Automation Engineering Manager

Location: Concord, NC
Classification: Full-Time, Salaried (Exempt)
Reports To: Director of Operations / Executive Leadership
Department: Embedded Services & Automation Engineering

Position Summary

Elite Automation is seeking an experienced Automation Engineering Manager to lead and support one of our imbeded service sites.

This role is responsible for managing automation engineers, controls specialists, embedded technicians, and site leadership while ensuring our customers receive world-class support for their automation systems. The Automation Engineering Manager serves as the senior technical leader for troubleshooting, continuous improvement, controls standards, customer relationships, and team development.

This position combines leadership, engineering, operations, and customer-facing responsibilities. The successful candidate will have a strong background in controls engineering, robotics, automated material handling systems, project execution, and personnel management. The role supports Elite's embedded service model where technical teams are integrated directly into customer operations.

Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team Management

• Lead embedded automation engineers, controls technicians, and site supervisors across multiple customer locations.
• Recruit, mentor, develop, and retain high-performing technical personnel.
• Conduct performance reviews, coaching sessions, and professional development planning.
• Establish clear expectations and accountability throughout the organization.
• Support workforce planning, succession planning, and staffing initiatives.
• Promote Elite's culture of professionalism, ownership, and customer service.

Automation Engineering Leadership

• Provide senior-level technical leadership for:
• Allen Bradley PLC Systems
• Siemens Controls
• Fanuc Robotics
• HMI Development
• Industrial Networks
• ASRS Systems
• Conveyor Systems
• AGVs and AMRs
• Packaging Equipment
• Stretch Wrappers
• Sortation Systems
• Automated Manufacturing Equipment
• Assist with high-level troubleshooting and downtime recovery.
• Lead root cause analysis investigations.
• Develop engineering standards and best practices.
• Oversee controls upgrades, modernization projects, and system improvements.
• Support startup and commissioning activities when required.

Customer Relationship Management

• Serve as a primary technical escalation point for key customer accounts.
• Maintain strong working relationships with plant leadership and engineering teams.
• Conduct operational reviews and engineering assessments.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that increase uptime and reliability.
• Identify opportunities for automation upgrades and additional Elite services.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee the performance of embedded engineering and service teams.
• Ensure compliance with customer and Elite operating standards.
• Monitor KPIs including:
• System Uptime
• Downtime Response Times
• PM Completion Rates
• Safety Performance
• Customer Satisfaction
• Team Utilization
• Implement reporting standards and engineering documentation processes.
• Drive continuous improvement and reliability initiatives across all sites.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a zero-incident safety culture.
• Ensure compliance with customer safety procedures and company policies.
• Support electrical safety, lockout/tagout, and risk assessment programs.
• Maintain technical certifications and training records across teams.

QualificationsRequired Experience

• 10+ years of industrial automation experience.
• 5+ years managing engineers, controls technicians, or automation teams.
• Strong background supporting manufacturing and material handling operations.
• Experience leading technical teams in customer-facing environments.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

Technical Qualifications

• Allen Bradley PLC Programming
• FactoryTalk Studio
• Fanuc Robotics
• Siemens Controls
• Industrial Ethernet Networks
• Motion Control Systems
• VFDs and Servo Systems
• HMI Development
• Conveyor Controls
• ASRS Systems
• Electrical Troubleshooting
• Root Cause Analysis

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related technical field.
• PMP Certification (preferred but not required).
• Fanuc Certifications.
• Experience supporting pharmaceutical, food & beverage, manufacturing, or logistics operations.

Leadership Characteristics

We are looking for someone who:

• Leads from the front.
• Remains calm during critical downtime events.
• Builds strong customer relationships.
• Develops people instead of simply managing them.
• Has high standards and holds teams accountable.
• Enjoys solving difficult technical challenges.
• Can balance engineering excellence with business objectives.

What Success Looks Like

Within your first year:

• Embedded engineering teams are operating efficiently.
• Customer satisfaction scores improve.
• Response times and downtime events decrease.
• Engineering standards are implemented consistently across sites.
• Team retention and engagement improve.
• Existing customers expand their service partnerships with Elite.

A Few Non-Negotiables

Before employment, candidates must successfully pass:

• Drug screening
• Background check

We are looking for professionals who can represent Elite Automation and our customers at the highest level.

Candidates with felony convictions, theft-related charges, DUI convictions, or significant criminal history may not meet customer site access requirements and may not be eligible for employment.

The Reality of the Job

Let's be honest...

This isn't a role for someone who wants to sit behind a desk all day.

One morning you may be reviewing performance metrics with customer leadership. That afternoon you might be helping troubleshoot a PLC issue that's preventing a production line from running. The next day you could be interviewing a new controls engineer, reviewing an automation upgrade proposal, or coaching a site supervisor through a customer escalation.

You'll lead engineers, support customers, develop teams, solve complex automation problems, and help grow one of the most respected embedded automation service organizations in the industry.

If you're the type of person who gets excited when others are saying, "This is impossible," you'll fit right in at Elite.

Elite Automation
Building world-class automation teams that keep America's manufacturing, distribution, and logistics operations running.

Pay: $100,773.84 - $160,297.53 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• A Few Non-Negotiables

Before employment, candidates must successfully pass:
Drug screening
Background check
Candidates with felony convictions, theft-related charges, DUI convictions, or significant criminal history may not meet customer site access requirements and may not be eligible for employment.

Experience:

• PLC programming: 4 years (Preferred)
• Fanuc Robot: 2 years (Preferred)

Location:

• Concord, NC 28025 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Concord, NC 28025: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person