Global Director, Electrical Controls and Embedded Systems

We are seeking a visionary and technically accomplished Global Director of Electrical, Controls & Embedded Systems Engineering to lead a global engineering function at the forefront of industrial automation. This is a high-impact, fast-paced leadership role responsible for driving the architecture, development, and integration of all electrical, firmware, controls, and software platforms across our complex manufacturing systems.

This role will directly manage 4 senior leaders and oversee a broader global engineering team of approximately 60 indirect reports. The successful candidate will possess a strong mix of technical depth, strategic leadership, and a passion for building, mentoring, and scaling high-performance teams across disciplines and geographies.

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a global team of 60+ engineers across electrical design, embedded systems, PLC programming, and software platforms.
• Directly manage 4 senior-level reports and ensure alignment across global engineering functions.
• Develop and implement strategies for team growth, skill development, and succession planning to build sustainable engineering leadership pipelines.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and team health across all regions and disciplines.
• Champion personal and professional development through coaching, training plans, and performance feedback.
• Monitor and continuously improve team engagement, workload balance, and productivity across international sites.

• Provide hands-on technical guidance in:
  • Embedded system and board-level design
  • Firmware development in C/C++
  • High-level application programming in Python and Java
  • PLC and HMI programming using Siemens and Rockwell platforms
  • Vision systems and sensor integration
• Define and maintain robust software and electrical architecture standards for scalability, modularity, and reuse.
• Ensure best practices in version control, documentation, system integration, and regulatory compliance.

• Lead the development and execution of platform strategies for controls, data acquisition, and smart automation features.
• Integrate high- and low-level technologies to deliver reliable, intelligent, and cost-effective automation solutions.
• Partner cross-functionally with Product Management, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Field Service to support design-for-manufacturing, reliability, and serviceability goals.

• Drive continuous improvement in engineering quality, efficiency, and responsiveness.
• Oversee project resourcing, team utilization, and global coordination to ensure timely delivery of engineering outputs.
• Lead cost reduction, standardization, and lifecycle management initiatives across electrical and controls platforms.
• Ensure all products and processes comply with industry regulations (UL508A, CE, NFPA 79, etc.).

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of engineering experience in automation, embedded systems, or capital equipment, with at least 5 years in multi-site or global leadership roles.
• Proven track record managing and developing large engineering teams (50+), including direct and matrixed reporting structures.
• Strong expertise in:
  • Embedded C/C++ development and board-level hardware
  • Higher-level software in Python and Java
  • Siemens and Rockwell PLC/HMI platforms
  • Vision systems, sensor integration, and industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, ProfNet)
• Deep understanding of engineering operations, configuration control, and product lifecycle processes.
• Strategic thinker with excellent people leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Experience with succession planning, mentoring, and scaling technical talent across geographic boundaries.

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