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Director of Engineering (Automation & Advanced Manufacturing)

Sterling Engineering, Inc.

Buffalo Grove, IL

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JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Assembly Equipment, Auditing, Automation, Automation Engineering, Automation Systems, Best Practices, Biotech and Pharmaceutical, Budget Management, Budgeting, Business Administration, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) Systems, Capital Equipment, Capital Project, Commissioning, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Cross-Functional, Documentation, Electricity, External Audit, FDA (Food and Drug Administration), Forecasting, High Reliability, Industry Standards, Internal Audit, International Operations, Knowledge Transfer, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Automation, Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Matrix Management, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Equipment, Motion Control, Operational Support, Performance Metrics, Plastic Injection Molding, Plastics Manufacturing, Process Improvement, Process Validation, Project Engineering, Project Execution, Project/Program Management, Regulatory Compliance, Replication and Remote Mirroring, Resource Management, Return on Investment (ROI), Risk Management, Robotics, Supply Chain, System Architecture, System Start-Up, Systems Administration/Management, Technical Leadership, Technical Support, Testing, Time Management, Willing to Travel
LOCATION
Buffalo Grove, IL
POSTED
30+ days ago
Director of Engineering (Automation & Advanced Manufacturing)
Base Salary: $180,000-$205,000/year + 20% Bonus (Up to 40% bonus potential)
Buffalo Grove, IL - Relocation assistance packages given for qualified candidates

Overview
We are seeking a Director of Engineering to lead and scale our automation engineering function within a high-volume, regulated manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for the strategy, design, and deployment of advanced automation systems supporting assembly, testing, and packaging operations.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in automation machinery—preferably with exposure to CAM-driven systems—and a proven ability to build, lead, and optimize high-performing engineering teams. This individual will play a critical role in driving innovation, improving manufacturing efficiency, and supporting global operations.
Key Responsibilities

Engineering Leadership & Strategy
  • Lead, develop, and scale a multidisciplinary automation engineering team (mechanical, controls, manufacturing engineers).
  • Establish and execute the automation roadmap aligned with operational and business objectives.
  • Drive a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement across engineering and manufacturing teams.
  • Partner with Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain leadership to align engineering priorities with production goals.
Automation System Design & Implementation
  • Oversee the design and deployment of low- to high-complexity automation systems for final assembly, inspection, and packaging.
  • Provide technical leadership in automation architecture, including robotics, motion control, vision systems, and CAM-integrated equipment where applicable.
  • Ensure robust system design through participation in design reviews, including mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems.
  • Identify and mitigate technical risks in system design, specifications, and implementation.
Project & Program Management
  • Lead capital equipment projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.
  • Drive structured project execution, including forecasting, resource allocation, and milestone tracking.
  • Oversee equipment installation, startup, commissioning, and validation activities.
  • Ensure proper documentation and knowledge transfer to operations and maintenance teams.
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
  • Implement cost-effective automation solutions with clear ROI and transparent quoting processes.
  • Establish and drive engineering and production KPIs (OEE, yield, uptime, cycle time, etc.).
  • Support a 24/7 manufacturing environment, ensuring high equipment reliability and responsiveness.
  • Lead initiatives to improve manufacturing efficiency, scalability, and product quality.
Compliance & Quality
  • Ensure all automation systems meet regulatory and quality standards, including FDA requirements where applicable.
  • Support validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ) for new and existing equipment.
  • Participate in internal and external audits, ensuring engineering compliance with regulated industry standards.
Cross-Site Collaboration
  • Partner with global sites to standardize automation approaches and share best practices.
  • Support technology transfer and equipment replication across multiple manufacturing locations.
  • Travel as needed to support project execution and collaboration.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or related field); Master’s or MBA preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience in automation engineering within a manufacturing environment, with at least 5+ years in leadership roles.
  • Strong background in automated machinery design and integration (assembly, testing, packaging systems).
  • Experience with high-speed automation and/or precision manufacturing environments.
  • Exposure to CAM-based systems or CNC-integrated automation is highly desirable.
  • Experience in regulated industries such as Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, Food, or Consumer Products.
  • Working knowledge of validation processes (IQ/OQ/PQ) and FDA compliance standards.
  • Proven experience managing capital equipment projects and engineering budgets.
  • Demonstrated success building and developing engineering teams in complex organizations.
  • Strong understanding of mechanical systems, controls architecture, and industrial automation technologies.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Preferred Experience
  • Injection molding or plastics manufacturing automation.
  • Experience supporting global or multi-site manufacturing operations.
  • Prior experience in large, matrixed organizations.
  • FDA audit experience.
What Success Looks Like
  • Scalable, reliable automation systems deployed on time and within budget.
  • Improved production efficiency, uptime, and product quality.
  • A high-performing, engaged engineering team with strong technical depth.
  • Standardized automation practices across sites with measurable ROI.

About the Company

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Sterling Engineering, Inc.

Sterling Engineering has been a trusted partner for engineering, project management, and staffing solutions for over five decades. We provide exceptional engineering/technical recruitment and engineering project services to clients nationwide:

 

  • Engineering & Technical Recruitment - With our focus on engineering, technical, and IT, Sterling has the in-depth knowledge, industry expertise, and robust employee pipeline it takes to rapidly find talent for even the most difficult to fill positions. Sterling’s extensive recruitment methodology allows us to engage the most talented employees in the marketplace. We offer exciting work and career-building opportunities for our candidates, along with expert support at every step of the process.

 

  • Engineering Project Services – Our experienced, multi-disciplined team of project managers, engineers, and designers, led by licensed Professional Engineers (PE), provide project management, engineering, design, and Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) to manufacturing, OEM, and R&D customers. We work on complex, highly technical projects across a number of industry sectors, and our ability to scale and seamlessly integrate at multiple levels of your organization is what differentiates us.

 

Sterling offers a unique combination of engineering solutions and Best of Staffing level service to help our clients and talent achieve their goals.

COMPANY SIZE
500 to 999 employees
INDUSTRY
Staffing/Employment Agencies
FOUNDED
1969
WEBSITE
http://www.sterling-engineering.com