Controls and Robotics Operations Manager

Controls & Robotics Engineering Operations Manager will lead the strategic direction, development, and execution of automation and controls initiatives across five operational centers. This role is responsible for overseeing a high-performing team of Professional Maintenance Specialists and skilled trades personnel, driving innovation in programmable logic control (PLC), robotics integration, and automation systems. The Manager will serve as a key technical and leadership resource, ensuring optimal performance, scalability, and reliability of robotic and control systems, including ABB, Kuka, Fanuc, Siemens, and other advanced platforms.

This position plays a critical role in shaping the future of manufacturing automation, enhancing throughput, and enabling continuous improvement through data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and talent development.

Specific Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of Controls and Robotics specialists, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Develop and execute a long-term roadmap for automation and controls capability across multiple sites.
• Champion workforce development initiatives to elevate technical competencies in PLCs, robotics, and automation systems.

Operational Excellence & Technical Oversight

• Provide expert guidance in diagnosing and resolving complex controls and robotics issues across five manufacturing centers.
• Establish and enforce standardized operating procedures for robotic and PLCs, HMIs, and Robotics (Fanuc/Comau) systems to minimize downtime and optimize performance.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action planning for automation-related failures and inefficiencies.
• Review, verify and diagnose design errors, omissions, and other deficiencies with controls logic and/or robotics logic provided by our suppliers and proactively recommend revisions and/or improvements.
• Understanding of Sensors, Cameras, Vision Systems, Sorters, VFDs, End Effectors, Robots and related controls for automated systems.

Systems Integration & Innovation

• Oversee the design, programming, and integration of advanced control systems including Siemens, Rockwell, and Allen Bradley platforms.
• Drive continuous improvement through software enhancements, logic optimization, and offline/online programming methodologies.
• Collaborate with engineering, IT, and production teams to implement scalable automation solutions aligned with business goals.
• Use thorough understanding of control systems in terms of electrical, motion, vision, pneumatic & hydraulic controls.

Governance & Documentation

• Ensure comprehensive documentation of system changes, revision histories, and lessons learned.
• Develop and maintain training programs for associates and maintenance personnel on robotic systems and automation protocols.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Automation, or related field
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in manufacturing automation, with a focus on PLCs and robotics
• Proven leadership experience managing cross-functional technical teams
• Expertise in robotic programming and troubleshooting (Fanuc, ABB, Kuka)
• Strong understanding of Body-in-White processes and robotic welding applications
• Proficiency in RS Logix, PLC-5, Allen Bradley Drive Systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced or Technical Degree (BSME or BSEE)
• Knowledge of welding processes (resistance spot welding)
• Experience with Control Net Networks, Device Net Networks, ABB
• Proficiency with Microsoft application software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)

Our Benefits — Designed With You In Mind

Comprehensive Health & Well-being Coverage

From your very first day, you’ll have access to medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage — ensuring you and your family stay healthy and protected. Also, our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential support for personal and professional challenges, always ready when you need it.

Family Building Benefit

We proudly support all paths to parenthood- including fertility and infertility treatments, adoption services, and gestational surrogacy.

Generous Paid Time Off

We believe in work-life balance. That’s why we offer: 17+ paid holidays, including shut-down from December 24th through New Years Day every year. Vacation, float & wellbeing days, sick time and fully paid parental leave when your family needs you most.

Competitive Retirement Savings Plans

We Help You Plan For The Future With

• An employer match on contributions to your 401k, Roth, and Catch-Up plans
• An employer contribution, even if you don’t contribute

Income Protection & Insurance Options

Benefit from both employer-provided and voluntary plan offerings, including life insurance, group accident, critical illness, etc. - supporting the needs of you and your family and ensuring peace of mind.

Company Vehicle Lease Program

Eligible employees and their immediate families can participate in the company vehicle lease program, providing access to Stellantis vehicles with insurance, maintenance, and unlimited miles included. Plus, take advantage of exclusive discounts on Stellantis products.

Support for Your Growth and Giving Back

We believe in investing in your future and your passions:

• Tuition reimbursement
• Student loan refinancing programs
• 18 paid volunteer hours each year to make a difference in your community

And so much more!

When you join us, you’re not just building a career — you’re joining a company that supports you, inside and outside of work.

At Stellantis, we assess candidates based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We welcome applications from all people without regard to sex, age, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any characteristic protected by law. We believe that diverse teams reflect our identity as a global company, enabling us to better address the evolving needs of our customers and care for our future.

EOE / Disability / Veteran