Director, Automation Technology

PCC Talent Acquisition Portal•Jenkintown, PA

11d

About The Position

We are seeking a strategic and execution-driven Director, Automation Technology to lead the launch and technological advancement of a new aerospace fastener manufacturing facility. This role will serve as a key partner in co-developing the site’s vision, executing the operational roadmap, and driving innovation that positions the business as the #1 leader in safety, quality, and manufacturing capability within the fastener industry. This role will be responsible for building and leading a high-performance technical team, implementing advanced manufacturing systems, and fostering a culture of excellence, safety, and continuous improvement. This is a rare opportunity to shape a Greenfield operation from the ground up and establish a benchmark facility in precision manufacturing. Key Responsibilities Vision & Strategy Execution Collaborate with the VP/GM to define and implement a bold, future-ready technology vision for the site. Translate strategic goals into technical execution plans that deliver measurable results in performance, quality, and innovation. Champion initiatives that differentiate the business in automation, digital manufacturing, and smart factory capabilities. Identify and deploy best-in-class technologies that support safe operations, high-quality output, advanced capacity planning, and seamless customer/supplier communication. Greenfield Site Build-Out Lead the design and implementation of the site’s technical infrastructure, including layout, equipment, and digital systems. Recruit, develop, and retain a world-class engineering and technical team. Establish foundational systems and processes aligned with Industry 4.0 and aerospace quality standards. Automation Strategy & Execution Lead the integration of CNC, heading, roll forming, robotics, and material handling systems with MES/ERP platforms. Oversee PLC programming, HMI development, and industrial networking to support smart manufacturing. Ensure seamless connectivity and data flow across all automated systems. Process Engineering & Optimization Design and implement lean manufacturing workflows that support just-in-time production, low inventory, and high quality. Develop standard operating procedures, process maps, and control plans for forming and machining operations. Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Six Sigma and data-driven methodologies. Innovation & Capability Leadership Drive continuous improvement and innovation across manufacturing technologies, automation, and data analytics. Implement MES, ERP, IIoT, and other smart factory tools to optimize throughput and traceability. Ensure the site is positioned as a center of excellence in fastener manufacturing. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with Operations, Finance, IT, HR, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless integration of technology into all business functions. Lead technical reviews, capital planning, and risk assessments. Represent the site in corporate technology forums and strategic initiatives. Experience & Education Technical & Strategic Expertise Smart Factory Systems: Deep knowledge of MES, ERP, IIoT, and automation platforms. Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma: Proven ability to design and optimize workflows using data-driven methodologies. PLC Programming & Industrial Networking: Hands-on experience with CNC, robotics, and HMI integration. Advanced Capacity Planning: Ability to forecast, model, and optimize production throughput and resource allocation. Leadership & Execution Visionary Thinking: Ability to co-develop and execute a bold technology roadmap with the VP/GM. Team Building: Experience recruiting and mentoring high-performing technical teams in fast-paced environments. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Skilled in working across Operations, Finance, HR, IT, and Supply Chain. Project Management: Demonstrated ability to lead complex programs from concept to execution. Industry Experience Aerospace or Automotive Manufacturing: Minimum 7–10 years in senior leadership roles within precision manufacturing. Greenfield Site Development: Experience launching new facilities or major expansions. Education: Bachelor’s in engineering or manufacturing technology; MS or MBA preferred.

Requirements

Smart Factory Systems: Deep knowledge of MES, ERP, IIoT, and automation platforms.
Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma: Proven ability to design and optimize workflows using data-driven methodologies.
PLC Programming & Industrial Networking: Hands-on experience with CNC, robotics, and HMI integration.
Advanced Capacity Planning: Ability to forecast, model, and optimize production throughput and resource allocation.
Visionary Thinking: Ability to co-develop and execute a bold technology roadmap with the VP/GM.
Team Building: Experience recruiting and mentoring high-performing technical teams in fast-paced environments.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Skilled in working across Operations, Finance, HR, IT, and Supply Chain.
Project Management: Demonstrated ability to lead complex programs from concept to execution.
Aerospace or Automotive Manufacturing: Minimum 7–10 years in senior leadership roles within precision manufacturing.
Greenfield Site Development: Experience launching new facilities or major expansions.
Education: Bachelor’s in engineering or manufacturing technology

Nice To Haves

MS or MBA preferred.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the VP/GM to define and implement a bold, future-ready technology vision for the site.
Translate strategic goals into technical execution plans that deliver measurable results in performance, quality, and innovation.
Champion initiatives that differentiate the business in automation, digital manufacturing, and smart factory capabilities.
Identify and deploy best-in-class technologies that support safe operations, high-quality output, advanced capacity planning, and seamless customer/supplier communication.
Lead the design and implementation of the site’s technical infrastructure, including layout, equipment, and digital systems.
Recruit, develop, and retain a world-class engineering and technical team.
Establish foundational systems and processes aligned with Industry 4.0 and aerospace quality standards.
Lead the integration of CNC, heading, roll forming, robotics, and material handling systems with MES/ERP platforms.
Oversee PLC programming, HMI development, and industrial networking to support smart manufacturing.
Ensure seamless connectivity and data flow across all automated systems.
Design and implement lean manufacturing workflows that support just-in-time production, low inventory, and high quality.
Develop standard operating procedures, process maps, and control plans for forming and machining operations.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Six Sigma and data-driven methodologies.
Drive continuous improvement and innovation across manufacturing technologies, automation, and data analytics.
Implement MES, ERP, IIoT, and other smart factory tools to optimize throughput and traceability.
Ensure the site is positioned as a center of excellence in fastener manufacturing.
Partner with Operations, Finance, IT, HR, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless integration of technology into all business functions.
Lead technical reviews, capital planning, and risk assessments.
Represent the site in corporate technology forums and strategic initiatives.