives that improve manufacturing efficiency, quality, safety, and operational performance across Lite-On's manufacturing operations. This role manages automation engineers, technicians, and cross-functional project teams while driving the design, implementation, and optimization of automated production systems, robotics, controls, and Industry 4.0 technologies to support business growth and continuous improvement objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Automation Strategy & Leadership

• Lead automation engineering projects from concept development through implementation and production

support.

• Develop and execute automation roadmaps aligned with manufacturing, quality, and business objectives.

• Supervise, coach, and develop automation engineers and technical staff.

• Manage project priorities, resource allocation, budgets, and timelines.

• Support organizational goals through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement

initiatives.

System Design & Implementation

• Oversee the design and deployment of automated assembly, test, material handling, and packaging systems.

• Lead integration of robotics, PLCs, HMIs, machine vision systems, sensors, and industrial networks.

• Evaluate emerging automation technologies and recommend solutions that improve productivity and reduce

operational costs.

• Ensure automation systems comply with safety regulations, industry standards, and company requirements.

Manufacturing Support

• Provide technical leadership for troubleshooting complex automation and controls issues.

• Improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), equipment reliability, and manufacturing throughput.

• Collaborate with production, quality, maintenance, and process engineering teams to optimize manufacturing

performance.

• Support new product introductions (NPI) by developing scalable automation solutions.

Project Management

• Manage automation capital projects, including vendor selection, equipment procurement, installation, validation, and startup.

• Track project budgets, schedules, risks, and deliverables.

• Coordinate internal stakeholders and external suppliers to ensure successful project execution.

• Develop and maintain project documentation, standard operating procedures, and technical specifications.

Continuous Improvement & Industry 4.0

• Implement smart manufacturing solutions including data acquisition, MES integration, predictive

maintenance, and digital manufacturing technologies.

• Analyze production and equipment data to identify automation opportunities and performance improvements.

• Lead Kaizen events and root cause analysis activities to eliminate recurring process issues.

• Establish automation standards and best practices across manufacturing operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation

Engineering, or a related field. Master’s Degree preferred

• 5-8 years of automation engineering experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

• Minimum 2 years of leadership, project management, or supervisory experience.

• Experience with electronics manufacturing, automotive, semiconductor, or industrial manufacturing preferred.

• Proven success implementing automation and process improvement projects.

• Proficiency with PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, or Omron).

• Experience with robotics systems such as FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, or Universal Robots.

• Knowledge of machine vision, industrial controls, sensors, drives, and motion control systems.

• Experience with SCADA, MES, Industry 4.0, and industrial networking technologies.

• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, PFMEA, and root cause analysis methodologies.

• Proficiency with CAD software and project management tools.

Travel Requirement:

• Up to 10% travel, including international site visits