Contract Engineering Jobs in Florence, SC (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview: The Automation Engineering Manager will lead a team of engineers responsible for executing automation projects across our network of recycling centers. The role combines technical expertise in automation and robotics with strong project management skills to drive the successful implementation of innovative solutions. The ideal candidate will proactively identify opportunities for technological advancement, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and manage a series of complex projects to improve operational efficiency, quality, and sustainability.

The Automation Engineering Manager is accountable for standardizing equipment and processes, managing vendor relationships, overseeing budgets, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. This position requires a strategic thinker who can mentor engineers, foster continuous improvement, and deliver impactful automation solutions on time and on budget.

The role is responsible for developing and executing a 3 – 5 year automation roadmap that improves the safety, throughput, quality, reliability, and cost performance across both existing (brownfield) and new (greenfield) operations.

The successful candidate will identify manufacturing constraints, analyze operational data, prioritize automation opportunities based on business impact and ROI, and lead projects from concept through commissioning and handoff to operations. This individual will leverage proven industry solutions where appropriate while collaborating with engineering, operations, and technology teams to develop innovative automation solutions where gaps exist.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Automation Strategy & Roadmap

· Develop and execute a 3-5 year automation roadmap that improves safety, throughput, quality, reliability, and cost performance across both existing (brownfield) and new (greenfield) operations.

· Proactively identify opportunities for technological advancement across recycling and critical mineral recovery operations.

· Identify manufacturing constraints, analyze operational data, and prioritize automation opportunities based on business impact and return on investment (ROI).

Automation Project Leadership

· Lead automation projects from concept development through commissioning and handoff to operations.

· Deliver automation solutions that improve operational efficiency, quality, sustainability, and overall business performance.

· Manage multiple complex automation projects on time and within budget.

Equipment & Process Standardization

· Standardize automation platforms, controls architecture, manufacturing equipment, and best practices across multiple recycling and critical mineral recovery sites.

· Lead the direction and coordination of manufacturing equipment proposals within the region.

· Ensure consistent application of automation and process standards across the network.

Vendor & Capital Project Management

· Evaluate, select, and manage relationships with external vendors and suppliers.

· Negotiate contracts and ensure vendors meet project requirements and timelines.

· Manage project scope, budgets, schedules, contractor performance, and project governance.

Compliance & Operational Support

· Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements.

· Provide ongoing support for implemented automation systems.

· Conduct post-implementation reviews to assess project success and identify lessons learned.

People Leadership & Capability Development

· Lead and mentor a team of automation engineers.

· Provide technical guidance and support to engineers.

· Build organizational automation capability and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

HOW YOU WILL DO IT:

· Stay updated with the latest trends in manufacturing technology, automation, and robotics.

· Research, evaluate, and benchmark industry-leading technologies and automation solutions.

· Leverage proven industry solutions where appropriate while developing innovative automation solutions when gaps exist.

· Partner with operations, process engineering, maintenance, EHS, plant leadership, engineering, and technology teams to solve operational challenges.

· Use operational data, business value, risk assessment, and expected return on investment to evaluate and prioritize opportunities.

· Create business cases that support automation investments and capital project decisions.

· Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners to successfully execute projects.

· Serve as a technical leader and mentor while developing engineering talent.

· Address project issues constructively while maintaining team alignment and cohesion.

· Proactively navigate challenges within internal teams and with external stakeholders to support productive working relationships.

· Foster continuous improvement through standardization, knowledge sharing, and employee development.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

· 7-10 years of automation, manufacturing engineering, controls, robotics, or industrial automation experience. Some in leadership roles.

· Demonstrated success creating automation strategies and technology roadmaps in complex manufacturing environments.

· Experience leading large capital projects from planning through commissioning and operational stabilization.

· Strong knowledge of PLCs, SCADA, industrial networking, robotics, and manufacturing automation systems.

· Experience in smelting, metals processing, mineral recovery, battery manufacturing/recycling, chemical processing, or other highly regulated high-temperature industrial operations preferred.

· Proven ability to evaluate, justify, and prioritize automation investments using operational and financial data.

· Strong problem-solving, data analysis, and project management skills.

· Ability to work with global, cross-functional teams and external partners

· Ability to travel globally

EDUCATION:

· Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited four-year university required.

· Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics & Automation Engineering, Industrial, Electrical, or related engineering disciplines preferred.

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What you get:

• Medical, dental and vision care coverage and a 401(k) savings plan with company matching – all starting on date of hire

• Tuition reimbursement, perks, and discounts

• Parental and caregiver leave programs

• All the usual benefits such as paid time off, flexible spending, short-and long-term disability, basic life insurance, business travel insurance, and Employee Assistance Program

• Global market strength and worldwide market share leadership

• HQ location earns LEED certification for sustainability plus a full-service cafeteria and workout facility

• Clarios has been recognized as one of 2026's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere. This prestigious recognition marks the fourth consecutive year Clarios has received this distinction.

Who we are:
Clarios is the force behind the world’s most recognizable car battery brands, powering vehicles from leading automakers like Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. With 18,000 employees worldwide, we develop, manufacture, and distribute energy storage solutions while recovering, recycling, and reusing up to 99% of battery materials—setting the standard for sustainability in our industry. At Clarios, we’re not just making batteries; we’re shaping the future of sustainable transportation. Join our mission to innovate, push boundaries, and make a real impact. Discover your potential at Clarios—where your power meets endless possibilities.
Veterans/Military Spouses:
We value the leadership, adaptability, and technical expertise developed through military service. At Clarios, those capabilities thrive in an environment built on grit, ingenuity, and passion—where you can grow your career while helping to power progress worldwide. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to protected characteristics.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please apply. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is key to challenging the status quo. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran or other protected characteristics protected by law. As a federal contractor, we are committed to not discriminating against any applicant or employee based on these protected statuses. We will also take affirmative action to ensure equal employment opportunities. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the interview process by emailing Special.Accommodations@Clarios.com. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity in our teams in terms of work experience, area of expertise, and all characteristics protected by laws in the countries where we operate. For more information on our commitment to sustainability, diversity, and equal opportunity, please read our latest report. We want you to know your rights because EEO is the law.

A Note to Job Applicants: please be aware of scams being perpetrated through the Internet and social media platforms. Clarios will never require a job applicant to pay money as part of the application or hiring process.

To All Recruitment Agencies: Clarios does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to our careers email addresses, Clarios employees or any other company location. Clarios is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.