ConsultNet
Director of Automation Engineer
Location: US & Canada (must sit on-site at a facility in (Montreal, Memphis, TN Baltimore, MD Hattiesburg, MS Hutchinson, MN or Rhinelander, WI.
Status: Full-time Permanent
Department: Engineering
Salary: $130-$165KYR
Direct Hire, Full Time
About the Role Position Summary: Our client, a leader in the food ingredients industry, is seeking a Director of Automation to lead the development, standardization, and execution of automation technologies across their global production and manufacturing facilities. This role is responsible for driving innovation, efficiency, and operational excellence through the deployment of advanced control systems, PLC/SCADA platforms, and integrated automation solutions. The position will manage a global team (North America, Europe) and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment with corporate and site-level objectives. Key Responsibilities:
Define and execute the global automation strategy across manufacturing sites Lead multi-site implementation of PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems Standardize automation architecture, documentation, and protocols globally Develop and oversee project plans, budgets, and performance metrics for automation initiatives Establish cybersecurity protocols and ensure compliance with global OT standards Collaborate with site leaders, engineering, IT, and operations to align automation capabilities with business needs Manage vendor relationships and software/hardware partnerships Mentor and develop regional automation teams and technical staff Provide technical leadership for automation system troubleshooting and critical escalations Evaluate emerging technologies for strategic investment and adoption
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Software, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering (Master's preferred) 10+ years of experience in automation engineering, including 5+ years in a leadership role Experience with enterprise capital projects for automation & controls system upgrades Proficiency in PLC programming (ladder, function block, structured text, SFC) Strong experience with SCADA/HMI platforms and configuration Knowledge of industrial networking protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profibus) Proven ability to manage multi-site automation projects and cross-functional teams Familiarity with automation platforms such as Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider Electric Knowledge of safety, compliance, and industrial cybersecurity best practices
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in food processing, fermentation, or process manufacturing Electrical and mechanical systems background Certified Automation Professional (CAP) or equivalent Experience leading digital transformation or smart manufacturing initiatives
Travel Requirements: Up to 40-50% domestic and international travel to support site projects and global integration.
Welcome to ConsultNet and the family of companies, Tekne, SaltClick, TechBridge, and OmniMedia. As a premier national provider of technology talent and solutions, our expertise spans across project services, contract-to-hire, direct placement, and managed services both onshore and nearshore.
Celebrating more than 25 years of partnership with a diverse client base, we've crafted rewarding opportunities for our consultants, fostering high-performing teams that deliver impactful results.
Over the last few years thousands of consultants have found their calling with us in roles that have made a meaningful impact on their lives, enhanced their career, challenged them, and propelled them towards achieving their personal and professional goals. At the ConsultNet family of companies, we believe effective communication is crucial in aligning the right job with your unique skills and professional aspirations. To us, it's all about the personal approach we take and the values we uphold.
Our comprehensive service offerings cover a wide range of technology positions across key markets nationwide. Client more at www.consultnet.com .
We champion equality and inclusivity, proudly supporting an Equal Opportunity Employer policy. We welcome applicants regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other status protected by law.
About the Role Position Summary: Our client, a leader in the food ingredients industry, is seeking a Director of Automation to lead the development, standardization, and execution of automation technologies across their global production and manufacturing facilities. This role is responsible for driving innovation, efficiency, and operational excellence through the deployment of advanced control systems, PLC/SCADA platforms, and integrated automation solutions. The position will manage a global team (North America, Europe) and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment with corporate and site-level objectives. Key Responsibilities:
Define and execute the global automation strategy across manufacturing sites Lead multi-site implementation of PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems Standardize automation architecture, documentation, and protocols globally Develop and oversee project plans, budgets, and performance metrics for automation initiatives Establish cybersecurity protocols and ensure compliance with global OT standards Collaborate with site leaders, engineering, IT, and operations to align automation capabilities with business needs Manage vendor relationships and software/hardware partnerships Mentor and develop regional automation teams and technical staff Provide technical leadership for automation system troubleshooting and critical escalations Evaluate emerging technologies for strategic investment and adoption
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Software, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering (Master's preferred) 10+ years of experience in automation engineering, including 5+ years in a leadership role Experience with enterprise capital projects for automation & controls system upgrades Proficiency in PLC programming (ladder, function block, structured text, SFC) Strong experience with SCADA/HMI platforms and configuration Knowledge of industrial networking protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profibus) Proven ability to manage multi-site automation projects and cross-functional teams Familiarity with automation platforms such as Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider Electric Knowledge of safety, compliance, and industrial cybersecurity best practices
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in food processing, fermentation, or process manufacturing Electrical and mechanical systems background Certified Automation Professional (CAP) or equivalent Experience leading digital transformation or smart manufacturing initiatives
Travel Requirements: Up to 40-50% domestic and international travel to support site projects and global integration.
Welcome to ConsultNet and the family of companies, Tekne, SaltClick, TechBridge, and OmniMedia. As a premier national provider of technology talent and solutions, our expertise spans across project services, contract-to-hire, direct placement, and managed services both onshore and nearshore.
Celebrating more than 25 years of partnership with a diverse client base, we've crafted rewarding opportunities for our consultants, fostering high-performing teams that deliver impactful results.
Over the last few years thousands of consultants have found their calling with us in roles that have made a meaningful impact on their lives, enhanced their career, challenged them, and propelled them towards achieving their personal and professional goals. At the ConsultNet family of companies, we believe effective communication is crucial in aligning the right job with your unique skills and professional aspirations. To us, it's all about the personal approach we take and the values we uphold.
Our comprehensive service offerings cover a wide range of technology positions across key markets nationwide. Client more at www.consultnet.com .
We champion equality and inclusivity, proudly supporting an Equal Opportunity Employer policy. We welcome applicants regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other status protected by law.