Automation Engineering Manager Jobs in Covington, LA

Crusoe is on a mission to accelerate the abundance of energy and intelligence. As the only vertically integrated AI infrastructure company built from the ground up, we own and operate each layer of the stack — from electrons to tokens — to power the world's most ambitious AI workloads. When you join Crusoe, you join a team that is building the future, faster.

We're in the midst of the greatest industrial revolution of our time. The demand for AI compute is boundless, and power is a bottleneck. We're solving that — with an energy-first approach that makes AI infrastructure better for the world and faster for the people innovating with AI.

We're looking for problem-solving, opportunity-finding teammates with a sense of urgency, who believe in the scale of our ambition and thrive on a path not fully paved — people who want to grow their careers alongside a team of experts across energy, manufacturing, data center construction, and cloud services.

If you want to do the most meaningful work of your career, help our customers and partners advance their AI strategies, and be part of a high-performing team that believes in each other, come build with us at Crusoe.

About This Role:

Join Crusoe, a company committed to accelerating the abundance of energy and intelligence. We are seeking a highly driven, pioneering leader to take on the challenge of scaling our custom design/build manufacturing operations in Ponchatoula, LA as the Production Manager, you will operate with the autonomy to make critical, high-impact decisions that drive operational excellence and set the standard for speed-to-market.

You will lead all aspects of production in a rapidly scaling environment where every project is unique, focusing on developing, accelerating, and ensuring the seamless execution of manufacturing processes. If you are motivated by audacious goals and want the power to bend the arc of energy toward sustainability, this is the role where your strategic vision and relentless drive will have a tangible impact. This is a full-time position. Relocation assistance available.

What You’ll Be Working On:

• Production Oversight & Strategic Planning: Direct all aspects of production in our Ponchatoula facility, including product flow, resource planning, and aggressive execution. You will design production plans tuned to project specifications and aligned with Crusoe’s organizational goals.

• Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence: Champion Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to drive continuous improvement across the production floor. You will partner with executive leadership to enforce company-wide standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Cross-functional Leadership: Lead collaborations with Project Managers, Scheduling, Sales, and Engineering teams to ensure seamless project alignment from initial design through final production.

• Team Leadership & Talent Development: Provide decisive leadership and mentorship to department managers. You will build a high-performing culture of collaboration, conduct performance evaluations, and support professional development.

• Strategic Resource & Financial Management: Optimize space utilization and production capabilities for custom projects. Evaluate human and machine resources to minimize downtime while balancing productivity with reduced manufacturing costs.

• Productivity Goals & Metrics: Set and drive audacious productivity goals for each manufacturing team. Track key production metrics and report performance directly to executive leadership.

What You’ll Bring to the Team:

• Experience: 8+ years of progressive experience in production management within a design/build manufacturing environment, with at least 4+ years in a management role.

• Technical Expertise: Expertise in Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies. Deep understanding of Build to Order (BTO) / Configure to Order (CTO) and final assembly of complex products.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

• Leadership Mastery: Proven skills in inspiring a diverse team in a dynamic environment. You thrive when given the autonomy to own outcomes and leverage the collective genius of your team.

• Software Proficiency: Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., Acumatica, SAP, Oracle), Smartsheets, and Google’s software suite.

• Safety and Compliance: This position is designated a safety-sensitive position and/or is located in a safety-sensitive facility; drug and alcohol program participation is required. Must be able to pass a background check.

Bonus Points:

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

• Experience with ISO 9001, UL 508A / UL 891 / UL1008, NEMA, and NEC compliance standards.

• Proven experience in a "start-up" or "greenfield" manufacturing environment.

• Experience manufacturing power distribution equipment and switchgear.

• Expertise in process automation, robotics, machine vision, or AI-based automation.

• Experience with multi-site production management and advanced capacity planning tools.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation and equity packages

• Restricted Stock Units

• Paid time off, paid holidays & leave of absence programs

• Comprehensive health, dental & vision insurance

• Employer contributions to HSA account

• Paid parental leave

• Paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability

• Professional development & tuition reimbursement

• Mental health & wellness support

• Commuter benefits (parking & transit)

• Cell phone stipend

• 401(k) Retirement plan with company match up to 4% of salary

• Volunteer time off

• Global travel insurance & emergency assistance

• Daily meals allowance

• Additional perks & programs specific to location

Compensation Range

Compensation will be paid in the range of up to $95,000 -$110,000 + Bonus. Restricted Stock Units are included in all offers. Compensation to be determined by the applicant's knowledge, education, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. (#INDMFG)

Crusoe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, citizenship, marital status, sex/gender, sexual preference/ orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, national origin, or any other status protected by law or regulation.