Automation Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Description

Since 1990, Excel Engineering, Inc. has set itself apart by delivering engineering solutions built on customer focus and exceptional quality. For nearly 20 years, we have specialized in developing and providing comprehensive automation solutions for industrial clients. 

We combine a strong mix of industrial process automation know-how with extensive experience in a wide variety of PLC/HMI and DCS platforms. From functional requirement design and control system mitigation to batch design and configuration, we work in a wide range of industrial facilities to engineer solutions that eliminate production and manufacturer errors while improving site safety in the process.

This position is responsible for managing our Industrial/Utility Automation department and oversees engineers, works closely with other engineers, project managers and Client team members in support of both capital and operational improvement projects.

Responsibilities 

• Lead regular departmental meetings to identify, evaluate, and resolve operational and organizational issues.
• Communicate departmental challenges, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership.
• Align departmental initiatives, priorities, and execution plans with the Company's annual and quarterly business objectives.
• Maintain accountability for departmental financial performance, including profit and loss management.
• Lead, inspire, mentor, and coach team members to support professional growth and high performance.
• Oversee talent acquisition, onboarding, retention, and succession planning within the department.
• Manage employee performance, including goal setting, regular feedback, and formal performance evaluations.
• Identify skill gaps and develop training and development plans to strengthen departmental capabilities.
• Approve and monitor project budgets to ensure financial performance aligns with approved forecasts.
• Plan, allocate, and optimize departmental resources across active and upcoming projects.
• Identify, assess, and manage project risks across the departmental portfolio.
• Promote continuous improvement by facilitating lessons learned activities and ensuring key learnings are communicated and applied.
• Engage with and provide oversight of project stakeholders to support successful project delivery.
• Maintain strong client relationships through regular engagement and proactive communication.
• Address systemic or recurring issues impacting client satisfaction and drive resolution.
• Solicit and evaluate feedback from client stakeholders to improve service delivery.
• Lead and support proposal development activities, including project scoping, estimating, bid/no-bid decisions, pursuit strategy, approvals, and client communications.
• Identify prospective project opportunities and collaborate with business development teams to support growth.
• Ensure departmental processes, procedures, and work instructions are current, effective, and consistently utilized.
• Provide technical direction and subject matter expertise to support project teams.
• Ensure all work complies with applicable codes, standards, regulations, and Company requirements.
• Assist in the resolution of complex technical challenges and escalations.

Requirements

 Experience

• Minimum of six (6) years or more of experience in automation engineering design
• Five (5) years of combined experience in General Manufacturing, Power, Chemical, Pharmaceutical, or related industry or engineering consulting
• Five (5) years or more in a role managing engineers and technical staff

Education

• B.S in: Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering from an ABET accredited institute. 
• Cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale

Skills Applicable to the Role

• Effective interpersonal skills
• Leadership and people management
• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals at all levels in the organization in a team environment
• Excellent communication skills in English, both in words and in writing; ability to generate client communication correspondence and presentations
• Project and/or resource planning
• Project and/or client management
• Proposal and manhour estimate development
• Proficiency in Control Panel Design, 
• Proficiency in PLC / HMI / SCADA / DCS programming
• Working knowledge of Industrial Protocols, Scripting Languages, Historians
• Strong knowledge of MS Office
• Experience with EOS a plus

We offer...

Growth & Development: Ongoing continuing education, hands-on training, and opportunities to expand your skills.

Career Advancement Support: Assistance in earning professional certifications and pursuing further education.

Retirement Benefits: 401(k) plan with employer matching.

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options.

Wellness Focus: Access to programs designed to support your overall well-being.

Work-Life Balance: Paid time off and flexible work environment

Flexibility & Trust: A flexible schedule and work environment built around mutual trust and accountability.

Share the Talent, Share the Rewards: We value great people recommending great people, which is why our employee referral program is designed to reward you continuously

We offer a competitive salary and great benefits. At Excel Engineering, we're proud of our positive, high-performing culture where teamwork, continuous improvement, and a service-oriented mindset help us do our best work every day. If you enjoy a fast-paced and rewarding environment, you'll love being part of our team!

Excel Engineering, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected characteristic.

We value diverse perspectives and believe they strengthen our work, our teams, and the solutions we deliver to clients. We encourage candidates from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in engineering to apply. If you need accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact our Human Resources team at ExcelHR@exceleng.net.