Director of Software Engineering Automation

Mai Placement; Ridgefield (NJ); On-site; USD 225,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-growth manufacturing company is seeking a hands-on Director of Software Engineering & Automation to lead their evolution. This role focuses on software strategy, optimizing operations through automation, and managing an internal engineering team in a fast-paced environment. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in scaling engineering teams and systems, particularly within manufacturing or supply chain contexts.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of leadership in software engineering or systems strategy.
• Experience in manufacturing technology or supply chain automation strongly preferred.
• Track record of systems migration, platform integration, and automation.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive all internal software systems strategy, execution, and optimization.
• Migrate legacy platforms and unify data flows across operations.
• Build, scale, and manage a 10-person in-house engineering team.

Skills

Leadership

Systems migration

Automation

Software ecosystems

AI/ML implementation

Tools

EOS operating system

Job description

Director of Software Engineering & Automation
Ridgefield, NJ | On-site Full Time
$225K – $275K base + performance bonus

Company Overview

We’re a high-growth manufacturing company at a pivotal inflection point—shifting from a fast-moving startup to a scalable, process-driven organization. We’re deeply committed to operational excellence and innovation, and we’re now seeking a hands-on Director of Software Engineering & Automation to lead that evolution.

Position Overview

This is a high-impact role for a builder and executor, not a talker. You’ll own all software strategy, systems architecture, team leadership, and delivery—turning complexity into clean, efficient workflows that drive real operational results. You’ll be responsible for migrating legacy tools, streamlining disconnected platforms, and delivering high-value automations that improve throughput, sync, and visibility across the company.

We’re looking for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, has successfully scaled teams and systems, and knows how to translate business needs into executional sprints. You must be comfortable working directly with ownership, department heads, and internal devs—leading from the front.

The Ideal Candidate

You’ve worked in a startup. You’ve helped a company mature into a professional environment without slowing it down. You’ve built strong systems, retired weak ones, and created roadmaps that delivered results fast. You know how to balance short-term fires with long-term scalability, and you don’t wait around—you get things done.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and drive all internal software systems strategy, execution, and optimization
• Migrate legacy platforms and unify data flows across operations, production, and logistics
• Lead automation initiatives that reduce redundancy and improve operational throughput
• Build, scale, and manage a 10-person (and growing) in-house engineering team
• Design sprint structures that convert company vision and requests into prioritized execution
• Identify and sunset low-ROI tools/codebases in favor of strategic, scalable platforms
• Partner with stakeholders to translate business processes into technical systems
• Present strong, capital-backed cases for software investments aligned to long-term goals
• Lead implementation of AI/ML technologies that enhance efficiency and predictability
• Remain forward-looking—evaluating new technologies that push operations ahead

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of leadership in software engineering or systems strategy
• Proven success in fast-moving, high-growth companies with transition to structure
• Experience in manufacturing technology or supply chain automation strongly preferred
• Strong track record of systems migration, platform integration, and automation
• AI/ML implementation experience required
• Experience with agile development, sprint management, and prioritization frameworks
• Hands-on coding/technical background with executive leadership ability
• Experience building and managing hybrid or in-house dev teams
• Familiarity with EOS operating system a plus
• Confident communicator—able to present ideas and push for results

Must-Haves

• Proven ability to lead sprint-based execution in a fast-growth environment
• Hands-on ownership of software ecosystems—build, scale, or replace
• Manufacturing, industrial, or operational software experience a strong plus
• Track record of implementing automation and delivering measurable ROI
• Startup mindset with the maturity to scale into structure

If you’re looking for a challenge where you lead the charge, own real outcomes, and modernize how manufacturing systems run—this is your role.

Email Resume: [e-mail]

Apply Online:

https://jobs.crelate.com/portal/maiplacement/job/xwmqonfzrsfegc4z61njz38pkw?crt=1748375991246

Compensation:
$225,000-$275,000 per year