Manufacturing Infrastructure & Automation Manager

Opportunity: Manufacturing Infrastructure & Automation Manager (Cannabis / Regulated Production)Location??: Cortland, NYSalary??: $65,000-$75,000Full-Time - Relocation packaging included for right candidate not local to Cortland.A fast-growing, mission-driven cannabis manufacturing organization is seeking a Manufacturing Infrastructure & Automation Manager to own the reliability, performance, and continuous improvement of all production equipment, infrastructure systems, and automation assets.This is a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring manufacturing operations run safely, efficiently, and without interruption. You will serve as the technical backbone of production, ensuring equipment readiness, minimizing downtime, and enabling scalable automation across the facility.You will partner closely with Production Leadership, Quality Assurance, Facilities, and external vendors to ensure production schedules are fully supported by reliable infrastructure and well-maintained systems.About the RoleThis role owns the performance and reliability of all manufacturing infrastructure, including production equipment, utilities, automation systems, and maintenance operations.You will lead maintenance and technical support teams while driving a culture of uptime, accountability, and continuous improvement.This is a highly hands-on operational leadership role focused on:Eliminating equipment-related production constraintsReducing unplanned downtimeScaling automation safely and effectivelyEnsuring production readiness every dayKey ResponsibilitiesProduction Infrastructure & Operational SupportPartner with Production leadership to ensure daily operational readinessIdentify and escalate equipment or infrastructure constraints impacting schedulesSupport production teams in resolving technical and equipment issuesAlign maintenance priorities with production demand and scheduling needsMaintenance & Reliability SystemsOwn preventive maintenance programs across all production equipmentReduce unplanned downtime through root cause analysis and corrective actionTrack and analyze equipment performance metrics (uptime, MTBF, MTTR)Maintain critical spare parts strategy and repair readiness systemsEnsure accurate maintenance records, calibrations, and service logsEquipment, Facilities & InfrastructureOversee maintenance of all production equipment and automation systemsManage utilities and infrastructure supporting production (HVAC, air systems, environmental controls, etc.)Coordinate repairs, upgrades, and capital improvement projectsLead installation, commissioning, and integration of new equipment into production workflowsAutomation & Continuous ImprovementSupport development and execution of manufacturing automation strategyEvaluate automation opportunities to improve throughput, consistency, and labor efficiencyLead pilot testing and validation of new equipment and automation systemsIdentify operational risks and optimize system design and performanceLeadership & Team ManagementLead maintenance, sanitation, and technical support staffProvide daily supervision including scheduling, attendance, performance management, and coachingSupport hiring, training, and performance developmentBuild a culture of accountability and reliabilitySafety, Quality & ComplianceEnsure equipment and infrastructure meet safety and regulatory standardsSupport QA and compliance teams during audits and inspectionsMaintain sanitation, PPE, and hazard mitigation standards across production areasEnsure maintenance activities do not compromise product quality or complianceDocumentation & TrainingDevelop and maintain SOPs for equipment operation, maintenance, and troubleshootingTrain operators and technicians on equipment use and safetyStandardize documentation for equipment lifecycle from installation to steady-state useServe as internal SME for manufacturing equipment and automation systemsQualifications5+ years in manufacturing maintenance, automation, or industrial operationsHands-on experience with production equipment (packaging, filling, labeling, conveyors, etc.)Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skillsExperience building or managing preventive maintenance programsKnowledge of industrial systems (PLCs, sensors, motors, controls)Experience in regulated environments (cannabis, pharma, food, GMP, etc.)Strong execution mindset and ability to prioritize under pressureAbility to translate technical issues into production impactStrong communication and leadership skillsPreferred ExperienceCannabis manufacturing or regulated production experienceAutomation systems implementation or optimizationERP or maintenance management systemsCapital equipment installation and commissioningTechnical certification or engineering backgroundWhy This Role MattersThis role directly enables production output. Without strong infrastructure, automation, and maintenance systems, manufacturing cannot scale. This position ensures reliability, reduces downtime, and builds the foundation for operational growth.What They OfferCompetitive salary and benefits packageHealth insurance, 401(k), PTOFree farm-fresh produceGym membership and CBD product discountsOpportunity to build and scale modern manufacturing systems in a growing industryAbout VangstVangst is the cannabis industry's hiring platform. Vangst helps cannabis companies find the talent they need to grow their business. From on-demand gig workers to trained & credential full-time employees, Vangst has built the industry's go-to talent marketplace for all cannabis hiring. Vangst is proud to work with 1,200+ of the cannabis industry's leading businesses.Since raising their seed round in 2018, Vangst has become one of the fastest-growing companies in the cannabis industry and was recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies.Today, over 300,000 people have full-time jobs in the cannabis industry and this number is expected to triple over the next five years. Vangst is on a mission to fill every job in the cannabis industry.Vangst's headquarters is in Denver, CO. Vangst is a Series B company backed by Lerer Hippeau, Colle Capital, Level One Fund, Snoop Dogg's Casa Verde Capital, and others.Vangst provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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