Automation Engineer

# Automation Engineering Manager – Industrial Automation & Robotics **Company:** Clarios, LLC**Location:** Florence, South Carolina, United States**Work Arrangement:** Onsite**Employment Type:** Full-Time**Posted:** August 28, 2026 ## 1. About the Company Clarios is a global leader in energy storage solutions, developing, manufacturing, and distributing products that power vehicles from leading automotive manufacturers. With approximately 18,000 employees worldwide, Clarios also focuses on recovering, recycling, and reusing battery materials to advance sustainable transportation. Clarios operates with a focus on innovation, operational excellence, sustainability, and continuous improvement across its global manufacturing network. ## 2. About the Role Clarios is seeking an **Automation Engineering Manager** to lead a team of engineers responsible for automation projects across its recycling and critical mineral recovery operations. This role combines **industrial automation, robotics, controls engineering, manufacturing technology, and capital project management**. The manager will develop and execute a 3–5 year automation roadmap focused on improving safety, throughput, quality, reliability, sustainability, and cost performance across both existing brownfield and new greenfield operations. The ideal candidate is a strategic technical leader who can identify high-impact automation opportunities, build business cases based on ROI, manage complex projects from concept through commissioning, and develop engineering talent. ## 3. Key Responsibilities * Develop and execute a 3–5 year automation strategy and technology roadmap.* Identify opportunities to improve safety, throughput, quality, reliability, sustainability, and cost performance.* Analyze manufacturing constraints and operational data to prioritize automation investments based on business impact and ROI.* Lead automation projects from concept development through commissioning and operational handoff.* Manage multiple complex automation and capital projects while maintaining scope, budget, schedule, and project governance.* Standardize automation platforms, controls architectures, manufacturing equipment, and best practices across multiple sites.* Coordinate and provide technical direction for manufacturing equipment proposals.* Evaluate, select, and manage automation vendors, suppliers, and external partners.* Negotiate contracts and ensure vendors meet project requirements, quality expectations, and timelines.* Develop business cases supporting automation investments and capital project decisions.* Ensure automation projects comply with environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements.* Provide ongoing technical support for implemented automation systems.* Conduct post-implementation reviews and apply lessons learned to future projects.* Lead, mentor, and provide technical guidance to automation engineers.* Build organizational automation capabilities and promote continuous improvement.* Research and benchmark emerging manufacturing technologies, automation platforms, and robotics solutions.* Partner with Operations, Process Engineering, Maintenance, EHS, Plant Leadership, Engineering, and Technology teams.* Evaluate automation opportunities using operational data, risk assessments, expected ROI, and business value.* Collaborate with global teams and external stakeholders to execute strategic automation initiatives.* Foster standardization, knowledge sharing, technical development, and employee growth. ## 4. Required Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited four-year university.* 7–10 years of experience in automation, manufacturing engineering, controls, robotics, or industrial automation, including some leadership experience.* Demonstrated experience developing automation strategies and technology roadmaps within 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**.* Proven ability to evaluate and prioritize automation investments using operational and financial data.* Strong project management, problem-solving, and data analysis skills.* Ability to collaborate effectively with global, cross-functional teams and external partners.* Ability and willingness to travel globally. ## 5. Preferred Qualifications * Degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics & Automation Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.* Experience in smelting, metals processing, mineral recovery, battery manufacturing or recycling, chemical processing, or other highly regulated, high-temperature industrial operations.* Experience developing automation roadmaps across greenfield and brownfield manufacturing environments.* Strong vendor management and capital project experience.* Experience evaluating emerging industrial automation and robotics technologies.* Experience building ROI-driven business cases for automation and manufacturing technology investments. ## 6. Benefits & Perks * Medical, dental, and vision coverage beginning on the date of hire.* 401(k) savings plan with company matching beginning on the date of hire.* Tuition reimbursement.* Employee perks and discounts.* Parental and caregiver leave programs.* Paid time off.* Flexible spending accounts.* Short- and long-term disability coverage.* Basic life insurance.* Business travel insurance.* Employee Assistance Program.* Opportunity to work with a global industry leader in energy storage and sustainable transportation.* Opportunities to contribute to innovative automation, robotics, recycling, and critical mineral recovery initiatives.* Clarios has been recognized as one of the 2026 Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere. ## 7. Equal Opportunity Statement Clarios is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace where qualified applicants are considered based on their experience, skills, qualifications, and potential. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by applicable law. As a federal contractor, Clarios is committed to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals who require assistance during the hiring process. ## Search Keywords **Automation Engineering Manager, Automation Manager, Industrial Automation Manager, Manufacturing Automation, Automation Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Controls Engineering, Industrial Controls, PLC, SCADA, Industrial Networking, Robotics, Manufacturing Engineering, Automation Strategy, Automation Roadmap, Technology Roadmap, Capital Projects, Capital Project Management, Greenfield Manufacturing, Brownfield Manufacturing, Commissioning, Process Automation, Manufacturing Technology, Equipment Standardization, Vendor Management, ROI Analysis, Automation ROI, Supply Chain Automation, Battery Recycling, Battery Manufacturing, Critical Mineral Recovery, Metals Processing, Chemical Processing, Sustainable Manufacturing, EHS Compliance, Industrial Engineering, Florence SC, South Carolina Manufacturing Jobs, Automation Jobs, Robotics Jobs.**