Automation Engineering Manager

Hybrid Position Location: Maple Grove, MN or Madison, WI

Do you want to be a vital part of a successful multi-disciplined team? At Cybertrol, you will apply your skills in a culture that focuses on commitment to high quality solutions for our customers while emphasizing personal and professional growth for our employees. Our core values are reflected in everything we do. Our dedication to being "Passionate," "Authentic," and "Willing to Help" makes a significant impact on our work culture and the success of our projects.

About Cybertrol

Cybertrol Engineering creates and delivers custom-engineered automation hardware and software solutions to manufacturing customers throughout the upper Midwest and across the world. The firm is privately owned, headquartered in Minneapolis, and has additional offices in Madison and Marshfield, WI. There is a very strong engineering culture that emphasizes a commitment to provide high-quality solutions, including: plant-wide automation, information and industrial IT infrastructure, custom control panel design and fabrication, and upgrades of obsolete automation systems. This role is in the Integration department, which has teams responsible for project delivery of industrial automation code, functional descriptions and documentation, manufacturing intelligence solutions, industrial IT (Operational Technology), and 24/7 support.

Automation Engineering Manager

Cybertrol Engineering is seeking an experienced Automation Engineering Manager to provide comprehensive technical direction and personnel leadership to a team of automation engineers. Reporting directly to the Food and Beverage Director, this role is crucial for driving the successful execution of complex automation projects, ensuring the highest standards of technical excellence and fostering a collaborative and high-performing engineering environment. The ideal candidate will leverage their deep expertise in industrial automation to guide project development, mentor team members, and contribute significantly to Cybertrol's strategic goals within the Food and Beverage sectors.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performance management for her/his direct team, including growth and development
• Stay on top of industry trends, especially with respect to technology to anticipate and to develop the team’s skills to be responsive to industry shifts
• Participate in customer discussions and proposal/quote development as appropriate
• Provide guidance and steering on select key projects
• Participate in the Food and Beverage leadership team meetings
• Ensure team continuity while also developing and maintaining a positive team culture
• Perform employee recruiting, both directly for his/her direct team, and other areas within Cybertrol
• Onboarding duties for new hires, including facilitating a company introduction and technical training
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Project Management, Information Systems and Operations, as well as with Cybertrol’s leadership team
• Develop and establish internal processes, procedures, and tools for the efficient, quality delivery of solutions to the customer
• Participate in strategic planning and execution
• Manage budgets and resources for the department

Traveling up to 10% may be required to support project lifecycle, training, or other professional related travel. A valid driver’s license is required.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• B.S. in Engineering (Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, or Chemical) or related engineering field with 7+ years' experience in manufacturing, industrial automation controls (PLC/HMI), information systems (MES, MIS, etc.), systems engineering, or project management, and/or a combination of these skill areas or equivalent
• 2-5 years of direct management experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Self-motivated with the ability to meet deadlines independently and as part of a team
• Ability to forge positive working relationships with a wide variety of people
• Comprehensive understanding of control systems including instrumentation, physical controls architecture, and automation software as applied to manufacturing operations
• Exposure to common Food and Beverage processes such as pasteurization, batching, drying, fermentation, or separation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Growth mindset

DESIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience with Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) a plus
• Exposure to different project management methods, including Agile Scrum
• Understanding of functional safety requirements and past implementation of safety systems

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Office Work:   

• Office desk/cubicle environment   
• Extensive computer use 
• Occasional Control panel IO powered checkouts in panel shop or customer site   

  Site Work:  

• Up to 5% travel to industrial manufacturing facilities. Typical locations are in North America. 
• Overnight travel from a few days to several days at a time. 
• Ability to consistently lift 50 lbs.  

On-Site working conditions may include: 

• Work around construction equipment and personnel
• Work around production equipment and production personnel
• Work in hot or cold areas
• Work in noisy areas
• Work up and down stairs, indoors and outdoors
• Electrical/Instrumentation Device Checkout and Troubleshooting. Includes voltage testing, equipment troubleshooting on a ladder, and light electrical assembly – signal wiring in control panels/instruments
• Working and interfacing with operations, engineering, equipment supply, and construction personnel

Typical Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) Required: Safety Glasses, Steel Toed shoes, hearing protection, and electrical safety PPE. Employees must comply with customer specific requirements and PPE.  

Cybertrol offers a discretionary bonus to all employees, based on company and personal performance. In addition, all full-time employees are eligible for a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, 401(k), paid holidays and personal paid time off (PTO), supplemental insurance plans, and education reimbursement.

Cybertrol is committed to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. Applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, age and/or any other protected status as required by law.