Automation Systems Engineering Supervisor - f/m

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Automation Systems Engineering Supervisor leads the Automation Systems Engineering team responsible for defining and coordinating automation solutions from initial requirements and concept development through supplier execution, integration, testing, and handover to manufacturing.

The role combines people leadership with technical and organizational leadership, ensuring the team has clear priorities, develops strong systems engineering capabilities, and delivers effective automation solutions aligned with business and manufacturing needs.

The Supervisor builds a high-performing engineering team, develops individual capabilities, ensures consistent engineering practices, and supports Systems Engineers in complex technical and stakeholder decisions.

The position reports to the Automation Manager and works closely with Mechanical Design, Controls / Software Development, Process Technology, Manufacturing, Operations, and external automation partners.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Team Leadership & People Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the Automation Systems Engineering team, creating clear expectations, accountability, and ownership.
• Build and continuously develop the team’s technical and leadership capabilities through coaching, mentoring, knowledge sharing, and development planning.
• Set individual objectives and provide regular feedback to support employee performance and professional growth.
• Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, competency development, and succession planning within the team.
• Empower Systems Engineers to make sound technical decisions while providing guidance and escalation support when needed.

Engineering Leadership & Delivery

• Ensure effective execution of automation projects across the Systems Engineering team, from requirements and concept definition through supplier execution, integration, testing, and handover.
• Establish clear priorities and allocate Systems Engineering resources across the automation project portfolio.
• Ensure consistent application of Systems Engineering principles, technical reviews, documentation, risk management, and project execution practices.
• Provide leadership and guidance in complex or high-impact technical projects and escalations.
• Ensure appropriate technical ownership and decision-making throughout the automation system lifecycle.
• Drive standardization, reuse of solutions, and continuous improvement of Systems Engineering practices.

Stakeholder & Supplier Management

• Ensure effective collaboration between Systems Engineers and internal customers including Process Technology, Manufacturing, Operations, and other engineering functions.
• Strengthen cooperation between Systems Engineering, Mechanical Design, and Controls / Software Development teams.
• Ensure clear definition of technical requirements, responsibilities, interfaces, and deliverables for external automation suppliers.
• Support Systems Engineers in challenging supplier concepts, resolving technical issues, and managing escalations.
• Build effective working relationships with key internal stakeholders, machine builders, system integrators, and technology partners.
• Ensure effective handover and release of automation solutions to Manufacturing / Operations.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong experience in automation, systems engineering, machine development, or related engineering functions within a manufacturing or R&D environment.
• Proven experience in leading, coaching, and developing engineers or technical teams.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to build accountability, engagement, and ownership within a technical organization.
• Experience managing priorities and engineering resources across multiple projects.
• Strong understanding of industrial automation and integration of mechanical, controls, software, vision, measurement, and safety technologies.
• Experience delivering automation projects from requirements and concept development through implementation, commissioning, and handover.
• Experience working with external machine builders, system integrators, or automation suppliers.
• Ability to provide technical guidance while empowering engineers to own solutions and decisions.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to balance technical priorities, project needs, team development, and organizational objectives.
• Very good command of English and ability to operate effectively in an international engineering environment.

PREFERRED QUALIIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience in a formal engineering leadership or supervisory role.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams or coordinating engineering activities across multiple technical disciplines.
• Experience developing automation equipment or prototype machines in an R&D environment.
• Knowledge of Systems Engineering methodologies, requirements management, risk management, design reviews, FAT/SAT, and equipment qualification.
• Experience working with international machine builders and system integrators.
• Experience developing engineering standards, processes, and technical competencies within an organization.