Manufacturing Automation Engineer, Sector Lead
Location:Fairborn, OH
About
Our client delivers advanced engineering, manufacturing, and digital transformation solutions supporting DoD and aerospace clients. The organization focuses on smart manufacturing, automation, and Industry 4.0 technologies to enhance production efficiency, quality, and mission readiness.
Position Overview
The Sector Lead, Manufacturing Automation, will lead the strategy, deployment, and scaling of automation solutions across aerospace and defense manufacturing programs. This role is responsible for driving factory modernization initiatives, integrating robotics, AI, and advanced automation systems to improve production performance, quality, and cost efficiency. This leader will bridge manufacturing engineering, digital systems, and operational execution to enable next-generation automated production environments.
Key Responsibilities
● Lead end-to-end manufacturing automation strategy, roadmap, and execution
● Design and deploy automation solutions
● Improve throughput, efficiency, and first-time quality across production lines
● Partner with engineering to integrate digital manufacturing systems
● Support production ramp-up, NPI, and scaling of automated systems
● Establish and track KPIs (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost)
● Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, engineering, quality, and supply chain
● Lead and develop high-performing teams, driving automation innovation
Required Qualifications
● 10–15+ years in manufacturing, automation, or production engineering
● Leadership experience in aerospace, defense, or highly regulated environments
● Strong expertise in automation systems, robotics, and smart manufacturing technologies
● Experience with Industry 4.0 and digital manufacturing initiatives
● Proven track record in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
● Lean Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt) preferred
● Experience with MES/ERP systems is a strong plus
Additional Requirements
● Must be able to attain a United States Security Clearance
● Ability to travel 30% of the time