Automation Engineering Manager

What you will do

The Automation Engineering Manager will lead a team of engineers responsible for executing automation projects across our network of recycling centers. The role combines technical expertise in automation and robotics with strong project management skills to drive the successful implementation of innovative solutions.  The ideal candidate will proactively identify opportunities for technological advancement, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and manage a series of complex projects to improve operational efficiency, quality, and sustainability.

The Automation Engineering Manager is accountable for standardizing equipment and processes, managing vendor relationships, overseeing budgets, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations.  This position requires a strategic thinker who can mentor engineers, foster continuous improvement, and deliver impactful automation solutions on time and on budget.

How you will do it

Innovation and Technological Advancement:

• Stay updated with the latest trends in manufacturing technology, automation, and robotics.
• Lead initiatives to research, evaluate, and implement new technologies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality in manufacturing processes.

Collaboration with SME Leaders and Product Engineering:

• Work closely with Subject Matter Expert (SME) leaders and Product Engineering teams to design and implement automated systems.
• Develop change identification triggers, establish standards for criteria, and create approval processes to minimize complexities and improve profitability.

Sustainability and Environmental Compliance:

• Ensure all automated processes and equipment comply with environmental regulations and sustainability goals.
• Promote eco-friendly practices in manufacturing operations, focusing on reducing the carbon footprint, minimizing waste, and optimizing resource usage.

Equipment Standardization and Coordination:

• Lead the direction and coordination of manufacturing equipment proposals within the region.
• Focus on new launches, Continuous Improvement (CI), capacity equipment, and standardize equipment and processes within the region.

Vendor Management:

• Evaluate, select, and manage relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
• Negotiate contracts and ensure that vendors meet project requirements and timelines.

Budget Management:

• Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and financial accountability.
• Track expenditures and prepare financial reports for stakeholders.

Risk Management:

• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement contingency plans.

Training and Development:

• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance and support.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including technical specifications, project plans, and progress reports.
• Prepare and present project status reports to senior management.

Resource Allocation:

• Coordinate and allocate resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials, to ensure project success.
• Monitor resource utilization and adjust plans as necessary to meet project goals.

Continuous Improvement:

• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance project efficiency and effectiveness.
• Use data-driven approaches to identify areas for improvement and implement best practices.

Technology Integration:

• Integrate new technologies into existing systems and processes while managing risk.
• Ensure seamless operation and compatibility of new technologies with current infrastructure.

Project Scoping and Planning:

• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Develop detailed project plans, including timelines, milestones, and resource requirements.

Conflict Resolution:

• Address and resolve conflicts within the project team and with external stakeholders.
• Implement strategies to prevent and manage conflicts effectively.

Post-Implementation Support:

• Provide ongoing support and maintenance for implemented systems.
• Conduct post-implementation reviews to assess project success and identify lessons learned.

How You Will Do It

• Lead and manage a team of engineers to execute automation projects across multiple sites.
• Identify opportunities for technological advancement and drive the implementation of innovative automation solutions across a network of recycling centers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including plant leaders, and process SMEs to design and implement automated systems.
• Standardize equipment and processes to ensure consistency and efficiency across the network of recycling centers.
• Perform benchmarking and evaluation exercises with external vendors while maintaining relationships with key suppliers.
• Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring cost effectiveness and financial accountability for the team.
• Ensure all automated processes and equipment comply with environmental and safety regulations.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives using data-driven approaches to enhance project efficiency and effectiveness.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation and prepare status reports for senior management.
• Design, build and deploy automation and robot systems to perform tasks within our battery recycling plants.
• Create project plans that include scope definition, project charter, cost estimates and benefits.
• Act as an expert and process leader regarding recycling battery processes.  Use the knowledge of the processes to develop automation projects.
• Maintain project timelines and budgetary constraints for plant-level automation projects.
• Travel as required to regional sites to support automation initiatives and share best practices.
• Follow the systems to control projects and deliver automated manufacturing systems to the manufacturing plants.

What we look for

• 7-10 years of experience in Automation Engineering.
• Minimum of Bachelors in Engineering (Masters degrees are welcome and preferred). 
• Preferred Engineering majors include Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, and Robotics
• Experience in battery recycling or smelting operations is strongly preferred.
• Communications and leadership skills.
• Strong problem-solving, data analysis, and project management skills.
• Ability to work with global, cross-functional teams and external partners
• Ability to travel globally

What you get:

• Medical, dental and vision care coverage and a 401(k) savings plan with company matching – all starting on date of hire

• Tuition reimbursement, perks, and discounts

• Parental and caregiver leave programs

• All the usual benefits such as paid time off, flexible spending, short-and long-term disability, basic life insurance, business travel insurance, and Employee Assistance Program

• Global market strength and worldwide market share leadership

• HQ location earns LEED certification for sustainability plus a full-service cafeteria and workout facility

• Clarios has been recognized as one of 2025's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere. This prestigious recognition marks the third consecutive year Clarios has received this distinction.

Who we are:
Clarios is the force behind the world’s most recognizable car battery brands, powering vehicles from leading automakers like Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. With 18,000 employees worldwide, we develop, manufacture, and distribute energy storage solutions while recovering, recycling, and reusing up to 99% of battery materials—setting the standard for sustainability in our industry. At Clarios, we’re not just making batteries; we’re shaping the future of sustainable transportation. Join our mission to innovate, push boundaries, and make a real impact. Discover your potential at Clarios—where your power meets endless possibilities.
Veterans/Military Spouses:
We value the leadership, adaptability, and technical expertise developed through military service. At Clarios, those capabilities thrive in an environment built on grit, ingenuity, and passion—where you can grow your career while helping to power progress worldwide. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to protected characteristics.

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please apply. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to challenging the status quo. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran or other protected characteristics protected by law. As a federal contractor, we are committed to not discriminating against any applicant or employee based on these protected statuses. We will also take affirmative action to ensure equal employment opportunities. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process by emailing [email protected]. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity in our teams in terms of work experience, area of expertise, and all characteristics protected by laws in the countries where we operate. For more information on our commitment to sustainability, diversity, and equal opportunity, please read our latest report. We want you to know your rights because EEO is the law.

A Note to Job Applicants: please be aware of scams being perpetrated through the Internet and social media platforms. Clarios will never require a job applicant to pay money as part of the application or hiring process.

To All Recruitment Agencies: Clarios does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to our careers email addresses, Clarios employees or any other company location. Clarios is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.