Job Title: Manufacturing Instrumentation Engineer
Job Summary:
The Manufacturing Instrumentation Engineering Manager is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, design, implementation, and optimization of instrumentation systems and automated manufacturing processes. This role involves leading a team of engineers to deliver advanced automation systems, ensuring the integration of instrumentation and control systems with manufacturing equipment. The Manager will focus on driving operational excellence, ensuring project success, optimizing system performance, and aligning automation initiatives with the broader organizational objectives. They will collaborate closely with senior leadership and other departments to ensure the alignment of automation and instrumentation systems with business goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership and Direction for Automation Systems:
- Develop and implement the strategic vision for instrumentation and automation systems in manufacturing, aligning with company objectives and growth strategies.
- Lead the design, development, and optimization of automated systems, including robotics, conveyors, PLC/SCADA systems, and other industrial equipment.
- Drive innovation in automation technologies, identifying opportunities for improvement and recommending solutions to enhance production efficiency, quality, and system reliability.
Project Management and Execution:
- Oversee the planning, execution, and management of complex automation and instrumentation projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within scope, and on budget.
- Manage project teams, providing guidance and support throughout the entire project lifecycle—from initial concept and design through to implementation and optimization.
- Establish project timelines, allocate resources, and manage project risks to ensure successful completion and achievement of key milestones.
Operational Excellence and Process Optimization:
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize manufacturing processes and automation systems, using data analysis and performance metrics to identify areas for enhancement.
- Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence methodologies to drive process efficiencies, reduce costs, and eliminate waste in automated systems.
- Ensure the scalability and adaptability of automation systems to meet future production needs and evolving technologies.
Team Leadership and Development:
- Lead and mentor a team of engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
- Conduct performance reviews, set development goals, and provide ongoing training and professional development to help engineers grow their skills and knowledge in automation and instrumentation.
- Promote knowledge sharing and best practices across the engineering team, ensuring that all team members are aligned with organizational goals.
Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams:
- Work closely with senior management, production, maintenance, IT, and quality assurance teams to ensure the seamless integration of instrumentation and automation systems with broader manufacturing operations.
- Collaborate with other departments to implement automation solutions that improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and ensure product quality.
- Serve as the primary point of contact between engineering and other functional teams for technical issues, project updates, and cross-functional collaboration.
Budgeting and Resource Management:
- Develop and manage budgets for automation projects, ensuring effective resource allocation and cost management.
- Oversee procurement processes for automation equipment, tools, and materials, ensuring quality standards are met and the budget is adhered to.
- Monitor ongoing operational costs related to instrumentation systems and automation solutions, identifying areas for cost reduction and efficiency improvements.
Quality Assurance and Compliance:
- Ensure that all automation systems and instrumentation comply with internal quality standards, industry regulations, and safety protocols.
- Lead efforts to implement and monitor quality control procedures to maintain high standards in manufacturing processes and product output.
- Develop and enforce safety standards for automated systems, ensuring a safe working environment for all employees and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Troubleshooting and Problem Resolution:
- Oversee the resolution of complex technical issues related to instrumentation, PLC/SCADA systems, and automated equipment, minimizing production downtime.
- Implement proactive measures to prevent issues and failures in automation systems, driving root cause analysis and corrective actions when necessary.
- Provide leadership during system failures or crises, ensuring a rapid and effective response to minimize operational disruptions.
Performance Monitoring and Reporting:
- Monitor the performance of automation and instrumentation systems, using key performance indicators (KPIs) and data analysis tools to assess system efficiency, reliability, and quality.
- Regularly report on the status of automation projects, system performance, and operational goals to senior leadership, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
- Develop reports and dashboards for stakeholders, ensuring transparency and visibility into project progress and system performance.
Technology Adoption and Innovation:
- Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements in automation, instrumentation, and manufacturing technologies, recommending and implementing innovative solutions where appropriate.
- Lead the adoption of new technologies that can enhance automation capabilities, improve system efficiency, and reduce operational costs.
- Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the engineering team, encouraging the exploration of new ideas and technologies.
Key Focus Areas:
- Strategic Automation Leadership: Lead the direction for automation systems and instrumentation in manufacturing, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Project Management: Oversee large-scale automation projects, managing resources, budgets, and timelines to achieve successful project outcomes.
- Operational Excellence: Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize system performance and manufacturing processes.
- Team and Leadership Development: Build and mentor a strong engineering team, fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with various departments to implement automation systems that support overall business goals.
Skills and Knowledge Required:
- Extensive experience in designing, implementing, and optimizing automated systems and instrumentation, including PLC and SCADA systems, robotics, and industrial machinery.
- Strong project management skills, including experience managing complex projects, allocating resources, and managing budgets and timelines.
- Proficiency in industrial automation technologies (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Rockwell Automation), SCADA systems, PLC programming, and instrumentation tools.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence methodologies.
- Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to mentor engineers and promote knowledge sharing.
- Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to address complex technical challenges in automation systems.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills to work effectively with senior leadership, cross-functional teams, and external partners.
- Understanding of quality control principles, regulatory requirements, and safety standards in automated manufacturing environments.
Educational Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Instrumentation Engineering, Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Relevant certifications in project management (e.g., PMP), PLC programming, SCADA systems, or industrial automation are highly desirable.
Experience:
- 10+ years of experience in industrial automation, instrumentation, or related fields, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership or management role.
- Proven experience in managing and delivering complex automation projects within manufacturing environments.
- Significant experience in leading and mentoring engineering teams, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and working with cross-functional departments.
Tools and Technologies:
- Advanced proficiency with SCADA systems and PLC programming platforms (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Rockwell Studio 5000).
- Expertise in industrial robotics (e.g., FANUC, ABB, KUKA) and automation tools.
- Experience with manufacturing execution systems (MES) and other automation platforms.
- Knowledge of diagnostic tools and software used for troubleshooting and optimizing instrumentation and automation systems.
Other Requirements:
- Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities, with the ability to manage both people and projects effectively.
- Ability to balance technical, operational, and business considerations in project planning and execution.
- A strong commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence in all engineering activities.
- Willingness to travel as needed for project implementation, troubleshooting, or client interaction.