Director of Factory Automation

Motion Recruitment; Peoria (AZ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Motion Recruitment's client, a leading semiconductor packaging and testing provider, seeks a Director of Factory Automation in Peoria, AZ. You will own the automation software ecosystem, drive system reliability, and partner with cross-functional teams to scale manufacturing capabilities.

The role requires executive-level leadership, deep MES and PLC knowledge, and a track record of delivering automation programs in high-mix, high-volume environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Automation Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years in semiconductor manufacturing automation.
• 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated success implementing and sustaining factory automation solutions within semiconductor environments.
• Experience leading automation strategies, capital projects, technology deployments, production ramps, and operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Own the factory automation software ecosystem, including MES connectivity, equipment integration, material control, data collection, monitoring, visualization, and analytics.
• Ensure reliable operation, scalability, and continuous improvement of automation systems for production, capacity expansion, and new tech.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/CS/Automation/Controls

Tools

MES

PLCs

Industrial networks

Robotics

Automation software

Job description

Our client, one of the largest semiconductor packaging and testing providers in the US, is hiring a Director of Factory Automation to join their team in their brand-new facility located in Peoria, AZ.

As a Director on this team, you would develop and execute the site's factory automation strategy, roadmap, standards, and investment plans. The ideal candidate would have experience leading the design, deployment, and integration of factory-automated hardware, software, robotics, and automated material-handling systems.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a greenfield semiconductor facility and help shape next-generation manufacturing systems.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Automation Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in semiconductor manufacturing automation
• 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated success implementing and sustaining factory automation solutions within semiconductor manufacturing environments.
• Experience leading automation strategies, capital projects, technology deployments, production ramps, and operational support organizations.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing execution systems (MES), factory control systems, equipment integration, robotics, PLCs, industrial networks, automated material handling systems, and manufacturing data platforms.
• Working knowledge of SECS/GEM, EDA, Industry 4.0 concepts, digital manufacturing, industrial IoT, and smart factory technologies.
• Experience with system reliability, OT cybersecurity, change management, disaster recovery planning, and operational excellence programs.

What You Will Do:

• Own the factory automation software ecosystem, including MES connectivity, equipment integration, material control, data collection, monitoring, visualization, and analytics.
• Ensure reliable operation, scalability, and continuous improvement of automation systems that support production, capacity expansion, and new technology introductions.
• Drive automation initiatives that improve safety, quality, throughput, yield, cycle time, productivity, and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Establish performance metrics, service levels, monitoring capabilities, and governance processes to maximize system reliability and operational performance.
• Partner with manufacturing, engineering, IT, quality, facilities, EHS, cybersecurity, and supply chain teams to deliver integrated automation solutions.
• Lead automation support for factory startups, equipment installations, production ramps, process changes, and expansion projects.
• Manage relationships with automation suppliers, software vendors, system integrators, and service providers to ensure successful delivery and support of critical systems.
• Ensure compliance with safety requirements, cybersecurity standards, change control processes, business continuity plans, and data integrity expectations.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing automation organization while managing budgets, capital projects, contractor resources, and technology portfolios.
• Collaborate with global and corporate teams to leverage best practices, enterprise standards, and proven automation solutions across the organization.