Automated Systems Engineer

The Automated Systems Engineer Director is responsible for providing both strategic leadership and hands-on technical expertise in the design, implementation, and optimization of industrial automation systems. This role leads automation initiatives that improve operational efficiency, safety, reliability, and scalability while remaining directly involved in complex system architecture, troubleshooting, and deployment.

The Director serves as a subject-matter expert in industrial automation technologies and a business-focused leader who aligns engineering solutions with organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and execute the long-term strategy and roadmap for industrial automation systems
• Align automation initiatives with operational, safety, and business objectives
• Establish engineering standards, governance, and best practices for automation and control systems
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, IT, Safety, and Executive Leadership to identify automation opportunities
• Lead capital planning, budgeting, and ROI analysis for automation investments
• Act as the senior technical authority for industrial automation systems, controls, and integrations
• Design, review, and approve system architectures involving PLCs, HMI/SCADA, robotics, sensors, and control networks
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation, controls, and system-integration issues
• Support commissioning, testing, validation, and production rollouts of automation solutions
• Evaluate and implement new automation technologies, vendors, and platforms
• Lead, mentor, and develop automated systems engineers and technical teams
• Oversee multiple automation projects simultaneously, ensuring delivery on scope, timeline, and budget
• Coordinate internal resources and external vendors, contractors, and system integrators
• Ensure systems comply with safety, regulatory, cybersecurity, and quality requirements
• Establish KPIs and performance metrics to drive continuous improvement

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Controls, Automation) or related field
• 7+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or systems engineering
• 3+ years of progressive leadership or management experience
• Deep hands-on expertise with:
• PLCs and industrial control systems
• HMI/SCADA platforms
• Industrial networks and instrumentation
• Robotics, automation cells, or material-handling systems
• Proven experience leading large-scale, cross-functional automation initiatives
• Strong balance of strategic thinking and technical execution
• Advanced problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills
• Ability to translate operational needs into scalable automation solutions
• Excellent communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience in manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, fleet, or service-based industrial environments
• Change-management and continuous-improvement mindset
• Combination of office, plant, and field environments
• Routine exposure to industrial settings and equipment
• Frequent computer use and system analysis
• Occasional travel to facilities, vendors, or project sites
• May require extended hours during system deployments or critical operational events