Lead Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Inside the Role

The Lead Manufacturing Automation Engineer serves as the plant's primary authority for industrial automation systems, controls infrastructure, and operational technology (OT) environments that support facility and production equipment systems. The role establishes technology standards, develops automation strategies, and leads modernization initiatives that improve safety, reliability, cybersecurity, and operational performance. The successful candidate will possess expertise in industrial controls, FactoryTalk View SE, ThinManager, virtualization technologies, industrial networking, and OT cybersecurity within a high-volume manufacturing environment.

Posting Information

We provide a scheduled posting end date to assist our candidates with their application planning. While this date reflects our latest plans, it is subject to change, and postings may be extended or removed earlier than expected.

We Take Care of Our Team

Position offers a starting salary range of $117,000 - $150,000 USD

Pay offered dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience.

Benefits include annual bonus program; 401k company contribution with company match up to 6% as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 - 7% depending on age; starting at 4 weeks paid vacation; 13+ calendar holidays; 8 weeks paid parental leave; employee assistance program; comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness programs; onsite fitness (at some locations); tuition assistance and volunteer paid time off; short-term and long-term disability plans.

Note: this is a Swing Shift (Second Shift) position

What You Drive at DTNA

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and coordinate automation engineering initiatives involving controls systems, industrial automation, and supporting OT infrastructure, establishing priorities, standards, and implementation strategies aligned with plant objectives.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and establish standards for future automation, controls, SCADA, and industrial networking solutions.
• Lead automation lifecycle and obsolescence management efforts by identifying technologies approaching end-of-support and developing migration strategies that reduce operational risk and support future business needs.
• Develop and maintain the plant automation technology roadmap, including lifecycle management and replacement strategies for aging hardware and software platforms.

Project Execution

• Lead capital automation projects from concept development through implementation and sustainment.
• Support the successful implementation of plant-specific initiatives focused on safety, quality, reliability, efficiency, and cost improvement.

Core Infrastructure Ownership

• Administer and maintain the plant's OT virtualization and visualization infrastructure, including VMware vSphere, FactoryTalk View SE, ThinManager, and other critical manufacturing applications supporting plant-wide operations.
• Design, maintain, and support industrial Ethernet and automation network infrastructure.
• Maintain plant-wide automation standards, documentation, backup strategies, and disaster recovery plans.
• Ensure PLC, HMI, SCADA, drive, and server backup systems remain current and recoverable.

Operational Support

• Provide advanced troubleshooting support for complex controls, HMI, SCADA, networking, and infrastructure issues.
• Partner with Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Maintenance, Production, and Engineering teams to ensure reliable and secure manufacturing operations.

Cybersecurity

• Support OT cybersecurity initiatives through implementation of company standards and industry best practices.
• Assist with vulnerability remediation, network segmentation, access control, patching strategies, and secure system architecture.
• Maintain familiarity with CISA guidance, ISA/IEC 62443 principles, and evolving OT cybersecurity requirements.

Team Development

• Provide coaching, mentorship, and technical guidance to automation engineers and maintenance personnel.
• Maintain awareness of advancements in automation technologies, industrial networking, virtualization, cybersecurity, and manufacturing systems.

Knowledge You Should Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related technical discipline AND 7+ years of industrial automation, controls, and manufacturing systems experience is required
• Demonstrated expertise in industrial automation systems, control system design, implementation, and support
• Extensive experience with Allen-Bradley PLC platforms and associated control system architectures
• Experience supporting, troubleshooting and administering FactoryTalk View SE environments
• Experience deploying, administering, and supporting ThinManager environments
• Experience supporting industrial Ethernet networks and automation infrastructure
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives and influence cross-functional teams without direct supervisory authority
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
• An attached resume is required

Exceptional Candidates Might Have

• Experience administering VMware vSphere environments supporting FactoryTalk View SE, ThinManager, or other critical manufacturing applications.
• Experience with FactoryTalk AssetCentre, FactoryTalk Directory, and associated Rockwell software platforms.
• Experience with PLC, HMI, SCADA, and VFD migration projects.
• Experience with operational technology cybersecurity programs and industrial security frameworks.
• Systems integration experience within a highly automated manufacturing environment.
• Experience with FANUC robotics integration and robotic manufacturing systems.
• SQL database and manufacturing data systems experience.
• Familiarity with CISA recommendations, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and ISA/IEC 62443 standards.

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s)- 

Mount Holly, NC US. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Schedule Type:

Onsite

At Daimler Truck North America, we recognize our world is changing faster than ever before. By listening to the needs of today, we’re building to solve with cutting-edge solutions in sustainability and future driving technology across electric, hydrogen and autonomous. These solutions, backed by years of innovative success and achievement, continue DTNA’s legacy as the undisputed industry leader. Our evolving brand portfolio is second to none, including Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Demand Detroit, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Financial Services. Together, we work as one team towards our envisioned future – building a cleaner, safer and more efficient tomorrow for all.

That is what we are working toward - for all who keep the world moving.

U.S. Visa sponsorship available if you qualify under the following:

• Hold a valid existing Visa (L1A, L1B, L2, TN, H1B, H4 EAD, OPT EAD, CPT)
• Daimler Truck North America employees working under an existing U.S. Daimler Truck North America Visa
• Those eligible for a TN Visa (Canadian or Mexican National working in an Engineering, Accounting or Scientific Technologist capacity with an aligning degree)
• Those eligible for an L-1 (inter-company) Daimler Truck visa under the Corporate Blanket L-1 program would require at least one-year of qualifying experience in the last three years

Additional Information

• Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check
• Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen
• Contractors, professional services, or other contingent workers should confirm with their local agency if they are eligible to apply for FTE positions
• EEO - Disabled/Veterans

Daimler Truck North America is committed to workforce inclusion and providing an environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, marital status, family relationship, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (including transgender and transitioning status), genetic information, or veteran status.

For an accommodation or special assistance with applying for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at 503-745-8982 or toll free 800-206-3369. For TTY/TDD enabled call 503-745-2137 or toll free 866-355-6935.