Automation Engineering Manager

Purpose

The Automation Engineering Manager directs the implementation and utilization of advanced automation technologies to optimize and improve manufacturing processes for assigned production facilities. This position manages the on-site automation engineers for all assigned Roseburg facilities.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Lead and coordinate engineering projects as needed
• Lead a team of automation engineering managers and on-site automation engineers across assigned mill locations in North America
• Direct engineering and mill teams on business opportunities and the appropriate use of capital to improve performance in the areas of safety, quality, and productivity
• Provide leadership and direction for plant team members on automation, robotics, software, artificial intelligence, database administration, large language models, software development / deployments, IT networks/systems design / installation, and new technology.
• Provide expertise for the business in terms of adherence to automation & IT standards, project management standards, and adherence to engineering standards
• Responsible for developing assigned interns and newly graduated engineers and placement of these members into operating teams at the mills and engineering
• Identify required engineering resources, both internal and external for projects from conception through final implementation
• Resolve a variety of complex problems (i.e. conflicting design requirements, suitability of materials and equipment, construction costs vs. project budget)
• Coordinate project activities with operations, environmental and engineering staff including all disciplines of engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, etc.)
• Lead and direct project teams on schedule, scope, budget, design, planning, and coordination of projects
• Lead the selection process for project consultants and contractors
• Perform & manage teams for:
• Advanced programming development utilizing programable logic controllers (PLC) of various types.
• Programming & configuration of IT network switches, firewalls and similar components
• Programming and integration of human machine interface systems
• Relational databases and integration with automation system, MES and corporate reporting.
• Advanced language programming (such as C++, JAVA, python, object oriented languages, and similar)
• Configuration, deployment and maintain virtual computer systems across multiple mill locations
• Multiple mill location support for 24/7 for automation and IT systems.
• General
• Ability to quickly learn and apply the latest technologies
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects to meet production schedule/project requirements
• Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals
• Evaluate new products, processes, and technologies
• This position offers a wide degree of creativity and latitude within expectations
• Travel 20-40%

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, or computer science. Other engineering disciplines may be considered with the appropriate combination of experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication with the ability to tailor communications from shop floor to executive management
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in engineering and manufacturing leadership
• Minimum of 7 years automation experience (combination of automation, IT, Robotics, software development)
• Industrial mill experience
• Prior experience leading and directing teams across multiple locations
• Experienced with development and deployment of complex automation, IT networks, Robotics, database development for capital projects in excess of $100 million.
• Prior experience with planning, scheduling and executing projects
• Microsoft office products
• Expert level knowledge of Rockwell automation products
• Expert level knowledge of Cisco networking components, programming and configuration
• Expert level knowledge of databases, data extraction, rationalizing and reporting
• Prior wood or paper products experience

Preferred Qualifications

• P.E. license Supervisory experience
• Expert knowledge of virtual machine environment, server configuration, redundant networking
• Multiple project management experience
• Familiar with environmental regulatory requirements
• Adept with Microsoft project
• MS or PhD in engineering or other science related field