Automation Manager

At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT’s technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Welcome to BWXT
We believe in empowering our employees and cultivating a dynamic workplace that fosters growth and collaboration. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find opportunities to challenge yourself, learn from seasoned experts, and contribute to nuclear innovation. We required a diverse range of skills to support our work in the markets that drive our business and welcome candidates from all backgrounds and life stages who are passionate about making a difference.

Position Overview:  
The Automation Manager leads the development, implementation, and sustainment of automation systems for a rapidly growing manufacturing operation. The role oversees automation strategy, equipment specifications, capital project execution, process optimization, ergonomic analysis, and launch readiness for new factories and product updates.

The ideal candidate combines strong industrial automation expertise with project management, business acumen, and leadership skills. This position is key to building scalable, flexible, and reliable manufacturing systems aligned with Industry 4.0, lean principles, and operational excellence.

The Automation Manager collaborates with Engineering, Production, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Safety, IT, and external integrators to deliver world‑class automation capable of supporting rapid growth and future expansion.

Location:

On-site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Your Day to Day as an Automation Manager:

• Lead automation planning and execution for new facilities and production expansions.
• Support factory layouts, process flows, line balancing, and automation strategy deployment.
• Oversee installation, commissioning, debugging, and ramp up.
• Develop launch plans and ensure milestone adherence.
• Support model changes, line conversions, product transfers, and capacity increases.
• Participate in design reviews, PFMEA, and launch readiness.
• Develop automation concepts for machining, assembly, material handling, testing, and logistics.
• Write equipment specifications covering functional, safety, quality, cycle time, traceability, ergonomic, controls, maintenance, OEE, and error proofing requirements.
• Lead RFQs, supplier selection, technical reviews, and equipment buyoffs.
• Support PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision, servo systems, torque tools, and MES integration.
• Establish facility controls standards and automation architecture.
• Lead FAT/SAT and acceptance testing.
• Implement predictive maintenance, AI diagnostics, and smart factory tools.
• Improve efficiency, quality, throughput, and labor utilization.
• Perform cycle time, bottleneck, and line balancing analysis.
• Support lean initiatives: standardized work, Kaizen, Poka yoke, Jidoka, TPM, SMED, and OEE improvement.
• Develop scalable automation strategies for future growth.
• Analyze downtime trends and improve equipment reliability.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for automation failures.
• Conduct ergonomic assessments using RULA, REBA, NIOSH, and digital tools.
• Ensure equipment/workstation designs meet safety and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with EHS to reduce ergonomic risks and improve operator safety.
• Develop capital plans aligned with automation strategy and growth needs.
• Build business cases: ROI, IRR, payback, labor and scrap reduction, quality and capacity improvements, and safety gains.
• Manage capital budgets, project timing, and cost control.
• Track performance against budget, schedule, and operational targets.
• Lead internal automation and controls engineers and technical specialists.
• Manage integrators, suppliers, and contractors.
• Coordinate with production, maintenance, quality, logistics, IT, and finance.
• Mentor technical staff and support workforce development.
• Establish engineering standards, best practices, and documentation systems.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related technical discipline
• 8+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing, industrial automation, or advanced manufacturing engineering.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing automation or manufacturing engineering teams.
• Experience supporting new factory launches, model changes, production ramp-ups, high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Experience with machining, assembly, robotic automation, and material handling systems.
• Experience managing large capital equipment projects.
• PLC programming and troubleshooting
• Robotics integration
• Industrial controls systems, Servo motion systems, vision inspection systems, industrial safety systems
• MES/ERP integration
• Manufacturing process development, Lean manufacturing principles, Business case analysis, and Project management
• Equipment commissioning
• CAD and layout review
• Strong technical leadership capability.
• High sense of urgency.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with data-driven decision-making processes.
• Hands-on approach to manufacturing support with the ability to thrive in fast-paced start-up environments.
• Strong communication and organizational skills with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a D.O.E. security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience supporting advanced manufacturing operations at automotive or high-volume manufacturing facilities
• Industry 4.0 implementation
• Digital twin simulation
• AI-based predictive maintenance
• Autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), AGVs, Advanced data analytics
• CNC automation systems, Machine connectivity platforms, automated torque systems, traceability systems
• Lights-out manufacturing strategies

What We Offer: 

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Flexible work schedules and paid time off to promote a healthy work-life balance.
• Professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs and sponsorship for continuing education.
• An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations.
• The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and training to grow throughout your career!

Pay: $114,000 - $180,000

The base salary range for this position in Tennessee (US-TN) at the start of employment is expected to be between $114,000 and $180,000 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,’ unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement.  The company further reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and other market factors.

As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities (“BWXT” or the “Company”) complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols.  As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Selected applicants are required to successfully complete a pre-employment check and drug screening. In addition, the position may require the ability to obtain and maintain applicable federal eligibility requirements for access to classified/sensitive information or matter which involves an extensive criminal and financial background investigation, drug test, previous employment, and reference verifications.

BWXT is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran or other protected status.

BWX Technologies, Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (BWXT) is not responsible for and does not accept any liability for fees or other costs associated with resumes or candidates presented by recruiters or employment agencies, unless a binding, written recruitment agreement between BWXT and the recruiter or agency exists prior to the presentation of candidates or resumes to BWXT and includes the specific services, job openings, and fees to be paid (“Agreement”). BWXT may consider any candidate for whom a recruiter or agency has submitted an unsolicited resume and explicitly reserves the right to hire such candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency unless an Agreement is in place prior to presentation and such Agreement explicitly encompasses the job opening for which such fees or costs are sought. An email, verbal or other informal contact with any person within BWXT will not create a binding agreement. Agencies or recruiters without an Agreement are directed not to contact any hiring managers of BWXT with recruiting inquiries or resumes. Recruiters and agencies interested in partnering with BWXT may contact BWXT’s Talent Acquisition team at talent_acquisition@bwxt.com.