Automation Manager Lead

Role Definition.   

Participates in the design, development, implementation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of Manufacturing Execution Systems —MES— and traceability solutions within manufacturing operations. 

This role is responsible for supporting the digitalization and automation of production status visibility, ensuring operational traceability throughout the manufacturing process. The position will focus on implementing systems that allow each employee to register their participation in each operation through badge scanning, enabling accurate tracking of who performed each activity, at what stage, and within which production process. 

What you will do:  

• Design, develop, implement, and support MES and traceability systems to improve visibility of production status and operational performance. 

• Support the automation and digitalization of manufacturing processes by integrating systems that capture real-time production data. 

• Ensure traceability across production operations by implementing processes where employees register their badge at each operation or workstation. 

• Gather, analyze, and document end-user and business requirements to define MES functionality, traceability needs, and system workflows. 

• Troubleshoot system issues related to MES, traceability platforms, badge scanning, data capture, and production reporting. 

• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, IT, and Operations teams to ensure the system supports production requirements and compliance needs. 

• Lead or support project planning, implementation timelines, testing, user training, and post-implementation support. 

• Identify opportunities to improve production visibility, data accuracy, process control, and operational efficiency through digital solutions. 

• Transfer knowledge and provide guidance to key users and stakeholders regarding MES functionality, traceability processes, and system best practices. 

• Work with internal teams and external vendors when required to ensure successful system deployment, integration, and ongoing support. 

Degree Requirement  

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field required 

English Advanced 

Skills you will have 

Industrial Automation/Automatic Control 

• Support the digitalization and automation of production status visualization through MES and traceability systems 

• Implementation or improvement of automated manufacturing systems. 

• Identify opportunities to reduce manual tracking and improve real-time production visibility. 

Planning and Organizing 

• Strong project coordination, planning, prioritization, and follow-up with multiple stakeholders. 

• Managed or supported projects with defined timelines, deliverables, and milestones 

• Coordinate activities between Operations, Engineering, IT, Quality, and external vendors 

Problem Solving 

• Ability to identify root causes and implement effective solutions. 

• Leads problem resolution with cross-functional teams. 

Accuracy and Attention to Detail 

• Validates system data, user inputs, and production records to ensure accuracy. 

• Uses checklists, testing scenarios, and verification methods before system go-live. 

• Identifies errors or inconsistencies in process mapping, badge registration, or production status reporting 

• Ensures documentation, workflows, and system requirements are complete and reliable. 

Vendor Management 

• Works with vendors to define requirements, deliverables, timelines, and technical expectations 

• Follows up on open issues, system changes, and implementation progress. 

Additional Information: 

• The position is primarily based at Santa Catarina but will require mobility and rotation across different plants in Mexico according to operational needs 

• Work schedule: Monday – Friday on site 

• Travel 25% 

Top Candidates will have:  

• Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). 

• Advanced knowledge with ATS systems (Workday preferred). 

Final details: 

Caterpillar's Code of Conduct states that we will select, and place employees based on their qualifications for the job to be performed, without regard to race, religion, national origin, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age or disability. In this company we do not request pregnancy tests or HIV tests as requirements for entry, permanence, or promotion in employment. 

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