Ormco Director, Automation/Controls (Pomona, CA)

Envista Holdings Corporation•Pomona, CA

2d•$200,000 - $244,400•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Automation & Controls provides strategic leadership for automation, controls engineering, robotics, industrial digitalization, and advanced manufacturing technologies supporting Spark aligners, orthodontic wire, and bracket manufacturing. The role defines the future-state digital factory vision, leads automation innovation, and drives operational excellence across global manufacturing operations through scalable, validated, and compliant automation solutions. Reporting to the VP of Global Manufacturing Engineering, the Director leads automation and controls professionals and serves as the technical authority for automation strategy, controls standards, advanced manufacturing technologies, and operational technology infrastructure across global manufacturing. The role advances operational excellence through automation innovation, standardization, capital project execution, and continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with FDA, ISO, and corporate quality requirements. It supervises Pomona automation and controls teams and specified geographies, and guides matrixed operations teams focused on Spark manufacturing, wire, and bracket automation. The role involves leading teams and capital projects, developing automation roadmaps and systems, supporting and improving production processes, managing suppliers and budgets, and ensuring equipment reliability, validation, quality, and regulatory compliance. Travel to domestic and international manufacturing sites is required at least 20% of the time. Working hours and shifts vary according to business needs. Work includes office and manufacturing environments, where noise can range from low to moderate or loud.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related Engineering field.
At least 10 years of experience leading a team in high-growth markets, with a demonstrated history of meeting or exceeding targets and expectations.
At least 5 years of experience working with highly automated manufacturing cells or equipment.
Experience working in an FDA-regulated environment.
Expertise in automation hardware and controls software.
Experience managing large capital projects and automation investment portfolios.
Strong financial acumen, including budget management, ROI analysis, and business case development.
Strong project management, organization, and prioritization skills.
Exceptional technical, oral, and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical issues clearly.
Ability to follow instructions and guidelines set by senior management.
Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance documentation processes.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate team members and build followership.
Demonstrated critical-thinking and analytical skills.
High ethical standards and attention to reputational and compliance risks.
Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment and exercise judgment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Microsoft Project.
Ability to travel at least 20% of the time to domestic and international manufacturing sites.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Engineering.
Expertise in designing and troubleshooting complex machine control systems and programs.
Knowledge of vision inspection and vision-guided motion, particularly Cognex VisionPro and In-Sight.
Knowledge of PC programming, including C(s), .NET, and databases.
Knowledge of PLC controls, particularly Allen-Bradley CompactLogix and ControlLogix.
Knowledge of HMI systems, particularly Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk View SE and ME, and Ignition.
Familiarity with mainstream manufacturing technologies such as CNC, 3D prototyping, thermoforming, and manufacturing automation.
Comprehensive experience in process and equipment validation and documentation.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and evaluate automation and controls engineers; recruit, select, train, and motivate operations team members and support their professional development.
Guide and influence geographically distributed, matrixed operations leaders and teams focused on Spark manufacturing, wire, and bracket automation.
Collaborate with project managers, mechanical design engineers, and software groups to develop low-risk, robust machine designs.
Research and develop technologies and automation systems to improve Spark aligner, wire, and bracket production.
Analyze wire and bracket manufacturing processes to identify automation opportunities; evaluate robotics, CNC machines, and automated assembly systems.
Design automated workflows and roadmaps that improve production efficiency while maintaining product quality.
Oversee software programming for projects involving PLC, HMI/SCADA, servo, robotics, vision, laser, and other technologies.
Provide improvement and sustaining engineering support for existing production lines.
Oversee the development, maintenance, and improvement of manufacturing and inspection processes and procedures using automated solutions.
Guide equipment and process validations and testing in accordance with internal procedures.
Lead equipment modifications to improve productivity and product quality.
Build relationships with external vendors to develop manufacturing equipment and improve production capacity and processes.
Collaborate with maintenance to improve machine reliability, reduce downtime, and define equipment maintenance requirements.
Identify and evaluate suppliers of automation control systems, components, and services based on quality, cost, delivery, and reliability; maintain supplier relationships and address issues.
Partner with cross-functional leaders to monitor automation control inventory and maintain appropriate stock levels.
Oversee timely repair of equipment and tooling.
Ensure thorough process failure mode and effects analyses are completed to prevent or limit failures and improve efficiency and reliability.
Reduce procurement costs without compromising quality, implement cost-saving initiatives, and track their budget impact.
Establish project timelines, justifications, and budget forecasts; manage budgets and allocate resources to maximize return on investment.
Use Envista Business Systems to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
Foster innovation and collaboration within the team.
Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, quality targets, the corporate quality system, ISO requirements, and FDA regulations.
Travel at least 20% of the time to domestic and international manufacturing sites to oversee process implementation and provide on-site support.