Automation Manager

The Automation Manager leads the design, deployment, and optimization of automation systems, including controls engineering, robotics, machine vision, and SCADA/MES platforms, across multiple Transportation and Specialty Manufacturing sites. This role provides strategic direction, technical expertise, and operational oversight for a distributed team of automation professionals, ensuring the delivery of innovative, reliable, and scalable solutions that improve productivity, quality, and operational transparency.

The position requires a blend of engineering expertise, project management acumen, and leadership capability to drive cross-site initiatives, maintain compliance with ISO, VDA, and IATF 16949 standards, and strengthen TSM’s position as a trusted manufacturing partner in industries such as transportation seating, specialty vehicles, and consumer goods. The Automation Manager embodies TSM’s GRIT values—growing technical capability, respecting cross-functional collaboration, innovating with purpose, and executing with tenacity.

HSM Transportation is an ISO Certified exclusive complete line manufacturer of C.E. White School Bus Seats, portable child restraints, seat covers, and foam aftermarket parts. We are also a premier commercial seat manufacturer specializing in luxury full-size, luxury shuttle, commuter transit, commuter van, salon, foldaway and sofa seating.

HSM Transportation Solutions is a business unit of HSM, headquartered in Hickory, NC since 1944. Our commitment to excellence goes far beyond our products and processes; it is centered on the people who make it all possible. If you're interested in learning more about our company culture, as well as the benefits we offer our employees, please visit our website or social media pages.

Automation Systems Leadership

• Provide strategic oversight for controls engineering, robotics, machine vision, and SCADA/MES functions across the division.
• Establish and maintain automation standards, procedures, and best practices aligned with ISO, VDA, and IATF 16949 requirements.
• Lead cross-plant automation projects, ensuring consistent design principles and integration methodologies.

SCADA & MES Design and Optimization

• Direct the development and implementation of Ignition-based SCADA/MES platforms to enhance manufacturing visibility, traceability, and control.
• Standardize unified namespace and data connection protocols across all supported facilities.
• Ensure connectivity and data integration with production, quality, and maintenance systems to support real-time decision-making.

Robotics & Machine Vision Deployment

• Oversee selection, programming, and integration of Fanuc, KUKA, Yaskawa, or equivalent robotic systems.
• Direct machine vision applications using Cognex, Keyence, or similar platforms for quality inspection and process verification.
• Ensure vision and robotic systems meet safety, ethical, accuracy, and throughput standards.

Application Development & Digital Enablement

• Guide development of automation tools supporting OEE, inventory management, quality tracking, and production scheduling.
• Promote use of simulation and virtual commissioning tools (e.g., RoboDK, Emulate3D) to accelerate project timelines and reduce risk.
• Integrate automation data into actionable dashboards and performance reporting.

Project & Resource Management

• Lead project planning, budgeting, and execution for automation initiatives across 5+ direct reports.
• Allocate resources effectively to balance ongoing support needs with strategic project delivery.
• Coordinate with plant leadership to align automation priorities with operational goals.

Operational Engagement & Support

• Partner with manufacturing, quality, and maintenance teams to identify automation gaps and develop scalable solutions.
• Provide training and technical guidance to operators, technicians, and engineers to maximize adoption and system performance.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex troubleshooting and root cause analysis.

Educational & Experience Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in automation engineering, including 3+ years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Proven success managing multi-site automation teams and projects.

Technical Skills & Industry Expertise

• SCADA/MES: Ignition (preferred), Siemens, Rockwell, or Aveva platforms.
• Controls Engineering: PLC programming (structured text, ladder logic), industrial communication protocols (OPC UA, MQTT, REST APIs).
• Robotics: Fanuc, KUKA, Yaskawa, or similar.
• Machine Vision: Cognex, Keyence, or equivalent.
• Experience in discrete manufacturing; automotive industry background strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with ISO, VDA, and IATF 16949 standards and compliance processes.

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Strong people leadership skills, including coaching, performance management, and team development.
• Cross-functional collaboration with operations, quality, maintenance, and IT.
• High learning agility with a results-driven mindset.
• Demonstrates TSM GRIT: growth in self and team capability, respect for diverse perspectives, innovation that delivers value, and tenacious follow-through.

Travel Requirements

• Up to 25% travel for system commissioning, team oversight, vendor engagement, and cross-site project execution.

As an Automation Manager at HSM, you’ll enjoy: 

• 401k Contribution Match up to 4% (100% Vested from Day 1), 9 paid holidays, 3 weeks of vacation (Eligible after 60 days), Affordable Total Package Benefits offerings for you and your family, On-Site No-Cost Medical Clinics for you and Covered Dependents, Teladoc 24/7 ($0 copay), Global Healthcare and Tuition Reimbursement & Professional Development Assistance.  

At HSM Solutions our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, innovation, and celebrating our successes together as a team. We provide our employees with the tools and resources they need to achieve their goals and to make a meaningful impact on our customers, our company, and our communities. If you're looking for a place that's not just a job, but a spot where you can grow and make a real impact, then HSM Solutions is the place for you. 

If you would like to apply for a position, please visit our career site at www.hsmsolutions.com/careers for a prompt response from our recruitment team. If you have any questions or would like to follow up on your application, please don't hesitate to contact us at jobs@hsmsolutions.com.

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HSM prohibits discrimination based on any protected status, workplace harassment/bullying, and retaliation for filing a complaint or providing information related to a complaint. HSM provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to an individual's protected status: race/ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital/parental status, pregnancy/childbirth or related conditions, religion, creed, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status.