Director, Controls and Automation

Barry-Wehmiller•Duncan, SC

About The Position

The Director, Control System Integration will provide leadership within Design Group’s Control System Integration Practice, helping define the direction and standards for process controls in the food and beverage industry. The role works with technical specialists, subject matter experts, other discipline leaders, project managers, construction teams, clients, and regional offices to deliver automation solutions and capital projects. The Director leads and develops a team of controls and electrical engineers, oversees project execution and delivery, establishes engineering and project-management standards, and coordinates staffing and workloads. The position also supports recruitment and onboarding, builds client relationships, drives regional business development, and advises on complex or high-risk controls projects. The role represents Design Group in client meetings, industry events, networking forums, and community engagements. Regional travel is required as needed. The position is with Design Group, a fully integrated architecture, engineering, construction, systems integration, and consulting firm serving manufacturing and technology clients. The company describes its culture as based on Truly Human Leadership and offers professional development resources, mentorship, Individual Development Plans, and career-path resources.

Requirements

At least 12 years of relevant engineering experience, including control system integration.
At least 5 years in technical team leadership and/or people management.
A proven track record in business development, client relationship management, and growing revenue in engineering consulting or related technical fields.
Deep understanding of control systems integration, electrical design, project management, and industrial automation solutions.
Ability to set strategic direction, implement engineering and business processes, and deliver results aligned with organizational goals.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to inspire, mentor, and build trust.
Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment in complex or ambiguous situations.
Willingness and ability to travel within the region as required for client development, project support, events, and company meetings.
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Responsibilities

Lead, motivate, and mentor controls and electrical engineers, providing direction on project execution, engineering standards, and professional development.
Coordinate project workloads, resource allocation, and staffing with other regional offices.
Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing development of Control System Integration team members.
Foster knowledge-sharing, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Implement technical standards, procedures, and best practices for control system integration and project management.
Partner with discipline leaders, project managers, and construction teams to deliver multidisciplinary automation solutions.
Drive regional business development by identifying and securing opportunities and building key client relationships.
Take responsibility for project delivery, client satisfaction, quality, and performance for the office’s Controls System Integration practice.
Provide technical and business oversight, decision-making, and problem-solving on complex or high-risk controls projects.
Represent Design Group at client meetings, industry events, networking forums, and community engagements.
Support capital projects and implement solutions for clients.