OPCO Automation Manager

Position Summary:

The OPCO Automation Manager is a strategic manufacturing leader responsible for accelerating enterprise-wide automation and advanced manufacturing technologies across the entire operating company. This role develops and executes the automation roadmap, identifies and prioritizes high-value investment opportunities, and partners with business leaders to improve safety, quality, productivity, and customer responsiveness.

The Automation Manager serves as the organization's automation subject matter expert, driving the adoption of industry-leading technologies, scalable manufacturing standards, and best practices that enhance competitiveness and support long-term growth. Success in this role is measured through measurable business outcomes including labor productivity improvements, capacity expansion, OEE gains, cost reduction, quality enhancement, and successful deployment of strategic automation initiatives.

OPCO Automation Manager will report directly to the Director, Advanced Manufacturing Automation, responsible for developing the manufactory roadmap for process automation across all of the OPCO's companies and sites. Responsible for oversight of manufacturing engineering projects including; programming modifications of machinery and equipment, specification and procurement of new equipment/technology and tooling, equipment installation and start-up, and supervision of team members. On time execution of Automation technology integration into manufacturing.

The OPCO Automation Manager will serve as a catalyst for manufacturing transformation, enabling sustainable growth through automation and process innovation. This role directly influences operational performance, capital effectiveness, workforce productivity, and the long-term competitiveness of the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain a multi-year automation manufacturing strategy aligned with business growth objectives.
• Identify, prioritize, and champion automation investments with clear ROI and operational impact.
• Act as the executive advisor to site leadership teams on manufacturing technology and automation opportunities.

• Build business cases and capital investment proposals for automation initiatives.
• Drive measurable improvements in productivity, labor efficiency, working capital, and manufacturing cost structure.

• Establish automation standards, governance models, and technology roadmaps across all operating companies.
• Lead automation community withing Dover to accelerate knowledge sharing and adoption of best practices.

• Mentor and develop automation engineers and manufacturing teams.
• Build organizational capability in automation, controls, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

• Provide leadership across OPCO management and sites with strong technical support for automation solutions to optimize factory costs, quality and customer service through the conception, development and implementation of new and improved manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, material flow, plant layout or product design.
• Ensure the OPCO sites use industry leading and industry standard automation equipment, processes and technology.
• Create and manage OPCO automation ecosystem and 5-year roadmap.
• Attend industry conferences and participate in industry groups to grow knowledge and subject matter expertise network.
• Participate in NPI projects and drive successful introduction of new products, production and test concepts from design phase to volume production.
• Drive systematic improvements through analysis of KPIs and other performance data.
• Manage automation projects from conception through completion:
• Interpret equipment capabilities and specifications and utilize playbooks to:
  • Select required to achieve optimal production.
  • Create detailed project scopes of work.
  • Prepare and manage schedules.
  • Manage installation and modifications, From safety, quality and commercial point of view
  • Align with Corporate best practices and governance procedures.
  • Start-up and training.
• Provide hands-on engineering support, troubleshooting and maintenance of any automated process or production floor equipment.
• Helping and supporting manufacturing, to achieve safety, quality, efficiency and throughput goals, identifying opportunities to improve.
• Improve productivity via automation and new process development.
• Investigate equipment performance and identify any problems for corrective actions and solutions.
• Independently evaluate existing equipment, methods, processes, and procedures.
• Apply Project Management skills and tools to lead and support capital equipment and improvement projects.
• Executes Factory and Site Acceptance Tests, Machinability Studies, and validation protocols.
• Writes and executes Risk Analysis ( PFMEA and Fishbone Diagrams) and Engineering Change Orders.
• Responsible for review and approval of PFMEA, DFMEA, PPAPs, and Standard Operating Procedures SOP and ensure that manufacturing and operations comply with.
• Utilize continuous improvement methodology to improve internal processes.
• Work collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
• Must be able to interact constructively across the whole organization including machine operators, production supervisors, maintenance, engineering, R&D, sales and management.
• Hands-on support of new product and new process launch.
• Must be able to handle multiple projects and multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Develop best in class processes

Qualifications / Requirements/Desired Characteristics:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering, industrial technology, or equivalent mix or education and experience
• Minimum five (5) years' experience in automated machine design or assembly
• Experience with SolidWorks or another mechanical CAD system
• Working knowledge of mechanical devices, such as indexers, pick & place mechanisms, sensors, PLCs, stepper and servo motors
• Direct experience designing, building, deploying and supporting automation and execution systems (Delta V/SCADA, Syncade MES, PAT, OSI Pi Data historian, etc.).
• Strong commitment to proper safety precautions in design and practice
• Strong understanding of Lean concepts.
• Possess experience in plant layout.
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills to interact with other departments.
• Ability to multi-task and perform in a dynamic environment
• Strong sense of urgency, accountability and highly objective oriented
• Highly organized and efficient in approaching tasks, a self-starter with the ability to solve problems proactively
• Impeccable organization and efficiency skills; strong attention to detail
• Clear, concise and articulate communication skills - verbal, written and listening
• Interfaces with wide array of individuals, balances multiple tasks and maintains positive attitude and energy
• Strong team player, work ethic and commitment to win right
• Strong analytical skills; ability to think big, act small and scale fast