Process & Automation Engineering Manager

Role Impact:

The Process & Automation Engineering Manager provides day-to-day leadership for Process Engineers and Controls Engineers while supporting the design, optimization, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes and automation systems. This role is responsible for executing the Process & Automation Engineering strategy, developing engineering talent, and delivering technical solutions that improve throughput, yield, process stability, and equipment capability.

The position is a part of the Technical Operations team and partners closely with Production and Maintenance to support operational performance, troubleshoot technical challenges, and implement sustainable improvements across the manufacturing facility.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Process & Automation Engineering team, including coaching, development, succession planning, recruiting, onboarding, and performance management.

• Prioritize engineering resources and daily activities to support manufacturing operations, continuous improvement initiatives, and project execution.

• Own blending, aseptic processing and filling, and downline performance, ensuring processes operate safely, consistently, and within established operating parameters.

• Drive improvements in throughput, yield, process stability, product quality, equipment utilization, and overall manufacturing performance through engineering excellence and structured problem solving.

• Lead the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of controls and automation systems, including automation standards, programming standards, and manufacturing technology solutions.

• Develop and maintain technical standards, engineering best practices, process documentation, specifications, and operating procedures supporting manufacturing operations.

• Partner with Operations and Maintenance & Reliability to eliminate chronic process and equipment losses while maintaining ownership of process capability and automation systems.

• Analyze manufacturing performance data and provide technical recommendations that improve safety, quality, efficiency, reliability, and operational performance.

• Support the commissioning, startup, validation, optimization, and lifecycle management of new process and automation systems.

• Identify, evaluate, and implement emerging technologies, automation solutions, and engineering improvements that enhance manufacturing capability and business performance.

• Collaborate with Technical Operations, Maintenance, Production and external vendors to coordinate priorities, resources, and execution plans that support business objectives.

• Ensure compliance with engineering policies, technical standards, SQF, Food Safety requirements, and all applicable regulatory and company standards.

• Communicate project timelines, critical updates, and team priorities on a weekly basis.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Oversee the strategic and tactical workflow of the Process & Automation Engineering function.

• Recruit, develop, and retain Process and Controls Engineering team members.

• Assign and prioritize work based on business needs, technical expertise, and operational priorities.

• Provide leadership and coaching to build technical capability, strengthen problem solving, and support continuous improvement.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required (Industrial, Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical).

• MBA preferred.

Experience & Skills

• At least 7 years of manufacturing engineering experience, including leadership of technical teams preferred.

• Strong knowledge of process engineering, automation systems, controls architecture, and manufacturing technologies; aseptic, UHT, and beverage manufacturing experience preferred.

• Demonstrated success improving throughput, yield, quality, process stability, and overall operational performance through engineering and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Experience supporting commissioning, startup, optimization, and troubleshooting of manufacturing processes and automation systems.

• Working knowledge of GMP, Food Safety, FDA, PMO, and other applicable regulatory requirements.

• Strong analytical, project management, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to effectively partner across Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering functions.

• Proficiency with engineering software, manufacturing systems, Microsoft Office, and technical documentation standards

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Must be able to move throughout a manufacturing facility, including production, utility, and equipment areas.

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

• Must be able to safely work around industrial equipment, automation systems, electrical components, and manufacturing processes.

• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with all facility safety requirements.

• Ability to occasionally work extended hours or adjust schedules to support commissioning, startup activities, troubleshooting, and operational needs.

• Must be able to work with equipment that contains electric magnetic components.