Sr. Automation Manager

Littelfuse (NASDAQ: LFUS) is a diversified industrial technology manufacturing company shaping solutions for the safe and efficient transfer of electrical energy. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA, we serve customers across industrial, transportation, and electronics markets worldwide. With approximately 16,000 employees we design and manufacture innovative technologies that support electrification, energy efficiency, and advanced automation. Our global reach is matched by a culture that empowers innovation and long-term growth. Guided by our principles We Care, We Succeed With Our Customers, and We Own the Outcome, we work collaboratively, think boldly, and deliver solutions that move industries forward.

The Senior Automation Manager is responsible for developing and executing the automation strategy across manufacturing operations, driving improvements in productivity, quality, safety, cost efficiency, and operational scalability. This role leads the identification, development, implementation, and optimization of advanced manufacturing automation solutions, integrating robotics, control systems, digital technologies, and process improvements to enhance operational performance. Working closely with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Operational Excellence teams, the Senior Automation Manager will establish a long-term automation roadmap aligned with business priorities, manufacturing capacity requirements, and financial objectives. The position requires a strategic leader with strong technical expertise, proven project execution capabilities, and the ability to influence and drive transformation across multiple manufacturing facilities.

About Your Job:

Automation Strategy and Roadmap

• Develop and execute a comprehensive automation strategy aligned with business objectives and manufacturing priorities.

• Assess current manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for automation, productivity improvements, labor

optimization, and operational efficiency.

• Establish short-, medium-, and long-term automation roadmaps across manufacturing sites.

• Standardize automation technologies, equipment specifications, and engineering practices across facilities.

• Evaluate emerging manufacturing technologies and recommend solutions that support operational competitiveness.

Automation Engineering and Project Execution

• Lead automation projects from concept development and feasibility analysis through design, installation, commissioning,

and production stabilization.

• Oversee integration of industrial robotics, PLCs, HMIs, machine vision, sensors, motion control, and automated assembly

and testing systems.

• Coordinate internal engineering resources, equipment manufacturers, system integrators, and external technology

partners.

• Ensure automation solutions comply with applicable safety, quality, and engineering standards.

• Establish project governance, including milestones, budgets, technical specifications, risk assessments, and performance

validation.

• Ensure successful equipment acceptance, operator training, documentation, and handover to manufacturing operations

Operational Performance and Continuous Improvement

• Drive measurable improvements in productivity, throughput, cycle time, equipment utilization, and manufacturing costs.

• Partner with Operational Excellence and Lean Manufacturing teams to integrate automation with process optimization.

• Improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), equipment reliability, and manufacturing process capability.

• Identify opportunities to reduce manual operations, scrap, rework, downtime, and process variability.

• Support capacity expansion, new product introductions, and manufacturing footprint optimization initiatives.

Capital Investment and Financial Management

• Develop business cases for automation investments, including cost-benefit analysis, ROI, payback period, and operational

impact.

• Prepare and manage capital expenditure (CAPEX) budgets for automation projects.

• Prioritize automation investments based on business value, technical feasibility, operational risk, and strategic alignment.

• Monitor project expenditures and ensure delivery within approved financial parameters.

• Track and validate realized savings and operational benefits following implementation.

Technology Integration and Digital Manufacturing

• Lead the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies, including industrial robotics, automated inspection, data

acquisition, and intelligent control systems.

• Support integration between manufacturing equipment and digital platforms such as MES, SCADA, and enterprise

systems.

• Promote data-driven manufacturing processes through real-time monitoring, performance analytics, and predictive

maintenance capabilities.

• Identify opportunities to leverage Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics where

technically and economically justified.

• Ensure automation solutions incorporate appropriate cybersecurity, reliability, maintainability, and scalability

considerations.

Cross-Functional and Multi-Site Leadership

• Partner with Plant Managers and Operations leadership to align automation initiatives with manufacturing priorities.

• Collaborate with Product Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, EHS, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams.

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to site engineering and automation teams.

• Build strong relationships with equipment suppliers, automation integrators, and technology partners.

• Facilitate knowledge sharing and replication of successful automation solutions across manufacturing facilities.

• Lead organizational change associated with automation implementation, ensuring effective adoption and workforce

readiness.

Talent Development and Organizational Capability

• Develop automation engineering capabilities across manufacturing operations.

• Coach and mentor engineers, technical specialists, and project leaders.

• Identify critical technical skills and establish development plans to support future automation requirements.

• Promote a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Support organizational capability planning and succession development for automation-related positions.

Other duties as assigned.

About You:

• Bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial

Engineering, or a related technical discipline; master’s degree preferred.

• 10+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing engineering, industrial automation, or related technical functions.

• 5+ years of leadership experience managing automation teams, engineering functions, or complex technical programs.

• Demonstrated experience implementing industrial automation projects in manufacturing environments.

• Proven track record managing capital-intensive projects, including financial justification, execution, and delivery of

measurable results.

• Experience supporting multiple manufacturing sites or regional/global operations strongly preferred.

• Experience in electronics, electrical equipment, electromechanical assembly, or other high-volume discrete manufacturing

environments preferred.

• Experience managing external system integrators, automation suppliers, and engineering contractors.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Industrial automation architecture and systems integration; PLC programming and industrial control systems (Siemens,

Allen-Bradley, or equivalent).

• Industrial robotics, automated assembly, machine vision, automated inspection, and testing technologies.

• Manufacturing process design, equipment commissioning, validation, and reliability.

• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.

• CAPEX planning, project management, ROI, and financial analysis.

• Industrial networking, SCADA, MES, and manufacturing data systems.

• Machine safety standards, industrial risk assessment, and strong analytical problem-solving skills.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Translates business objectives into actionable automation strategies.

• Results Orientation: Owns project execution, operational outcomes, and financial performance.

• Change Leadership: Drives adoption of new technologies and processes.

• Collaboration and Influence: Partners with senior leaders and cross-functional teams.

• People Leadership: Develops technical talent and builds accountability.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Identifies scalable, sustainable solutions.

• Business Acumen: Balances technical capabilities with financial returns and operational risk.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Automation roadmap execution and milestone achievement.

• CAPEX project delivery against budget, schedule, and scope.

• Realized cost savings and return on automation investments.

• Productivity, labor efficiency, OEE, and equipment availability improvements.

• Reductions in manufacturing cycle time, scrap, and downtime.

• Successful automation deployment and replication across manufacturing sites.

• Automation-related safety and quality performance.

• Development of internal automation engineering capabilities.

Additional Requirements

• Advanced English proficiency, written and spoken.

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

• Strong communication and presentation skills with senior management.

• Experience in a multinational, matrixed manufacturing organization.

• Ability to manage multiple strategic initiatives simultaneously.

LI-KRL

At Littelfuse, we support employee growth and development. Guided by our culture principles, our teams work together to deliver value for customers and make a positive impact in the communities where we operate. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to grow and contribute. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, performance-based incentives, flexible work arrangements, and development opportunities.