Senior Director, Engineering – Design Group

Jobtailor

Illinois

On-site

USD 150,000 - 190,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Jobtailor seeks an accomplished engineering leader to drive enterprise automation across packaging, processing, and manufacturing. You will shape the strategic direction for Engineering and Operations, mentor cross-functional teams, and partner with plant leadership to elevate reliability and productivity.

The role requires deep knowledge of food processing systems, robotics, and connected manufacturing platforms, with travel up to 50%.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Engineering.
Fifteen or more years of engineering experience.
Minimum five years in food manufacturing or biotech/pharma manufacturing.
Three to five years of technical resource leadership experience.
Deep knowledge of food processing and packaging systems.
Experience developing enterprise automation strategies with robotics and PLC/HMI.
Experience establishing engineering standards and vendor performance expectations.
OSHA and EPA regulations knowledge.
Willingness to travel up to 50% and work in facilities.

Responsibilities

Develop the strategic vision and direction for Engineering and Operations Technical organizations.
Provide enterprise leadership for packaging, processing, and manufacturing automation capabilities.
Collaborate with senior operations management to deliver business objectives.
Develop strategies for new product innovation, packaging modernization, and automation roadmaps.
Lead packaging, processing, and automation strategy development.
Govern engineering standards, controls architecture, and sanitary design practices.
Oversee commissioning, capability verification, and equipment acceptance.
Evaluate robotics, vision, connected shop floor, controls, and digital manufacturing.
Lead technology due diligence, supplier evaluations, and new technology assessments.
Establish enterprise-wide compliance for automation safety and food safety.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Problem-Solving

Communication

Strategic Thinking

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Master of Science in Engineering

Tools

PLC and HMI Controls

Connected Manufacturing Platforms

Automation Technologies

Material Handling Systems

Inspection Systems

Job description

Responsibilities

Develop the strategic vision and direction for Engineering and Operations Technical organizations
Provide enterprise leadership for packaging, processing, and manufacturing automation capabilities
Collaborate with senior operations management and cross-functional teams to deliver business objectives
Develop strategies for new product innovation, packaging and processing modernization, automation roadmaps, labor productivity, yield improvement, and startup excellence
Lead packaging, processing, and automation strategy development
Serve as subject matter expert for selecting, evaluating, estimating costs, and justifying technical solutions
Govern engineering standards, specifications, controls architecture, sanitary design practices, performance specifications, and equipment standardization
Oversee commissioning, capability verification, equipment acceptance, and operational handoff
Evaluate emerging robotics, vision, connected shop floor, controls, digital manufacturing, and material handling technologies
Lead strategic initiatives involving technology due diligence, supplier evaluations, acquisitions, divestitures, and new technology assessments
Establish enterprise-wide compliance direction for automation safety, machine guarding, sanitary design, controls, packaging, processing, and food safety
Provide expert support for line performance, processing capability, automation troubleshooting, vendor performance, and project escalations
Direct long-range capital planning for packaging, processing, robotics, controls, material handling, case packing, palletizing, and connected manufacturing
Develop and mentor engineering talent and cross-functional technical teams
Partner with plant leadership to improve reliability, productivity, quality, and operational excellence

Requirements

Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree in Engineering
Fifteen or more years of engineering experience
Minimum five years in food manufacturing or a closely related industry such as biotechnology or pharmaceutical manufacturing
Three to five years of technical resource leadership experience
Deep knowledge of food processing and packaging systems, including filling, forming, wrapping, case packing, palletizing, material handling, thermal processing, freezing, batching, mixing, inspection, and sanitation requirements
Demonstrated success developing and executing enterprise automation strategies involving robotics, collaborative robots, vision systems, PLC and HMI controls, connected manufacturing platforms, data acquisition systems, and equipment integration
Experience developing technical standards, performance specifications, equipment acceptance criteria, and vendor performance expectations
Working knowledge of OSHA and EPA regulations, enforcement practices, and compliance requirements
Ability to travel up to 50%
Ability to work in manufacturing facilities and perform applicable physical tasks, including walking, climbing stairs/ladders, kneeling, repetitive hand-eye coordination tasks, and lifting or carrying materials

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in developing and executing enterprise automation strategies, with a strong focus on food processing and packaging systems. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive operational excellence through innovative technology solutions and compliance with industry standards.

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