Global Director, Electrical Controls and Embedded Systems

Position Summary

We are seeking a visionary and technically accomplished Global Director of Electrical, Controls & Embedded Systems Engineering to lead a global engineering function at the forefront of industrial automation. This high‑impact, fast‑paced role will drive the architecture, development, and integration of all electrical, firmware, controls, and software platforms across our complex manufacturing systems. The role will directly manage 4 senior leaders and oversee a broader global engineering team of approximately 60 indirect reports.

The successful candidate will possess a strong mix of technical depth, strategic leadership, and a passion for building, mentoring, and scaling high‐performance teams across disciplines and geographies.

• Team Leadership & Development
  • Lead, mentor, and inspire a global team of 60+ engineers across electrical design, embedded systems, PLC programming, and software platforms.
  • Directly manage 4 senior‑level reports and ensure alignment across global engineering functions.
  • Develop and implement strategies for team growth, skill development, and succession planning.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and team health across all regions and disciplines.
  • Champion personal and professional development through coaching, training plans, and performance feedback.
  • Monitor and continuously improve team engagement, workload balance, and productivity across international sites.
• Technical Leadership
  • Provide hands‑on technical guidance in embedded system and board‑level design, firmware development in C/C++, high‑level application programming in Python and Java, and PLC and HMI programming using Siemens and Rockwell platforms.
  • Drive vision systems and sensor integration.
  • Define and maintain robust software and electrical architecture standards for scalability, modularity, and reuse.
  • Ensure best practices in version control, documentation, system integration, and regulatory compliance.
• Product & Platform Strategy
  • Lead development and execution of platform strategies for controls, data acquisition, and smart automation features.
  • Integrate high‑ and low‑level technologies to deliver reliable, intelligent, and cost‑effective automation solutions.
  • Partner cross‑functionally with Product Management, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Field Service to support design‑for‑manufacturing, reliability, and serviceability goals.
• Operational Excellence
  • Drive continuous improvement in engineering quality, efficiency, and responsiveness.
  • Oversee project resourcing, team utilization, and global coordination to ensure timely delivery of engineering outputs.
  • Lead cost reduction, standardization, and lifecycle management initiatives across electrical and controls platforms.
  • Ensure all products and processes comply with industry regulations (UL508A, CE, NFPA 79, etc.).

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of engineering experience in automation, embedded systems, or capital equipment, with at least 5 years in multi‑site or global leadership roles.
• Proven track record managing and developing large engineering teams (50+), including direct and matrixed reporting structures.
• Strong expertise in embedded C/C++ development and board‑level hardware.
• Higher‑level software in Python and Java.
• Siemens and Rockwell PLC/HMI platforms.
• Vision systems, sensor integration, and industrial networks (Ether Net/IP, Prof Net).
• Deep understanding of engineering operations, configuration control, and product lifecycle processes.
• Strategic thinker with excellent people leadership, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Experience with succession planning, mentoring, and scaling technical talent across geographic boundaries.

• Competitive executive compensation and benefits.
• Strategic leadership opportunity with global scope and visibility.
• High‑impact role shaping the future of smart industrial equipment.
• A collaborative, fast‑moving culture focused on innovation, ownership, and continuous improvement.
• Opportunities to build, develop, and lead a world‑class engineering organization.

If you’re a strategic, hands‑on engineering leader passionate about technology and team‑building, and ready to lead at a global scale—join us in building the future of industrial automation.

Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V. This organization uses E-Verify.