Manufacturing Technology Manager

About the Role

We seek an accomplished Manufacturing Technology Manager to spearhead the strategy and execution of advanced manufacturing technologies including automation, smart factory initiatives, and digital transformations. This role involves integrating operational and enterprise systems to enhance efficiency, quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

Primary Duties

• Design and implement comprehensive manufacturing technology strategies and digital roadmaps aligned with company goals.
• Lead initiatives in automation, robotics, industrial controls, digital twins, IIoT, additive manufacturing, and intelligent production systems.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, engineering, IT, quality, supply chain, maintenance, R&D, sustainability, finance, and executive teams.
• Assess emerging technologies and vendors; conduct feasibility studies, pilot projects, and industrial-scale deployments.
• Develop integrated technology architectures combining OT, IT, MES, ERP, SCADA, PLCs, and data platforms.
• Manage automation programs spanning robotic assembly, material handling, AMRs, AGVs, collaborative robots, and intelligent cells.
• Drive smart manufacturing practices using real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, machine connectivity, condition assessment, and data-driven optimization.
• Establish governance standards in architecture, cybersecurity, interoperability, data integrity, lifecycle management, and change control.
• Monitor KPIs such as equipment effectiveness, throughput, downtime, automation use, quality, energy, maintenance, cost, adoption rates, and ROI.
• Conduct audits, maturity assessments, benchmarking, and continuous improvement efforts in manufacturing technology.
• Maintain relationships with technology partners, integrators, vendors, universities, and consulting firms.
• Oversee budgets, CAPEX programs, procurement, upgrades, software licensing, and strategic investments.
• Implement AI and machine learning for predictive maintenance, quality inspection, anomaly detection, production optimization, and decision support.
• Utilize tools including Siemens TIA Portal, Siemens NX, Rockwell Automation, Allen-Bradley, Schneider Electric, ABB, FANUC, KUKA, Universal Robots, Ignition SCADA, Siemens Opcenter, SAP S/4HANA, SAP Digital Manufacturing, Microsoft Azure, AWS IoT, Python, Power BI, Tableau, CAD/CAM, and industrial analytics.
• Champion cybersecurity best practices within manufacturing systems and collaborate with security teams.
• Promote sustainability efforts via energy monitoring, resource efficiency, waste reduction, electrification, automation, and low-carbon technology integration.
• Prepare executive documentation such as technology roadmaps, investment cases, digital manufacturing reports, risk analyses, and strategic recommendations.
• Lead and mentor teams of manufacturing technologists, automation specialists, data analysts, controls engineers, and transformation professionals fostering innovation and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation, Computer Engineering, IT, or related fields.
• Master’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Automation, Engineering Management, Digital Manufacturing, Technology Management, or related disciplines is highly preferred.
• Certifications in Project Management, Lean Six Sigma, Automation, Industrial Cybersecurity, or Smart Manufacturing are advantageous.
• Minimum five years of experience in manufacturing technology, industrial automation, digital manufacturing, controls, production engineering, or smart manufacturing roles.
• At least two years managing manufacturing technology projects, automation initiatives, digital transformations, or industrial technology teams is preferred.
• Extensive familiarity with manufacturing processes, robotics, PLCs, SCADA, MES, ERP integration, IIoT, digital twins, machine vision, production analytics, and smart factory technologies.
• Hands-on experience with Siemens TIA Portal, Siemens NX, Rockwell Automation, Allen-Bradley, Schneider Electric, ABB, FANUC, KUKA, Universal Robots, Ignition SCADA, Siemens Opcenter, SAP S/4HANA, SAP Digital Manufacturing, Microsoft Azure, AWS IoT, Python, Power BI, Tableau, and CAD/CAM systems.
• Knowledge of AI-driven manufacturing, machine learning, predictive maintenance, autonomous robotics, edge computing, computer vision, industrial cybersecurity, and advanced analytics is highly valued.
• Strong leadership, project management, budgeting, communication, stakeholder engagement, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Capability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives balancing safety, quality, feasibility, investment, cybersecurity, and operational continuity.
• Proficiency in remote collaboration with distributed teams across manufacturing, engineering, IT, OT, automation, quality, and maintenance, including occasional travel for onsite engagements.

Benefits and Work Environment

• Fully remote role with flexible global collaboration across manufacturing, engineering, automation, IT, and operations teams.
• Competitive salary with performance-related incentives.
• Comprehensive healthcare and wellness programs.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development in manufacturing technology.
• Exposure to cutting-edge AI manufacturing, smart factories, robotics, digital twins, IIoT, predictive analytics, and advanced production technologies.
• Collaborative workplace culture emphasizing innovation, operational excellence, safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
• Influence over future manufacturing advancements improving productivity, quality, agility, resilience, sustainability, and competitiveness.