Director of Controls Build

Posted Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 5:00 AM

AIT is the world's largest provider of automation, factory integration and tooling solutions dedicated to the global aerospace, defense, and space launch vehicle industries.
AIT offers a competitive compensation package (including free medical options for employees and their family), casual work environment and excellent growth opportunities.

We’re seeking a senior operations leader to own the execution of controls engineering designs into fully built, wired, integrated, and tested automation systems. This role ensures controls systems are built safely, consistently, and on schedule across multiple programs.

You’ll lead controls integration, electrical assembly, and factory testing while serving as the key bridge between Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, and Project Management
.

• Lead the controls build and integration function within the Engineering organization
• Translate controls into executable, repeatable, high-quality builds
• Oversee electrical assembly, controls integration, and factory acceptance testing
• Align build capacity, labor strategy, and material readiness with project schedules
• Serve as escalation point for controls execution risks and integration challenges
• Partner with Controls Design to ensure designs are buildable and standardized
• Develop and mentor Leads, Controls Technicians, Electricians and Pipe fitters

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, a related field or equivalent experience in manufacturing controls automation.
• Ten years of controls build, integration, and startup experience in automation
• Strong understanding of industrial controls, electrical systems, and commissioning
• Experience leading multi-project execution teams in a manufacturing environment
• Working knowledge of PLC, HMI, motion control, and electrical standards (UL, NFPA, CE)

• This position may require a government security clearance.

• Indoors. Production and office environment. Temperature controlled, unless products and/or equipment is located outdoors.

• Cuts and/or burns
• Dirt, dust, grease and/or oil
• Intense bright light
• Metal shavings
• Vibration
• Wet, damp, and/or humid conditions

• Standard work schedule, overtime may be necessary for meeting deadlines, required travel, emergent conditions.

• This position can involve travel up to 20% of the time.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.
• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms.
• Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
• Operate a motor vehicle and/or heavy equipment.
• Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with whole hand or arm as in handling.

AIT enforces a safety culture whereby all employees have the responsibility for continuously developing and maintaining a safe work environment. As appropriate, each employee is responsible for completing all training requirements. All employees that work in or enter the production environment are required to wear personal protective equipment.

It is our policy to provide quality products and services that meet customer expectations and delivery requirements. Accordingly, each employee must conform to the AIT Quality Policy and carry out job activities in compliance with applicable AIT Quality System documents and customer contracts. Each employee must read and understand his/her Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction responsibilities.

Each employee must read, understand, and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality, and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures, and policies pertaining to his/her job.

This position may require a government security clearance; you must be…