Automation Manager

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world. A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary. Job Summary Flex intends to spin off its Cloud and Power Infrastructure segment into a new, independent publicly traded company, which we’re calling SpinCo, until the name is unveiled. The spin is planned for Q1 2027. If the intended spin occurs, this role will support SpinCo, which will focus on critical digital infrastructure, delivering end-to-end power and thermal management solutions for AI data centers and other mission-critical applications. To support our extraordinary teams who build great products and contribute to our growth, we’re looking to add a Automation Manager located on Flex North . Reporting to the Sr Director, Operations the Automation Manager Responsible for specifying, designing, installing, and maintaining automation equipment, tooling and applications as required to meet specifications. What a typical day looks like: Take ownership during the entire product life cycle, from concept and feasibility through development, validation, production launch, and sustaining activities for PCBA and sub-assembly products. Define, develop, and deploy manufacturing and product development solutions for PCBA and sub-assembly applications across production sites. Design and engineer PCBA and sub-assembly solutions, ensuring compliance with customer requirements, manufacturability, reliability, quality, and cost objectives. Prepare RFQs and solicit quotations from suppliers for components, tooling, fixtures, and development requirements. Evaluate supplier proposals based on technical capability, cost, and delivery. Develop project budgets and schedules, ensuring development activities remain within approved financial and timeline targetsz Conduct design reviews and provide technical guidance to internal teams, customers, and suppliers throughout the product development process. Manage suppliers and external partners through all phases of product design, development, validation, and implementation. Provide technical support during prototype, engineering, pilot, and validation builds. Supervise product validation activities to ensure designs meet customer specifications, manufacturing requirements, and quality standards. Develop manufacturing-ready solutions for PCBAs and sub-assemblies, optimizing product design, assembly methods, test strategies, labor utilization, and production flow. Drive cost reduction and value engineering initiatives throughout the product development cycle. Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, ensuring successful transition from design and development into volume manufacturing. Interface with customers and cross-functional teams on product development issues related to PCBA and sub-assemblies. Conduct Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Test (DFT) reviews and provide recommendations. Participate in customer and internal design reviews and provide project status updates according to established schedules. Prepare and maintain technical documentation related to product design, development, validation, manufacturing processes, and engineering changes. Lead prototype development, product validation, and qualification activities f The experience we’re looking to add to our team: Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. Experience in product design, development, and industrialization of PCBAs and electronic sub-assemblies. Advanced English communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to lead technical discussions, customer meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional collaboration in a global environment. Proven experience managing the complete product development lifecycle, from concept and prototyping through validation, NPI, and mass production. Strong knowledge of PCBA manufacturing processes, including SMT, through-hole assembly, soldering technologies, and electronic assembly methods. Experience with Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Test (DFT) methodologies. Experience supporting prototype, engineering, pilot, and production builds within a New Product Introduction (NPI) environment. Ability to interpret customer requirements, technical drawings, schematics, BOMs, and product specifications. Experience working with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management. Knowledge of product validation, verification, qualification processes, and reliability testing methodologies. Experience coordinating suppliers and external partners during product development and implementation phases. Strong project management skills with the ability to manage budgets, schedules, technical risks, and deliverables. Experience driving cost reduction, value engineering, and product optimization initiatives. Knowledge of IPC standards (IPC-A-610, IPC J-STD-001, IPC-2221/2222) and electronics manufacturing best practices. Familiarity with ECN/ECO processes, product change management, and configuration control. Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills. Experience with CAD and electronic design tools is preferred. Advanced English communication skills, both written and verbal. Experience interacting directly with customers during product development, design reviews, and qualification activities. Ability to travel as required to support customers, suppliers, and manufacturing sites. What you’ll receive for the great work you provide: Competitive Salary. Life & Medical insurance. Christmas Bonus. Food Coupons. Saving Fund. KC10 Job Category Production Engineering Required Skills: Optional Skills: Flex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email and we'll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance. To be considered for a position at Flex, you must complete the application process first).