Global Automation Manager

Element Solutions Inc • Full-time • Piscataway Township, New Jersey, United States • 1w ago

Who are we looking for?

The primary purpose of the Global Automation Manager position is to lead and manage the design, developing and implementing of all process control systems, automation and data acquisition systems for new processes, factories and machines. This position will manage the entire controls stack, from sensor selection and safety-instrumented functions to PLC/DCS programming, and data, while partnering closely with chemical-process engineers, production, EHS, and R&D teams to deliver repeatable, world-class manufacturing performance.
This role is part of the Global Process Engineering Group (GPEG) and is responsible for overseeing all process control systems, automation and data acquisition systems for new processes and existing processes. The position provides technical leadership and strategic direction to ensure operational excellence and innovation in process control developments.
The position requires strong expertise in PLC/DCS systems, SCADA, HMI development, instrumentation, batch control, process data systems, industrial networking, safety interlocks, alarm management, control philosophy development, and manufacturing digitalization. The role should also bring familiarity with modern digital manufacturing tools, advanced process control, model-based control, soft sensors, process data models, and appropriate AI/ML applications that improve process robustness, operator decision-making, anomaly detection, and batch-to-batch consistency.
The ideal candidate will combine deep automation and controls expertise with practical chemical/process engineering judgment, including the ability to understand reaction chemistry, process hazards, heat and mass transfer, fluid handling, equipment selection, and manufacturing scale-up constraints.

What will you be doing?

• Lead and manage the design and implementation of process control, automation and data acquisition systems for (new) processes and machines.
• Define automation standards for PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, DCS, instrumentation, control panels, data historians, alarms, interlocks, and batch systems
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other departments to ensure seamless technology transfer and process integration.
• Partner with R&D, process engineering, and operations to translate chemistry and process knowledge into practical automation strategies for safe, repeatable scale-up.
• Provide process engineering input for equipment and utility design, including selection and sizing of automated valves, control valves, pumps, flowmeters, piping, instrumentation, reactors, mixers, and safety devices.
• Develop control philosophies that reflect process chemistry, operating windows, reaction risks, cleaning requirements, batch sequencing, and abnormal-condition response.
• Lead automation concepts for novel or first-of-kind processes where the process is still evolving and the automation strategy must support experimentation, learning, and eventual manufacturing standardization.

Automation & Control Systems

• Lead design and implementation of process control, automation, and data acquisition systems (PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, DCS, instrumentation, control panels, historians, alarms, interlocks, batch systems)
• Specify and configure control platforms (Rockwell, Siemens, DeltaV) and industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus)
• Translate PFDs/P&IDs into I/O lists, control narratives, and cause-and-effect matrices
• Apply ISA-88 principles for batch recipes, phases, and equipment/control modules

Process Engineering & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with R&D, process engineering, and operations to translate chemistry into safe, repeatable automation strategies for scale-up
• Provide input on equipment/utility design (valves, pumps, flowmeters, reactors, mixers, safety devices)
• Support scale-up from lab recipes through pilot to full production automation

Programming, Commissioning & Troubleshooting

• Develop compliant code, batch logic, alarm strategies, and historian interfaces
• Lead FAT/SAT, start-up, and on-site commissioning
• Drive root cause analysis and continuous improvement using process data and first-principles troubleshooting

Process & Functional Safety

• Perform LOPA/SIL verifications and design safety-instrumented functions
• Ensure compliance with NFPA 70/79, UL 508A, and IEC 61511
• Integrate hazard, flammability, and cleanability requirements into interlock design

Data & Analytics

• Deploy data tools (OSI PI, SQL, Python) to monitor KPIs and improve OEE
• Support integration with MES, LIMS, ERP, and reporting systems
• Apply AI/ML and advanced process control (MPC, cascade control, SPC) where appropriate, with attention to data quality and cybersecurity

Project & Team Leadership

• Manage automation workstreams on CAPEX projects (scope, budget, schedule, vendor coordination)
• Lead cross-functional initiatives and mentor team members
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and regulatory standards

Who are You?

A Bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering or Electrical engineering is required with >15 years experience in Process automation engineering or a Master’s degree with a minimum of 10 years experience. At least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role.
A degree or strong demonstrated background in Chemical Engineering, Process Control, Process Systems Engineering, or a related chemical/process manufacturing discipline is strongly preferred. Candidates who can bridge automation, chemical process understanding, and equipment design will be prioritized.

A credible technical leader, respected for expertise and sound decision‑making.
Safety‑driven, with a strong personal commitment to protecting people, assets, and the environment.
Collaborative and approachable, comfortable working across disciplines and functions.
Structured and pragmatic, able to balance technical rigor with operational realities.
Resilient and decisive, confident managing priorities in a demanding, high‑risk environment.
People‑focused, motivated to develop others and build strong, engaged teams.

What competencies will you need?

Technical & Engineering Competencies

Degree in Chemical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
Strong experience in chemical, process, or industrial manufacturing environments.
Broad engineering knowledge covering process safety, mechanical systems, utilities, and controls.
Experience supporting capital projects and managing technical interfaces.

Leadership & Business Competencies

Proven experience leading engineering teams in an operational environment.
Ability to prioritize engineering work based on risk, value, and business impact.
Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
Experience working within capital governance and maintenance/reliability frameworks.

Behavioral & Professional Competencies

Excellent communication skills with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
High levels of accountability, integrity, and professionalism.
Comfort working in a global, matrixed organization.
Strategic focus

We are Offering...

Innovative - At ESI, we are committed to solving the complex and evolving needs of our customers through innovation and high-quality standards. We are focused on bringing cutting edge and environmentally sustainable solutions to the market. Our people are the critical resource required to make that happen. We support your success by creating a strong, inclusive culture, competitive total rewards, and an appropriate work-life balance.

Socially Responsible - We care about what you care about. We respect the individual differences that make up our unique expanding organization. We prioritize both sustainability and social impact in both our business operations and our local communities through our various ESI Cares initiatives and the ESI Foundation. There are many ways to get involved from employee network groups that support your interests and sense of belonging to paid volunteer days.

As part of our team, as well as receiving a competitive base salary, you will also participate in a generous performance related bonus plan. In addition, you will also receive a 401k plan with company matching, Life Insurance, and Medical Insurance as well as 9 holidays and paid time off. The typical base salary range for this position is between $128,636 and $192,954. Our pay range is based on several factors which are considered when determining any base salary.