Title: Automation Engineering Manager
Location : Memphis, TN ~ Baltimore, MD ~ Hattiesburg, MS (must sit onsite at one of these plant locations)
Target Start Date : ASAP
Type: Direct Hire
Salary : $150-160K plus bonus (negotiable DOE). Relocation assistance available.
Overview
Our client, a global leader in the food ingredients & bioprocessing industry, is seeking an Automation Engineering Manager to lead the strategy, standardization, and execution of automation and control systems across the enterprise. This role is responsible for driving scalable, reliable, and secure automation solutions that enhance manufacturing performance, product quality, and operational efficiency. Partnering closely with Engineering, IT, and plant operations, this leader plays a key role in advancing digital transformation, capital project execution, and automation excellence across multiple manufacturing sites.
Key Responsibilities
Automation Strategy & Leadership - Define and execute the enterprise automation roadmap , aligning with operational goals and capital investments.
- Establish standards for PLC/HMI programming, SCADA, MES, instrumentation, and control architectures .
- Evaluate and implement new technologies to improve safety, efficiency, and process consistency .
- Oversee the full automation lifecycle (design, deployment, upgrades, obsolescence planning).
Project Execution & Integration - Lead automation scope for capital projects , including system design, budgeting, and implementation.
- Partner with Engineering, IT, and plant teams to deploy automation across manufacturing, utilities, and packaging lines.
- Ensure alignment with process engineering, cybersecurity, and infrastructure standards .
- Drive compliance with GMP, HACCP, and food safety regulations .
System Performance & Reliability - Optimize automation systems to improve uptime, process control, and product traceability .
- Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for complex system issues.
- Maintain robust documentation, validation protocols, and change management processes .
Team Leadership & Vendor Management - Lead and develop automation engineers, controls specialists, and contractors across sites.
- Manage relationships with system integrators, OEMs, and automation vendors .
- Build internal capabilities through training and knowledge transfer .
- Roughly 25% travel to other plant locations and customer sites
Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field or equivalent real work experience (open to candidates who have worked their way up through Electrical Maintenance/Automation & Controls depts throughout their career)
- 10+ years of experience in industrial automation and control systems , including 5+ years in leadership.
- Deep expertise in PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider), HMIs, SCADA, and control networks .
- Experience with process automation, batch systems, and utilities in manufacturing environments.
- Strong knowledge of industrial cybersecurity, MES, data historians, and Industry 4.0 technologies .
- Proven ability to lead multi-site initiatives and capital projects in regulated industries.
- Leadership experience managing a team of 4-5+ individual contributors.
Impact - Drive standardization and modernization of automation systems across global operations
- Improve manufacturing efficiency, reliability, and product quality
- Enable scalable digital transformation and operational excellence
Welcome to ConsultNet, a premier national provider of technology talent and solutions. Our expertise spans across project services, contract-to-hire, direct search, and managed services onshore, nearshore, and hybrid. For over 25 years, we have connected thousands of consultants with meaningful roles through a personal, communication-driven approach, partnering with a diverse client base to build high-performing teams and create lasting impact. Our comprehensive service offerings cover a wide range of technology and engineering positions across key markets nationwide. Learn more at .
We champion equality and inclusivity, proudly supporting an Equal Opportunity Employer policy. We welcome applicants regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other status protected by law.