Josh Foster

About Josh Foster

I help industrial manufacturers and automation companies solve their hardest hiring challenges — finding the engineers, operations leaders, and technical talent who keep plants running and production moving.I specialize in recruiting for manufacturing, engineering, automation, industrial software, and plant operations. My work sits at the intersection of industrial automation, advanced manufacturing, controls/PLC, embedded software, digital manufacturing (MES), maintenance leadership, EHS, continuous improvement, and industrial IT.I\'ve supported multi-site organizations through high-demand hiring cycles, partnering with engineering, operations, and HR leaders to build teams that drive results. I translate complex technical requirements into clear hiring strategies, align expectations across plant managers and engineering teams, and help companies navigate today\'s manufacturing talent markets.My background includes:Recruiting across mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineering; operations and maintenance leadership; EHS and quality; continuous improvement and operational excellence; and corporate support roles. I\'ve led RPO partnerships supporting high-volume hourly manufacturing staffing across multiple sites, built Workday analytics tools to improve hiring visibility, and streamlined workflows between talent acquisition, HR, and operations.At Rockwell Automation, I recruit across industrial automation and software ecosystems — supporting roles in controls/PLC, automation engineering, embedded development, MES/digital manufacturing, industrial IT, simulation/digital twin, and customer-facing technical consulting. I also serve on the leadership team of the Military & Veterans ERG.Before recruiting:I served six years in the U.S. Navy Submarine Force as an Electronics Technician, providing navigational support on three deployments. That experience shaped how I operate today: calm under pressure, accountable, and steady when stakes are high — the same qualities manufacturing environments demand every day.I enjoy helping technical and industrial teams hire well — bringing clarity to complex roles, supporting operations under pressure, improving process, and connecting companies with the engineering and manufacturing talent that makes their business possible.If your world involves industrial manufacturing, automation, engineering, or advanced plant systems, we\'re already speaking the same language.

Experience

1. Senior Talent Advisor

   Rockwell Automation

   Jul 2025 — Present · Milwaukee, WI, US

   Support full-cycle recruiting across Rockwell’s industrial automation and software teams. Recruit for roles in controls/PLC, automation engineering, embedded software, MES/digital manufacturing, IT, and customer-facing engineering.Partner with engineering, IT, and consulting leaders to clarify technical requirements, build realistic talent profiles, and guide candidate evaluation. Provide insight on labor markets, compensation expectations, sourcing strategy, and candidate behavior patterns across technical domains.Serve on the leadership team of Rockwell’s Military & Veterans ERG, supporting engagement and recognition initiatives.

Education

• Harvard Business School Online

  Management Essentials Certificate

• Marquette University

  MBA

• Carthage College

  BA, Economics

Skills

• Screening Resumes
• Program Management
• Employee Relations
• Applicant Tracking Systems
• Personnel Management
• Human Resources
• College Recruiting
• Building Relationships
• Human Resources Information Systems (Hris)
• Merchandising
• Onboarding
• Technical Recruiting
• Job Descriptions
• Recruiting
• Management
• Talent Management
• Employee Training
• Employee Engagement
• Peoplesoft
• Brassring
• Screening
• Hiring
• Replenishment
• Hris
• HR Policies
• Leadership
• Interviews
• Interviewing
• Talent Acquisition
• Executive Search
• Sourcing
• Labor Relations