Spec Mfg Technology Automation

About the role

The Automation Manufacturing Technology Specialist plays a pivotal role in packaging automation, end-of-line systems, and automated material handling across various manufacturing sites. This position focuses on developing and deploying automation solutions, improving safety, quality, productivity, labor efficiency, changeover efficiency, flow, and equipment reliability.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for packaging automation, end-of-line systems, and automated material handling across manufacturing sites.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in engineering from an accredited institution (preferred).
• Twelve (12) years of engineering experience, preferably in manufacturing, project, converting, automation, or equipment design in a private, public, government or military environment (preferred).

Skills

• 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.
• Ability to influence plant teams, suppliers, and cross-functional partners without direct authority.

Benefits

3M offers comprehensive benefits to support your well-being, including competitive pay and a range of programs designed to help you live your best life. These benefits are subject to change and are subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the 3M Global Terms of Use and Privacy Statement.

Pay

Details on pay and benefits are available here.

Schedule

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.

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.

Application Instructions

To apply for this position, please follow the application instructions provided within the job posting.