Automation Lead

Company Description

Syngenta Seeds is one of the world’s largest developers and producers of seed for farmers, commercial growers, retailers and small seed companies. Syngenta seeds improve the quality and yields of crops. High-quality seeds ensure better and more productive crops, which is why farmers invest in them. Advanced seeds help mitigate risks such as disease and drought and allow farmers to grow food using less land, less water and fewer inputs. 

Syngenta Seeds brings farmers more vigorous, stronger, resistant plants, including innovative hybrid varieties and biotech crops that can thrive even in challenging growing conditions.  

Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States. 

Job Description

At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. To support this mission, Syngenta's SE Production Operations Team is seeking an Automation Lead in Lone Tree, IA.

As Automation Lead, you will champion automation, build resilient infrastructure to support technological advancement, and deliver operational excellence across multiple manufacturing sites. You'll be a key driver of innovation, collaborating with vendors and internal teams to deploy scalable solutions that shape the future of seed production.

Accountabilities:

• Develop and implement automation and AI strategies to modernize operations and deliver long-term efficiency gains.
• Collaborate with vendors and stakeholders to identify, deploy, and maintain advanced production systems and scalable AI solutions.
• Oversee preventive maintenance programs and troubleshoot automation issues—electrical, software, or mechanical—ensuring reliability and uptime.
• Enhance SCADA systems and reporting tools to enable real-time visibility and AI-powered insights for operational improvements.
• Implement robust cybersecurity measures and maintain OT/IT network infrastructure, including VLAN management, to safeguard and optimize performance.
• Drive innovation in automation processes, documentation standards, and system upgrades to support evolving business needs.
• Ensure consistency and knowledge sharing across sites, fostering collaboration and alignment on automation best practices.
• Maintain adherence to safety, environmental, and regulatory standards while promoting a culture of proactive risk management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in industrial automation, robotics, or AI-driven manufacturing environments.
• Strong automation aptitude and problem-solving ability, including mechanical and electrical troubleshooting.
• Experience with Rockwell and Allen Bradley PLCs, Ignition SCADA software, and site control systems.
• Lean Six Sigma Certification desired.
• Project management skills and ability to lead cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance techniques and procedures.
• Ability to review and make basic changes to site control system software.
• Eligible to work in the US.

Additional Information

What We Offer:

• A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs.
• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day.
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution.
• Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits.

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

WL: 4B

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