Director of Manufacturing Automation

Job Summary

We are seeking a visionary leader to drive the transformation of our global manufacturing operations through automation and digitalization. The successful candidate will lead the strategy, design, and implementation of advanced automation technologies across various manufacturing processes.

About the Role

This role is ideal for a dynamic leader with deep technical expertise and a passion for innovation. The candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive automation strategy, leading feasibility studies, and managing automation projects from concept to commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive automation strategy aligned with enterprise goals.
• Collaborate to assess current capabilities and define future-state automation roadmaps.
• Identify and implement modern automation solutions including robotics, AI, IoT, and human-machine interfaces.
• Lead feasibility studies, business case development, and project execution tracking.
• Stay ahead of emerging technologies and assess their potential impact.
• Propose implementation approaches considering cost-efficiency, scalability, and alignment with strategic goals.
• Lead the design, programming, and implementation of automation systems incorporating PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and visual solutions.
• Secure seamless blending of automation with ERP, MES, and quality systems.
• Find opportunities for automation in existing processes to reduce cycle time, improve quality, and lower costs.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies.
• Develop and lead a team of automation engineers, controls specialists, and technicians.
• Provide mentorship, training, and development to build internal automation capabilities.
• Drive data-driven decision-making through advanced analytics and real-time monitoring.
• Uncover and implement process improvements to elevate efficiency and minimize inefficiencies.
• Anticipate and mitigate risks associated with automation deployment.
• Support assessments of operational technology risks and automation maturity levels.
• Define and track KPIs to measure the impact of automation initiatives on efficiency, quality, and cost.
• Continuously refine strategies based on performance insights.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field (Master’s preferred in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Design).
• 10+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing automation and transformation.
• Proven success leading global teams and large-scale automation initiatives.
• Expertise in robotics, mechatronics, AI, IoT, and vision systems.
• Deep knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies, automation systems, data analytics, and lean manufacturing.
• Strong analytical, project management, and interpersonal skills.
• Leverage Lean Six Sigma knowledge preferred.
• Ability to travel approximately 25%, domestically and internationally.

Qualifications

• Ability to travel approximately 25%, domestically and internationally.

Skills

• Strategic planning and road mapping.
• Technology leadership and integration.
• Innovation and evaluation.
• Automation systems management.
• Project execution.
• Process optimization.
• Team leadership.
• Data & insights.
• Risk & maturity management.
• Performance measurement.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Critical illness, accident insurance, and life insurance.
• A 401(k) retirement plan and an employee stock purchase plan.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Back-up care services.
• Paid time off including volunteer time.
• A well-being program.
• Legal & identity theft protection.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $172,900 - $256,880 depending on the position offered, employee eligibility for other forms of compensation, and the employee’s work location.

Schedule

Our Global Hybrid Schedule and Core Hours: Work in the office a minimum of four days a week, have one day of remote work, and follow core office hours daily (as determined by the local office) to ensure that you have the opportunity to connect face-to-face with teammates, problem-solve collaboratively, and elevate your employee engagement. Outside of the core hours, you will be able to adjust your start and end times in alignment with team guidelines and responsibilities.

Core Values

We are known for being: Innovative & adaptable, Dedicated to absolute integrity, Focused on the customer first, Respectful and team oriented, Optimistic and energizing, Accountable for performance.

Commitment to Strengthen Communities

We encourage and support the philanthropic activities of our employees worldwide. Through our nVent in Action matching program, we provide funds to nonprofit and educational organizations where our employees volunteer or donate money.