Director of Automation Engineering

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Job Summary

The Director of Automation Engineering will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for driving automation initiatives across the organization. This role sets the strategic vision for automation, ensuring alignment with business goals and delivering high-impact solutions that improve quality, efficiency, and scalability. The Director will oversee project selection, prioritization, and execution, focusing on high-ROI opportunities and the use of common technologies across multiple operational areas.

• Define and implement an automation roadmap that supports objectives such as quality improvement, capacity expansion, ergonomic enhancements, and labor optimization.
• Identify and prioritize automation opportunities that deliver measurable value across the business.

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing engineering team, fostering innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.

• Guide automation projects from concept through deployment, ensuring timely, high-quality execution and smooth integration into production environments.
• Oversee project selection, budgeting, timelines, and deliverables to maintain alignment with strategic goals.
• Champion advanced automation technologies including collaborative robots, robotic palletizers, automated material handling systems, and other cutting-edge solutions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and develop strategies for adoption across the organization.

• Partner with operations, manufacturing, product development, and engineering teams to integrate automation into existing processes and new product designs.
• Communicate plans, progress, and results to senior leadership and key stakeholders.

• Architect and implement advanced automation systems, including robotics and material handling solutions, to improve productivity, quality, and scalability.
• Ensure seamless integration of automation technologies into existing operations with minimal disruption.
• Establish post-implementation review processes to evaluate system performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Implement risk mitigation strategies, redundancy planning, and compliance measures to ensure reliability and regulatory adherence.

• Lead, mentor, and grow the automation engineering team through structured training, development plans, and performance feedback.
• Oversee project governance including timelines, budgets, documentation, and validation.
• Provide comprehensive handover, training, and system documentation to internal teams prior to deployment.
• Standardize procurement and implementation processes through controlled procedures and templates.

• Collaborate with manufacturing engineering, operations, and leadership teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Present clear and consistent updates on plans, status, and results to stakeholders.
• Work with product development teams to incorporate automation requirements and design-for-manufacturability considerations into new designs.

• Develop and maintain an annual automation roadmap, including cost-benefit analysis, ROI projections, and replacement schedules.
• Balance short-term and long-term initiatives to optimize team efficiency and impact.
• Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to maintain competitive advantage and foster innovation.

• Proficiency in Solid Works and AutoCAD.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Lean or Six Sigma certification and expertise in process flow analysis.
• Knowledge of FDA, QSR, and ISO regulatory requirements.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and SAP.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field required.
• Minimum 10 years of automation engineering experience across diverse applications.
• At least 8 years of leadership experience managing engineering teams and complex automation projects.

• Director

• Full-time

• Information Technology

• Staffing and Recruiting

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