Director, Controls and Automation

Barry-Wehmiller•Duncan, SC

About The Position

The Director of Control System Integration provides critical leadership within Design Group’s Control System Integration Practice. The role leads an office-based team delivering controls and electrical engineering work for client capital projects, with a focus on process controls and automation solutions for industrial clients, including the food and beverage industry. The Director helps define practice direction and engineering standards while ensuring project delivery, client satisfaction, quality, and performance. The position combines people leadership, technical oversight, project and resource management, and regional business development. The Director mentors and develops team members, coordinates staffing with regional offices, establishes technical and project-management practices, and collaborates across disciplines and with clients. The role also advises on complex or high-risk controls projects and represents Design Group in client, industry, networking, and community settings. Regional travel is required as needed. The company describes a flexible career path supported by professional development resources and mentorship.

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 roles.
Proven business development and client relationship management experience, including successfully growing revenue within engineering consulting or related technical fields.
Deep understanding of control systems integration, electrical design, project management, and automation solutions for industrial clients.
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 across the organization.
Strong problem-solving mindset and sound judgment in complex or ambiguous situations.
Willingness and ability to travel within the region for client development, project support, industry events, and company meetings as required.
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 for project execution, engineering standards, and professional development.
Coordinate project workloads, resource allocation, and staffing with other regional offices to balance client needs and team development goals.
Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing development of Control System Integration team members.
Foster a culture of knowledge-sharing, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Implement technical standards, procedures, and best practices for control system integration and project management, ensuring solutions meet organizational objectives, client needs, and regulatory requirements.
Partner with discipline leaders, project managers, and construction teams to deliver multidisciplinary automation solutions.
Drive strategic business development for the office by identifying, pursuing, and securing new business and key regional client relationships.
Assume responsibility for project delivery, client satisfaction, quality, and performance for the Controls System Integration practice within the office.
Provide technical and business oversight, decision-making, and problem-solving expertise for high-profile, complex, or high-risk controls projects.
Represent Design Group at client meetings, industry events, networking forums, and community engagements.