Sr. Manager, Controls & Automation

Description

At MetalTek International, we are a leading producer of high-quality metal castings, specializing in centrifugal, investment, and sand casting processes. Our castings power, protect, and connect the world, serving industries such as energy, aerospace, transportation, infrastructure, and defense. We are committed to innovation, automation, and continuous improvement, ensuring that our foundry operations remain efficient, cost-effective, and technologically advanced.

We are seeking a Senior Manager of Controls & Automation to evaluate our current automation capabilities, develop a long-term strategy, and execute key projects that will enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve process control in our foundry operations. This role will focus on modernizing and optimizing automation systems for centrifugal, investment, and sand casting processes, integrating advanced control systems to improve efficiency, quality, and safety.

The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of industrial automation, control systems, and process optimization in a foundry environment, with experience leading projects that drive meaningful improvements in melting, pouring, molding, core making, shakeout, and finishing.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Automation Development

• Assess and document the current state of automation and controls across centrifugal, investment, and sand casting operations.
• Develop a multi-year roadmap for automation improvements, aligning with company goals for efficiency, cost reduction, and quality enhancement.
• Research and implement emerging technologies (robotics, AI-driven process control, vision systems, IoT, smart sensors) to modernize casting processes.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, IT, and engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of automation solutions.

Project Execution & Process Optimization

• Lead automation initiatives that make our processes better, faster, and cheaper, optimizing:
• Centrifugal casting: Automating mold rotation, pouring control, and cooling systems.
• Investment casting: Enhancing wax pattern automation, robotic shell dipping, and furnace control.
• Sand casting: Improving molding line automation, core handling, and shakeout efficiency.
• Optimize PLC, HMI, SCADA, robotic, and motion control systems to improve foundry performance.
• Implement real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and automated quality control systems.
• Work closely with vendors and internal teams to design, program, and commission new automation solutions.

Leadership & Team Development

• Manage and mentor a team of automation engineers, controls technicians, and maintenance personnel.
• Build a culture of continuous improvement and technological advancement in manufacturing automation.
• Provide training programs to upskill employees on automation technologies and smart manufacturing concepts.

Reliability, Maintenance & Safety

• Ensure the reliability and uptime of automation and control systems in high-temperature foundry environments.
• Develop and maintain preventive maintenance programs for automated equipment.
• Implement safety automation systems to improve workplace safety in hazardous foundry conditions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex control system issues in melting, pouring, and finishing operations.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to lead cutting-edge automation initiatives in a growing metal casting company.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Competitive salary, benefits, and career growth opportunities.
• Make a direct impact in an industry that powers, protects, and connects the world.

If you’re passionate about automation and ready to transform the future of casting, apply today!

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in industrial automation and controls, preferably in a foundry, metal casting, or heavy manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.), HMIs, SCADA, industrial robotics, and IoT solutions.
• Hands-on experience optimizing centrifugal, investment, and sand casting processes through automation.
• Familiarity with vision systems, robotic material handling, predictive maintenance, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Proven track record of leading automation projects from concept to execution in a manufacturing setting.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process control methodologies is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving, leadership, and project management skills.