Demo

Director of Engineering

Sterling Engineering
Arlington, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 4/21/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/20/2026

Job Title: Director of Engineering

Location: Arlington Heights, IL

Shift: M-F

Pay: $185k-205k Salary ( 20% bonus)

Hire Type: Direct-Hire (Full-time)


Job Summary

Sterling Engineering is seeking a Director of Engineering to lead automation strategy and execution for manufacturing operations. Reporting to the General Manager, this role oversees the design, implementation, and optimization of automation systems supporting a 24/7 production environment.


What you will be doing:

  • Able to manage/develop/coach automation engineering team to meet automation goals.
  • Able to design from low to complex automation solutions for Final Assembly, Testing and Packaging including equipment, processes and tools.
  • Participate in design reviews. Understand mechanical drawings, electrical and pneumatic diagrams identifying potential risk and errors.
  • Manage projects within budget and time constraints.
  • Willing to travel and collaborate with sites on automation requirement.
  • Able to forecast diligently on execution plan with interest to achieve implementation.
  • Manage startup efforts, commission automation system and training for engineers plus technician.
  • Implement cost effective automation, with transparent quotation process.
  • Provide status reports as per established schedule with ability to drive for implementation.
  • Ability to identify and manage areas of risk in design documentation/specifications.
  • Prepare and maintain documentation related to the operation of the automation equipment.
  • Requires a strong work ethic, negotiating skills and an innovation mindset.


Preferred experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience and training plus a minimum of 8 years of management experience.
  • A Master’s or MBA degree is preferred.
  • High speed automation experience
  • Molding experience is preferred
  • Great leadership and communication experience
  • Experience in large size companies
  • Manufacturing experience
  • Establish and drive initiatives for department and production KPIs
  • Ability to hire and/or move resources across the organization in order to meet priorities and deadlines
  • Understanding of medical validation processes (IQ/OQ/PQ)
  • Experience in building an organization
  • Support of a 24/7 production operation
  • Experience in an FDA regulated manufacturing environment (Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, Food or Consumer industries)..
  • FDA Audit Experience (Preferred).



Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Salary : $185,000 - $205,000

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Director of Engineering?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Director of Engineering career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$213,354 - $274,761
Income Estimation: 
$277,105 - $362,555
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Sterling Engineering

  • Sterling Engineering Columbia, SC
  • Title: Engineering Technician Location: West Columbia, SC Hire Type: Contract to Hire Shift: Second Shift Pay Range: $24 - $32.50 depending on experience B... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • Sterling Engineering Peru, IN
  • Title: Maintenance Supervisor - 3rd shift Location: Peru, IN Overview: Sterling has helped build careers for thousands for professionals like yourself. Our... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • Sterling Engineering Muncie, IN
  • Title: Electrical Liaison Engineer Location: Muncie, IN - 100% Onsite Duration and hire type: Long-Term Contract Overview: Sterling Engineering/Staffing is... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • Sterling Engineering Gloucester, MA
  • About the Opportunity We are seeking a highly motivated engineering professional to support equipment reliability, uptime, and continuous improvement initi... more
  • 13 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Director of Engineering jobs in the Arlington, IL area that may be a better fit.

  • TERRA Engineering, Ltd. Chicago, IL
  • Structural Engineering Department Director Full Time Management Chicago, Chicago, IL, US Peoria, Peoria, IL, US 14 days ago Requisition ID: 1140 Salary Ran... more
  • 1 Month Ago

  • HR Director Elgin, IL
  • Human Resources Assistant - Elgin, IL $20 - $24/Hour (Based on Experience) For the selected candidate, we will offer: Full health benefits, vision, and den... more
  • 29 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!