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Director Automation Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

3M

Spec Mfg Technology Automation

Maplewood, MN · On-site

Direct project teams technically across automation, controls, robotics, vision systems, safety, product handling, case handling, labeling, palletizing, and process integration. * Lead or support the ...

3M

Spec Mfg Technology Automation

Maplewood, MN

Direct project teams technically across automation, controls, robotics, vision systems, safety, product handling, case handling, labeling, palletizing, and process integration. * Lead or support the ...

Delkor

Automation Controls Engineer III

Saint Paul, MN

$135K - $160K/hr

Direct concept automation development on test components and test rigs * Report time-plan deviations, project risks, cost overruns, etc. to the Controls Engineering Supervisor * Create/Improve ...

Amazon

Regional Automation Engineer

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

This work takes the form of direct field engagement for launch and existing facilities ... onsite automation engineers to investigate the root cause and planning actions to eliminate ...

Trelleborg

Lead Automation Technician

Delano, MN · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

This is a leadership role without direct reports. As a valued team member with Trelleborg, you will ... Assists automation engineering team in the building of automated cells, fixtures and End of Arm ...

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Director Automation information

What does a director of automation do?

A Director of Automation oversees the strategy, implementation, and management of automation solutions within an organization. Their responsibilities typically include identifying processes that can be automated, leading teams to design and deploy automation technologies, and ensuring projects align with business goals. They work closely with departments such as IT, operations, and business units to drive efficiency, reduce costs, and improve productivity. This role often requires staying up to date on the latest automation tools and best practices, as well as strong leadership and project management skills.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of automation, and how can they be addressed?

Directors of Automation often face challenges such as integrating new technologies with legacy systems, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring that automation initiatives align with business goals. Overcoming these challenges requires strong project management skills, clear communication with stakeholders, and ongoing training for team members. Building collaborative relationships with IT, engineering, and operations teams also helps in smoothly deploying automation solutions and measuring their impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of automation, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Automation, you need deep expertise in automation technologies, process optimization, and a relevant degree in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with tools like PLCs, SCADA systems, robotics platforms, and certifications such as PMP or Six Sigma are commonly required. Leadership, strategic thinking, and strong communication are crucial soft skills for managing teams and driving cross-departmental initiatives. These skills ensure efficient project delivery, innovation, and alignment with organizational goals in rapidly evolving technical environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Automation jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Automation jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Automation jobs in Minnesota? For Director Automation jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Automation jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Director Automation jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Director Automation jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Director Automation job openings:
Director Automation jobs near you

Spec Mfg Technology Automation

3M

Maplewood, MN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

3M rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 244 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

160th of 538 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Description:
Job Description
Job Title
Automation Manufacturing Technology Specialist
Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World
Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a wide variety of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.
This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.
The Impact You'll Make in this Role
As an Automation Manufacturing Technology Specialist, the person will provide technical leadership for packaging automation, end-of-line systems, and automated material handling across manufacturing sites. This role will focus on developing and deploying automation solutions, equipment improvements, and process standards that improve safety, quality, productivity, labor efficiency, changeover efficiency, flow, and equipment reliability. Beyond specific projects, this position will help build long-term organizational capability by developing standards, applying lessons learned, supporting supplier development, and replicating best practices across sites.
As a(n) Automation Manufacturing Technology Specialist you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by:
  • Provide technical leadership for packaging automation, end-of-line systems, and automated material handling across manufacturing sites, supporting both current project needs and long-term capability development.
  • Provide technical leadership and direction for packaging automation initiatives, helping project teams evaluate technical options through data-driven analysis, engineering judgment, and calculated risk assessment.
  • Define and review technical requirements, equipment specifications, process scope, layouts, throughput requirements, and acceptance criteria for new or upgraded packaging automation systems.
  • Direct project teams technically across automation, controls, robotics, vision systems, safety, product handling, case handling, labeling, palletizing, and process integration.
  • Lead or support the development of automation solutions such as case erectors, product feeding/loading, robotic pick-and-place, conveyors, case sealing, labeling, vision inspection, palletizing, and automated material movement.
  • Define and support interfaces between packaging automation and end-of-line automation, for future include AGV/AMR integration, automated material movement, pallet flow, and warehouse connectivity.
  • Partner with controls, logistics, warehouse, and operations teams to ensure packaging automation solutions are designed with future AGV/AMR integration and autonomous material handling in mind.
  • Partner with plants to identify opportunities to improve safety, ergonomics, quality, labor productivity, waste, capacity, changeover time, flow, and equipment reliability.
  • Work with suppliers to develop, challenge, and validate machine concepts, layouts, automation approaches, throughput assumptions, and technical proposals.
  • Participate in and provide technical direction during design reviews, FAT, installation, commissioning, SAT, startup, and production ramp-up.
  • Develop and apply standards, best practices, lessons learned, and technical guidelines for packaging automation and end-of-line systems.
  • Collaborate with controls, mechanical, EHS, quality, operations, maintenance, supply chain, and project engineering teams to ensure robust and scalable solutions.
  • Identify technical risks early and drive mitigation plans to reduce design gaps, rework, late-stage changes, startup delays, cost increases, and performance shortfalls.
  • Evaluate equipment flexibility for different SKUs, box sizes, product formats, packaging materials, changeovers, and future growth needs.
  • Support business cases, CAPEX planning, project roadmaps, and prioritization by providing technical input, feasibility assessment, cost/benefit evaluation, and risk analysis.

Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Control and Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related engineering discipline or higher (completed and verified prior to start)
  • Ten (10) years of engineering experience, preferably in manufacturing, project, converting, automation, or equipment design in a private, public, government or military environment
  • Three (3) years of experience with packaging automation, end-of-line systems, robotics, material handling, or manufacturing equipment projects.
  • Five (5) years of experience with machine automation, mechanical systems, product handling, case handling, conveyor systems, robotic automation, machine safety, and process integration.

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:
  • Master's degree in engineering from an accredited institution
  • Twelve (12) years of engineering experience, preferably in manufacturing, project, converting, automation, or equipment design in a private, public, government or military environment

Skills include:
  • Working knowledge of industrial automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, servo drives, VFDs, robotics, vision systems, safety systems, sensors, and industrial networks.
  • Experience managing capital projects (CAPEX), including scope definition, business case support, supplier engagement, execution planning, and project delivery.
  • Demonstrated experience leading equipment projects from concept through design, FAT, installation, SAT, startup, and production ramp-up.
  • Strong understanding of machine safety requirements, including guarding, EHS expectations, risk assessments, safety validation, LOTO, operator access, and maintenance access.
  • Ability to work with external equipment suppliers, challenge technical solutions, and drive alignment on requirements, standards, throughput, and acceptance criteria.
  • Strong project execution mindset, including scope control, risk management, timeline management, stakeholder alignment, issue resolution, and startup readiness.
  • Hands-on, boots-on-the-ground engineering mindset, with strong responsiveness and the ability to quickly troubleshoot issues, align stakeholders, and drive practical solutions during FAT, installation, startup, and production ramp-up.
  • Strong project execution mindset, including scope control, risk management, timeline management, stakeholder alignment, and issue resolution.
  • Ability to influence plant teams, suppliers, and cross-functional partners without direct authority.

Work location:
  • Work location: This role follows an on-site working model, requiring the employee to work at least four days a week at the 3M Center in Maplewood, MN.
  • Travel: May include up to 25-50% domestic/international
  • Relocation: May be authorized

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).
Supporting Your Well-being
3M offers many programs to help you live your best life - both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.
Chat with Max
For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting assistant on 3M.com/careers.
All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.
Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.
Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.
Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.
Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/
3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.
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