Director of Engineering

A leading provider of custom robotic automation systems is seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Engineering to lead its multi-disciplinary engineering organization. This high-impact role will oversee Mechanical, Electrical, and Controls Engineering teams and drive alignment, innovation, and execution across complex automation programs. The Director will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for setting technical direction, developing talent, and ensuring engineering excellence from concept to project delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and mentorship to engineering managers across Mechanical, Electrical, and Controls disciplines.
  

• Define and manage KPIs related to engineering performance, including quality, efficiency, innovation, and retention.
  

• Develop and maintain Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for direct reports, supporting succession planning and team growth.
  

• Champion a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.
  

• Oversee engineering execution from quoting to design release through project implementation for custom robotic automation solutions.
  

• Drive standardization of design practices, toolkits, and engineering platforms.
  

• Ensure adherence to design validation, technical reviews, and risk mitigation practices.
  

• Allocate engineering resources across multiple concurrent programs, balancing capacity and capability.
  

• Collaborate closely with Project Management, Sales, Applications, Production, and Supply Chain to ensure scope alignment, timely delivery, and customer satisfaction.
  

• Provide strategic input during concept development and feasibility reviews for new opportunities.
  

• Partner with Finance, HR, and Supply Chain to align budgets, hiring plans, and growth strategies.
  

• Represent the engineering function in executive meetings and strategic planning initiatives.
  

• Serve as the technical face of the Automation Division in customer interactions, design reviews, and presentations.
  

• Lead technical discussions with key supplier partners and evaluate emerging technologies in robotics, AI, vision systems, modular platforms, and industrial safety.
  

• Own the roadmap for engineering tools and infrastructure (e.g., CAD platforms, simulation tools, standards library).
  

• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and client visits as needed.
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (Master’s preferred).
  

• Minimum 15 years of experience in automation or robotics engineering, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
  

• Proven success leading cross-functional engineering teams in a custom machinery or robotic integration environment.
  

• Deep technical knowledge in robotic systems, PLC/HMI integration, mechanical design, safety systems, and electrical engineering.
  

• Familiarity with platforms such as Allen-Bradley, FANUC, Siemens, Omron, AutoCAD, and SolidWorks.
  

• Track record of developing engineering talent and improving project execution metrics.
  

• Excellent communication, organizational, and executive reporting skills.
  

• Willingness to travel up to 10%.
  

Preferred Traits:

• Strategic thinker with a strong operational mindset
  

• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to align cross-functional teams
  

• Skilled communicator and persuasive presenter
  

• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving structured outcomes
  

• Naturally curious and committed to ongoing professional development