Automation Supervisor

Lead the Automation Technician team while actively managing and executing automation projects in a plastic injection molding manufacturing environment.

Office

We have an opening for an Automation Supervisor, who is a hands-on working supervisor responsible for leading the Automation Technician team while actively managing and executing automation projects in a plastic injection molding manufacturing environment. This role provides both technical and personnel leadership through direct involvement in automation design, programming, troubleshooting, equipment integration, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Automation Supervisor is accountable for supporting equipment reliability, production efficiency, project execution, employee development, and compliance with safety and quality standards while serving as an active technical contributor to daily operations and long-term automation initiatives.

Job Description

Primary responsibilities include the following:

Maintain regular and reliable on-site attendance.
Supervise and coordinate daily activities of Automation Technicians across all shifts.
Lead troubleshooting, repair, and preventative support efforts for automation systems and production equipment.
Assign work priorities, monitor workloads, and ensure timely completion of projects and automation activities.
Provide technical leadership and mentoring to Automation Technicians and support skill development within the department.
Oversee the design, implementation, installation, and troubleshooting of automation systems for injection molding manufacturing operations.
Support production operations by minimizing downtime and ensuring rapid response to automation and equipment issues.
Manage automation projects from concept through implementation, including scheduling, estimating, budgeting, and resource coordination.
Design and oversee the build of EOATs, automated cells, safety enclosures, and control cabinets.
Ensure proper integration and operation of robotics, PLCs, HMIs, vision systems, welders, pressure testers, conveyors, and part feeding systems.
Coordinate preventative support programs for automation equipment including 3-axis robots, 6-axis robots, ultrasonic welders, thermal welders, and related systems.
Ensure automation documentation, ERP system updates, and project records are accurate and current.
Collaborate with Production, Tooling, Engineering, and Quality departments to improve manufacturing processes and equipment performance.
Lead continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing initiatives focused on efficiency, safety, scrap reduction, and uptime improvement.
Enforce all company safety policies, OSHA standards, and Lock-Out/Tag-Out procedures.
Participate in hiring, training, coaching, performance management, and corrective action processes for department personnel.
Communicate effectively with vendors, contractors, customers, and internal stakeholders regarding automation projects and technical support.
Assist with departmental budgeting, project planning, labor tracking, and reporting responsibilities.
Support operational needs by working additional hours as required to meet project timelines and production demands.
Perform all other duties as assigned.

A Workplace With Integrity

Your voice is heard
Your ideas are welcomed
Your mind is challenged
You enjoy great benefits
You share our core values: optimism, innovation, and teamwork
You care that your employer follows green initiatives and has a culture of responsibility to the environment and community

We offer a flexible and empowering work environment.

We support and encourage lifelong learning and professional development.

We embrace continuous improvement at all levels of the organization.

We have fun and celebrate success!

Job Requirements & Working Conditions

Bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field preferred.
Associate degree in Automation, Engineering Technology, or related technical field required.
Minimum of 5 years of automation experience in a manufacturing environment required, preferably within plastic injection molding.
Minimum of 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
Advanced certifications or specialized training in automation, robotics, PLCs, or control systems preferred.
Experience with plastic welding, insertion processes, and robotic integration strongly preferred.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Provide fair, consistent, and professional leadership to team members.
• Foster a positive team environment focused on accountability, communication, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct employee coaching, training, evaluations, and development planning.
• Promote teamwork and cross-functional collaboration throughout the organization.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for automation-related concerns.

Soft Skills

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and respond effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Self-motivated with strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and levels of the organization.

Technical Skills

Strong knowledge of injection molding machine operation, automation interfaces, and safety interlocks.
Advanced troubleshooting skills related to:
- PLC systems
- HMIs
- Robotics
- Vision systems
- Part feeding systems
- Servo and pneumatic systems
Proficiency with CAD and 3D/2D design software required.
Experience with prototyping, machining, CNC equipment, and fabrication processes preferred.
Ability to manage automation projects including estimating, scheduling, quoting, and implementation.
Strong understanding of equipment reliability and process improvement strategies.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and use hands for tools and equipment operation.
Frequently required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
Exposure to moving mechanical parts, manufacturing equipment, and loud noise levels.
Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work now and in the future in the United States. Kaysun does not sponsor employment visas now or in the future.