Ormco Director, Automation/Controls (Pomona, CA)

Envista Dentistry•Pomona, CA

19h•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. The position advances operational excellence through automation, standardization, capital project execution, and continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with FDA, ISO, and corporate quality requirements. The Director supervises automation and controls teams in Pomona and other specified geographies, and guides a matrixed organization of operations leaders and teams focused on Spark manufacturing and wire and bracket automation. The role also develops the organization through recruiting, selection, training, compensation, motivation, and mentoring. The position requires travel of at least 20% to domestic and international manufacturing sites to oversee process implementation and provide on-site support. Working hours and shifts vary with business needs. Office noise is low, while manufacturing areas may be moderate to loud; applicable safety procedures must be followed near manufacturing equipment. The role may require standing or sitting for extended periods and occasional bending, reaching, handling lightweight parts or test artifacts, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 10 pounds.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, such as Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
10+ years of experience leading a team in high-growth markets, with a demonstrated history of meeting or exceeding targets and expectations.
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.
Excellent 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 ability to motivate team members and create followership.
Demonstrated critical-thinking and analytical skills.
High ethical standards and attention to reputational and compliance risks.
Ability to prioritize tasks in real time and exercise judgment in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Microsoft Project.
Ability to travel at least 20% of the time to domestic and international manufacturing sites.
Ability to follow applicable safety procedures when working near manufacturing equipment.
Ability to stand and/or sit for extended periods as business needs require; occasionally bend, reach, handle lightweight parts or test artifacts, push, pull, or lift up to 10 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field.
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.
In-depth 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 manufacturing technologies such as CNCs, 3D prototyping, thermoforming, and manufacturing automation.
Comprehensive experience in process and equipment validation and documentation.

Responsibilities

Lead, guide, mentor, and evaluate automation and controls engineers; develop the organization through recruiting, selection, training, compensation, and motivation.
Collaborate with project managers, mechanical design engineers, and software groups to develop robust, low-risk machine designs.
Lead research and development of technologies and automation systems for Spark aligners, wire, and bracket production.
Analyze wire and bracket manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for automation; evaluate technologies such as robotics, CNC machines, and automated assembly systems.
Design automated workflows and roadmaps to improve production efficiency while maintaining product quality.
Oversee software programming for projects involving PLC, HMI/SCADA, servo, robotics, vision, laser, and related technologies.
Lead 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, process validations, and testing in accordance with internal procedures.
Lead equipment modifications intended to improve productivity and product quality.
Build relationships with external vendors to develop manufacturing equipment and methods or processes that improve production capacity.
Collaborate with maintenance to improve machine reliability, reduce downtime, and define equipment maintenance requirements.
Research and identify suppliers for automation control systems, components, and related services; evaluate suppliers on quality, cost, delivery time, and reliability.
Partner with cross-functional leaders to monitor inventory of automation control components and systems, maintain appropriate stock levels, and avoid shortages.
Maintain key supplier relationships and promptly address supplier issues to support continuity of supply.
Oversee timely repair of equipment and tooling.
Ensure completion of thorough process failure mode and effects analyses to prevent or limit failures and improve efficiency and reliability.
Seek procurement cost reductions 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 drive continuous improvement, operational efficiency, cost reduction, and product quality.
Foster innovation and collaboration within the team and meet regulatory and quality targets year over year.
Work within the corporate quality system and comply with ISO and FDA regulations.
Guide and influence matrixed operations leaders and teams across geographies focused on Spark manufacturing and wire and bracket automation.
Guide and mentor direct reports in their personal and professional development.
Travel to domestic and international manufacturing sites to oversee process implementation and provide on-site support.