Director of Automation Engineering (Manufacturing) (Waltham) Job at firstPRO, In
firstPRO, Inc, Waltham, MA, US
Job Summary
The Director of Automation Engineering will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for driving automation initiatives across the organization. This role sets the strategic vision for automation, ensuring alignment with business goals and delivering high-impact solutions that improve quality, efficiency, and scalability. The Director will oversee project selection, prioritization, and execution, focusing on high-ROI opportunities and the use of common technologies across multiple operational areas.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Define and implement an automation roadmap that supports objectives such as quality improvement, capacity expansion, ergonomic enhancements, and labor optimization.
- Identify and prioritize automation opportunities that deliver measurable value across the business.
Team Development
- Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing engineering team, fostering innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence.
Project Oversight
- Guide automation projects from concept through deployment, ensuring timely, high-quality execution and smooth integration into production environments.
- Oversee project selection, budgeting, timelines, and deliverables to maintain alignment with strategic goals.
Technology Advancement
- Champion advanced automation technologies including collaborative robots, robotic palletizers, automated material handling systems, and other cutting-edge solutions.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and develop strategies for adoption across the organization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with operations, manufacturing, product development, and engineering teams to integrate automation into existing processes and new product designs.
- Communicate plans, progress, and results to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
- Architect and implement advanced automation systems, including robotics and material handling solutions, to improve productivity, quality, and scalability.
- Ensure seamless integration of automation technologies into existing operations with minimal disruption.
- Establish post-implementation review processes to evaluate system performance and drive continuous improvement.
- Implement risk mitigation strategies, redundancy planning, and compliance measures to ensure reliability and regulatory adherence.
Team and Project Management
- Lead, mentor, and grow the automation engineering team through structured training, development plans, and performance feedback.
- Oversee project governance including timelines, budgets, documentation, and validation.
- Provide comprehensive handover, training, and system documentation to internal teams prior to deployment.
- Standardize procurement and implementation processes through controlled procedures and templates.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Collaborate with manufacturing engineering, operations, and leadership teams throughout the project lifecycle.
- Present clear and consistent updates on plans, status, and results to stakeholders.
- Work with product development teams to incorporate automation requirements and design-for-manufacturability considerations into new designs.
Strategic Planning
- Develop and maintain an annual automation roadmap, including cost-benefit analysis, ROI projections, and replacement schedules.
- Balance short-term and long-term initiatives to optimize team efficiency and impact.
- Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to maintain competitive advantage and foster innovation.
Qualifications and Skills
- Proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Lean or Six Sigma certification and expertise in process flow analysis.
- Knowledge of FDA, QSR, and ISO regulatory requirements.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and SAP.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Education and Experience
- Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering or related field required.
- Minimum 10 years of automation engineering experience across diverse applications.
- At least 8 years of leadership experience managing engineering teams and complex automation projects.