Director, Automation Engineering

DSJ Global; United States; Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

DSJ Global seeks an experienced automation leader to guide the deployment of digital manufacturing technologies across a major U.S. expansion.

Initially remote-friendly, the role will transition to a permanent leadership presence at a U.S.-based manufacturing site on the East Coast in late 2027. You will oversee strategy, implementation, and long-term sustainability of automation, process control, OT systems, ensuring regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, and data integrity while partnering with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field required.
• 10+ years leading automation, controls, OT, or digital manufacturing in regulated industries.
• Experience with large capital projects, facility startups, or expansions.
• Strong knowledge of DCS/PLC/SCADA/MES and system integration.
• Familiarity with validation, compliance, cybersecurity, and quality systems.
• Willingness to travel and relocate to a U.S. site as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation and digital manufacturing strategy for a major expansion.
• Oversee control systems, manufacturing software, data systems, and OT infrastructure.
• Partner with engineering, operations, quality, and technology teams on facility design.
• Direct startup activities, including commissioning, validation, and readiness.
• Manage external vendors, integrators, and technology partners.
• Ensure regulatory, cybersecurity, and data integrity requirements are met.
• Drive continuous improvement, risk mitigation, and long-term automation support.
• Provide technical leadership and project updates to senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Automation strategy

Digital manufacturing

Regulatory compliance

Cybersecurity awareness

Vendor management

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

DCS

PLC

SCADA

MES

Industrial networking

System integration

Job description

This position offers a flexible remote work arrangement during the early phases of the program. As facility development advances, the role will transition to a permanent leadership presence at a U.S.-based manufacturing site on the East Coast in late 2027.

Position Overview

A growing advanced manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced automation leader to guide the deployment of digital manufacturing technologies across a major U.S. expansion initiative. This individual will oversee the strategy, implementation, and long-term sustainability of automation, process control, and operational technology systems supporting a highly regulated production environment.

The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping future manufacturing capabilities by leading cross-functional efforts from facility planning through commercial operations, ensuring technology platforms are scalable, compliant, secure, and aligned with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead automation and digital manufacturing strategy for a major manufacturing expansion project.
• Oversee control systems, manufacturing software, data systems, and OT infrastructure.
• Partner with engineering, operations, quality, and technology teams to support facility and process design.
• Direct automation startup activities, including commissioning, validation, and operational readiness.
• Manage external vendors, integrators, and technology partners.
• Ensure systems meet regulatory, cybersecurity, and data integrity requirements.
• Drive risk mitigation, continuous improvement, and long-term automation support strategies.
• Provide technical leadership and project updates to senior management.

Preferred Background

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of leadership experience in automation, controls, OT, or digital manufacturing within regulated process industries.
• Experience supporting large capital projects, facility startups, or manufacturing expansions.
• Strong knowledge of DCS, PLC, SCADA, MES, industrial networking, and system integration.
• Experience with validation, compliance, industrial cybersecurity, and quality systems.
• Familiarity with batch processing, manufacturing execution technologies, and digital operations platforms.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage vendors, and drive strategic initiatives.
• Background in pharmaceutical, chemical, biotechnology, specialty materials, or advanced manufacturing environments preferred.
• Willingness to travel and transition to a future U.S. site location as business needs evolve.