Littelfuse (NASDAQ: LFUS) is a diversified industrial technology manufacturing company shaping solutions for the safe and efficient transfer of electrical energy. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA, we serve customers across industrial, transportation, and electronics markets worldwide. With approximately 16,000 employees we design and manufacture innovative technologies that support electrification, energy efficiency, and advanced automation. Our global reach is matched by a culture that empowers innovation and long-term growth. Guided by our principles We Care, We Succeed With Our Customers, and We Own the Outcome, we work collaboratively, think boldly, and deliver solutions that move industries forward.
Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Automation Expert is a technical authority and solution leader responsible for defining automation strategies, leading complex automation system design, and driving high-impact automation initiatives.
This role focuses on advanced automation architecture, cross-functional leadership, supplier technical governance, and long-term manufacturing automation capability building, supporting business growth, cost competitiveness, and operational excellence.
- Define and lead advanced automation and smart manufacturing solutions, covering new product introduction (NPI), process innovation, and manufacturing transformation
- Lead automation system architecture and concept design, translating business and manufacturing requirements into scalable technical solutions
- Drive complex automation projects, including multi-machine systems, integrated solutions, and cross-site standardization
- Lead technical evaluation, capability assessment, and qualification of automation suppliers, ensuring alignment with performance, quality, and cost targets
- Establish and approve automation equipment technical standards, specifications, and design guidelines
- Act as the key technical interface between Operations, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and external suppliers
- Lead design reviews, risk assessments, and technical decision-making, addressing system reliability and manufacturability risks
- Develop financial justifications (ROI, cost-benefit analysis) for major automation investments in collaboration with Operations and Finance
- Provide expert-level troubleshooting and failure analysis, supporting critical automation issue resolution
- Coach and mentor automation engineers, contributing to automation capability and knowledge development
- Support cost reduction, quality improvement, productivity, and digital manufacturing initiatives
- Bachelor’s degree or above in Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline
- 10+ years of progressive experience in automation system design, integration, or automation project leadership
- Deep expertise in automation systems, including mechanical design, control systems, sensors, robotics, vision systems, and industrial networks
- Strong knowledge of automation standard components and global suppliers
- Proficient in automation architecture design and system-level problem solving
- Hands-on experience or strong understanding of PLC programming, motion control, and vision systems
- Proficient in CAD and 3D design tools
- Strong project leadership, technical communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Solid understanding of ISO9000 / IATF16949; automotive or high-volume manufacturing experience is highly preferred
At Littelfuse, we support employee growth and development. Guided by our culture principles, our teams work together to deliver value for customers and make a positive impact in the communities where we operate. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to grow and contribute. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, performance-based incentives, flexible work arrangements, and development opportunities.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or above in Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or related discipline
- 10+ years of progressive experience in automation system design, integration, or automation project leadership
- Deep expertise in automation systems including mechanical design, control systems, sensors, and robotics
- Strong knowledge of automation standard components and global suppliers
- Proficient in automation architecture design and system-level problem solving
- Hands-on experience with PLC programming, motion control, and vision systems
- Proficient in CAD and 3D design tools
- Project leadership, technical communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Solid understanding of ISO9000 / IATF16949 and automotive or high-volume manufacturing experience
Littelfuse Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Littelfuse and has not been reviewed or approved by Littelfuse.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) plan includes a company match with an additional annual contribution, with plan details also referenced in corporate filings. This structure indicates dependable retirement support across U.S. roles.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — A Lifestyle Spending Account and tuition reimbursement, plus wellness resources and an Employee Assistance Program, expand the package beyond core insurance. Development programs such as Lean Six Sigma certifications reinforce a holistic rewards mix.
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Healthcare Strength — Core medical, dental, and vision coverage are standard and described as solid and workable. Coverage breadth is supported globally with EAP access.
Littelfuse Insights
What We Do
Littelfuse is an industrial technology manufacturing company empowering a sustainable, connected, and safer world. Across more than 15 countries, and with 17,000 global associates, we partner with customers to design and deliver innovative, reliable solutions. Serving over 100,000 end customers, our products are found in a variety of industrial, transportation, and electronics end markets—everywhere, every day. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, United States, Littelfuse was founded in 1927. View our broad and deep product portfolio: https://www.littelfuse.com/ Littelfuse has had a long-standing commitment to ensuring a diversified workforce through equal employment opportunities. Maintaining a diversified workforce is critical to the success of our organization. Each associate receives equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, creed, sex (with or without sexual conduct), marital status, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, order of protection status, military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, genetic information, unfavorable discharge from military service, and any other protected class under federal, state or local law
