Automation Manager

Location : 3200 Fruit Ridge Ave, Walker, MI 49544

Who We Are:

Challenge is a leading employee-owned tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry. Challenge fosters a culture of collaboration, diversity, and innovation. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry experts allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do every day and they are the true driving force in our operations.

Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned atumotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge’s success!

Challenge is #PeoplePowered and #EmployeeOwned !

Position Summary:

The Automation Manager will be responsible for leading a talented group of multi-disciplined engineers across hardware and software with various specialties.  This role will be a hands-on role responsible for scheduling, assignment prioritization, high-level technical support, and implementation. The candidate will also collaborate with other groups and will need to be capable of influencing others even without direct reporting structure. In concert with the Director of Automation this leader will help direct, document and roadmap the maintenance, and upgrading of the current automation and control infrastructure.  This role will need to combine software engineering, controls automation and process engineering knowledge with a forward-thinking mindset and passion for digital transformation. This person will need be a continuous learner driven to explore and understand new automation technologies. 

 

Requirements:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

  • Lead a diverse team of engineers, utilizing delegation, continuous feedback, and a team first mentality. 
  • Review vendor automation systems specifications / scope documentation and validate systems design with Integrators. 
  • Continually implement and improve standards for automated equipment. 
  • Initiate and lead automation systems obsolescence conversions. 
  • Assist with creation and review of control system designs, & sequences of operation. 
  • Review design/overview system layouts, schematics, and control devices selections. 
  • Give input regarding the best choices for automation hardware and software. 
  • Utilizes advanced engineering understanding to make decisions with scalability in mind. 
  • Drive engineering best practice across disciplines. 
  • Implements the manufacturing vision, strategy/technology roadmap that supports the convergence of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) 
  • Finds new applications for technology and supports the digital transformation journey 
  • Continuously improve the overall operation, driving innovation, and new technology where possible. 
  • Exhibit leadership qualities that move the business forward through the collective talents and efforts of self and others 
  • Adopt a data driven mindset to evaluate problems & solution

#LI-TP1

#ZR

What We Offer:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions, Flexible Spending Accounts, Company-Paid Short-Term Disability and Basic Life, Voluntary Life and LTD, Employer 401k Match, ESOP shares, tuition reimbursement, and paid time off.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.