Workforce Development Manager Jobs in Forest, MS

Automation Specialist III, or Senior
Job no: 509907
Position type: Full-Time 12-Month
Department: 193602 - CAVS Extension
Location: Canton, MS
Categories: Professional
Position Open Date: Nov 4 2025
Position Function:
Mississippi State University is seeking a senior-level Automation Specialist to assist companies with the assessment, design, implementation, and maintenance of automation systems that improve productivity, quality, and safety. The role also includes delivering technical training to support workforce development and industry innovation.
Salary Grade: 17 or 18
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems Extension (CAVS-E), headquartered in Canton, MS, maintains a strong interaction with industry and is focused on providing engineering services to manufacturing-based industries. Major activities include teaching professional development workshops, conducting on-site projects and technology transfer. The Center's ultimate objective is to assist the state in technology based economic development through projects and training with MS companies.
Area of Specialization:
Automation Systems
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Perform activities in support of industrial clients and the needs of other key public sector stakeholders to support expanding economic development activities within the state and region.
2. Candidate must have expertise in technology discipline, with a strong emphasis on the application of technology principles within the context of advanced manufacturers.
3. Design, program, and troubleshoot industrial automation systems including PLCs, HMis, robotics, and sensors.
4. Support the integration of smart manufacturing technologies such as IIoT, machine vision, and data acquisition systems.
5. Collaborate with manufacturers to assess needs, develop solutions, and implement process improvements.
6. Assist in developing and delivering technical training for industry partners and workforce development programs.
7. Manage multiple projects through successful completion. This includes the use of project and resource planning techniques to ensure projects are completed timely and efficiently.
8. Plan, schedule, conduct, or coordinate detailed phases of the work on major projects, or provide a supporting role to others on projects.
9. Document system designs, programming logic, and project outcomes.
10. Remain current with emerging technologies and industry best practices in automation and controls.
11. Provide technical support and mentorship to junior staff and interns.
12. May initiate new project concepts and seek funding.
13. Develop technical proposals and make presentations to potential customers and sponsors.
14. Participate in major funding proposal preparation.
15. Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Level III: Bachelor's degree in Industrial Technology, Mechatronics, Engineering or a related field, plus 8 years or relevant experience. For promotions, must meet degree requirement and have at least three years of satisfactory performance at the preceding level.
Senior: Bachelor's degree in Industrial Technology, Mechatronics, Engineering or a related field, plus 10 years of relevant experience. For promotions, must meet degree requirement and have at least three years of satisfactory performance at the preceding level.
Substitution allowed:
Any equivalent combination of education and experience can be approved by Human Resources Management.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with PLC programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi).
• Familiarity with robotics, motion control, and industrial communication protocols.
• Knowledge of SCADA systems, HMI development, and data logging.
• Experience with CAD software and electrical schematics.
• Understanding of safety standards (e.g., NFPA 70E, OSHA, ISO 13849).
• Certifications such as Certified Automation Professional (CAP) or equivalent.
• Proficiency in programming/scripting languages such as Python, Ladder Logic, or Structured Text.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Comfortable working in industrial environments and engaging with clients
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong analytical and technical skills with attention for detail and accuracy
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to self-direct efforts to complete planning and documentation requirements
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Self-motivated and collaborative, with a commitment to continuous learning and continuous improvement
• Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Frequent external imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one's control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days
• Meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position; may involve conflict-resolution.
• Work may involve exposure to industrial environments, including noise, machinery, and occasional lifting of equipment up to 40 pounds.
• Travel to client sites is required; may include overnight travel, as needed.
• Job frequently requires walking, standing, reaching, and handling tools or equipment.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu by submitting a cover letter, resume, two letters of recommendation, and copy of your current transcripts. Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
Advertised: Nov 04 2025 Central Standard Time
Applications close:
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