Director of Engineering

Director of Engineering – High-Speed Automation

Location: Buffalo Grove IL

Type: Direct Hire | Onsite

Compensation: Up to $225K Full Relocation Available

Are you ready to lead engineering operations at scale and shape the future of high-speed automation? We are seeking a Director of Engineering to oversee and grow our automation engineering teams across our Buffalo Grove and Libertyville facilities. This is a high-impact leadership role with visibility across the organization and with key clients in the medical device industry.

About the Role

The Director of Engineering will lead a large, multidisciplinary engineering organization—overseeing 60 engineers, 120 technicians, and 9 managers—with responsibility for designing, building, and scaling high-speed automated assembly systems. You’ll work closely with site leadership to expand existing lines, launch new lines, and support the startup of a brand-new plant in Libertyville.

This is a rare opportunity to influence strategy, build organizational capabilities, and partner with top medical device companies to deliver cutting-edge automation solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a large engineering team to deliver on automation and production goals.
• Drive the design, specification, installation, and support of high-speed automation equipment and tooling.
• Oversee commissioning, validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), and production support of automation systems.
• Partner with clients to navigate technical challenges, communicate vision, and ensure seamless execution.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver cost-effective, scalable, and compliant automation solutions.
• Guide strategic planning for automation initiatives and capacity expansions.
• Maintain alignment with FDA regulations, medical device quality standards, and organizational KPIs.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or related Engineering field; Master’s or MBA preferred.
• Strong background in high-speed automation, ideally from an automation integrator (OEM) environment.
• Experience in OT (controls/hardware) and exposure to SCADA systems is a plus.
• Demonstrated success in leading large engineering organizations with multiple layers of management.
• Experience supporting automation in FDA-regulated industries (Medical Device, Pharma, Food, Consumer).
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills – able to “see the forest through the trees.”
• Excellent communication and leadership skills to influence teams, clients, and executives.
• Large company background and medical device assembly experience preferred.

What You’ll Receive

• Competitive base salary up to $225K
• Full relocation support available
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Life, Short-term, and Long-term Disability insurance
• Matching 401(k) contributions
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Tuition reimbursement

This is a high-visibility leadership opportunity for a proven engineering leader who thrives in complex, regulated environments. If you’re ready to make a lasting impact on the future of automation in the medical device industry, we’d love to connect.