Director of Engineering (Automation & Advanced Manufacturing)

Director of Engineering (Automation & Advanced Manufacturing) Base Salary: $180,000-$205,000/year + 20% Bonus (Up to 40% bonus potential) Buffalo Grove, IL - Relocation assistance packages given for qualified candidates Overview We are seeking a Director of Engineering to lead and scale our automation engineering function within a high-volume, regulated manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for the strategy, design, and deployment of advanced automation systems supporting assembly, testing, and packaging operations. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in automation machinery—preferably with exposure to CAM-driven systems—and a proven ability to build, lead, and optimize high-performing engineering teams. This individual will play a critical role in driving innovation, improving manufacturing efficiency, and supporting global operations. Key Responsibilities Engineering Leadership & Strategy Lead, develop, and scale a multidisciplinary automation engineering team (mechanical, controls, manufacturing engineers). Establish and execute the automation roadmap aligned with operational and business objectives. Drive a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement across engineering and manufacturing teams. Partner with Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain leadership to align engineering priorities with production goals. Automation System Design & Implementation Oversee the design and deployment of low- to high-complexity automation systems for final assembly, inspection, and packaging. Provide technical leadership in automation architecture, including robotics, motion control, vision systems, and CAM-integrated equipment where applicable. Ensure robust system design through participation in design reviews, including mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems. Identify and mitigate technical risks in system design, specifications, and implementation. Project & Program Management Lead capital equipment projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring delivery on time and within budget. Drive structured project execution, including forecasting, resource allocation, and milestone tracking. Oversee equipment installation, startup, commissioning, and validation activities. Ensure proper documentation and knowledge transfer to operations and maintenance teams. Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement Implement cost-effective automation solutions with clear ROI and transparent quoting processes. Establish and drive engineering and production KPIs (OEE, yield, uptime, cycle time, etc.). Support a 24/7 manufacturing environment, ensuring high equipment reliability and responsiveness. Lead initiatives to improve manufacturing efficiency, scalability, and product quality. Compliance & Quality Ensure all automation systems meet regulatory and quality standards, including FDA requirements where applicable. Support validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ) for new and existing equipment. Participate in internal and external audits, ensuring engineering compliance with regulated industry standards. Cross-Site Collaboration Partner with global sites to standardize automation approaches and share best practices. Support technology transfer and equipment replication across multiple manufacturing locations. Travel as needed to support project execution and collaboration. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or related field); Master’s or MBA preferred. 10+ years of experience in automation engineering within a manufacturing environment, with at least 5+ years in leadership roles. Strong background in automated machinery design and integration (assembly, testing, packaging systems). Experience with high-speed automation and/or precision manufacturing environments. Exposure to CAM-based systems or CNC-integrated automation is highly desirable. Experience in regulated industries such as Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, Food, or Consumer Products. Working knowledge of validation processes (IQ/OQ/PQ) and FDA compliance standards. Proven experience managing capital equipment projects and engineering budgets. Demonstrated success building and developing engineering teams in complex organizations. Strong understanding of mechanical systems, controls architecture, and industrial automation technologies. Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Preferred Experience Injection molding or plastics manufacturing automation. Experience supporting global or multi-site manufacturing operations. Prior experience in large, matrixed organizations. FDA audit experience. What Success Looks Like Scalable, reliable automation systems deployed on time and within budget. Improved production efficiency, uptime, and product quality. A high-performing, engaged engineering team with strong technical depth. Standardized automation practices across sites with measurable ROI.