Manager, Controls Engineering and Automation

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. This position is Monday - Friday; located at 1830 South Horne, Mesa, AZ. Position will travel 25% of the time; when not traveling 3 days a week in office | 2 days work from home.

Summary The Manager, Controls Engineering & Automation is responsible for leading ,development, implementation, support, and continuous improvement of automation and control systems within assigned highly automated pharmaceutical fulfillment and manufacturing operations. This leader oversees a team of Controls and Automation Engineers while partnering closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Facilities, Technology, and Automation teams to deliver reliable, scalable, and compliant automation solutions. The Manager translates business and operational priorities into team plans, owns controls engineering processes within the assigned scope, and resolves technical and organizational issues that extend beyond the immediate team. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in industrial controls, PLC programming, robotics, and manufacturing systems with solid people leadership skills. They are passionate about developing engineering talent, building high-performing teams, establishing technical standards, and ensuring automation systems support operational excellence, system reliability, and business continuity.

Lead and develop a team of Controls and Automation Engineers through coaching, performance management, mentoring, succession planning, and career development Manage the design, programming, implementation, and support of PLC, HMI, SCADA, robotics, and industrial control systems within the assigned operational scope Translate functional and site priorities into team plans, resource requirements, production support priorities, and measurable operating objectives Partner with Automation Engineering, Operations, Quality, Facilities, and Technology teams to improve system reliability, performance, scalability, and operational efficiency Provide technical leadership for automation projects including equipment deployments, facility expansions, controls upgrades, system integrations, and continuous improvement initiatives Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for complex electrical, controls, mechanical, and automation issues impacting production operations Establish and maintain controls engineering standards, documentation, cybersecurity practices, and lifecycle plans consistent with broader engineering requirements for automation systems Provide input into automation planning, technology priorities, capital requirements, and longer-term engineering initiatives Build a team culture focused on collaboration, accountability, safety, technical excellence, and continuous improvement You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

8+ years of experience supporting industrial automation, controls engineering, manufacturing systems, or related technical environments 3+ years of engineering leadership experience with direct responsibility for talent development, team management, and work prioritization Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing, pharmaceutical, distribution, or industrial automation environments