Director of Automation & Controls

Drax Group•Monroe, LA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

As the Director of Automations, you will lead the design, implementation, and enhancement of automation systems to ensure safe and efficient operations. This role manages a team of engineers across various disciplines to develop reliable, scalable, and secure industrial systems that boost productivity and quality. The Director also supports plant-level processes through troubleshooting, solutions identification, maintenance, and programming. Strong collaboration with plant teams is vital. Additionally, the Director provides input on plant design for both greenfield and brownfield projects from an automation perspective.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Control Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automation, or related field
Over 10 years of automation experience in forestry or manufacturing
5+ years in a leadership role within an automation team
Strong experience with PLCs (Rockwell, Siemens), HMIs, SCADA, and communication protocols
Knowledge of industrial networking (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus)
Proficient in electrical programming, troubleshooting, and sensor operations
Familiarity with OT cybersecurity principles
Experience with robotics and digital transformation initiatives
Awareness of manufacturing technology trends and their application
Proven ability to lead high-performing teams
Strong project management and organizational skills
Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Effective communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders
Capable of managing multiple projects with competing priorities
Proficient in personal computers and business applications

Responsibilities

Develop and implement an automation strategy aligned with business goals.
Manage and mentor a team of Automation Engineers, an OT Network Engineer, and an Electrical Engineer.
Establish engineering standards and foster a culture of innovation.
Oversee the design and commissioning of PLC, HMI, SCADA, and DCS systems.
Ensure standardization of platforms and documentation.
Drive modernization efforts, including Industry 4.0 and IoT initiatives.
Support capital projects from conception to startup.
Ensure high performance of automation systems in production.
Collaborate with teams to troubleshoot and resolve system issues.
Implement preventive maintenance and manage equipment obsolescence.
Oversee industrial network reliability and compliance with cybersecurity standards.
Lead risk assessments for industrial control systems.
Manage multiple automation projects, ensuring timely and budget-friendly delivery.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage external vendors.
Ensure automation systems meet safety and regulatory standards.
Support EHS initiatives to promote safe automated equipment operations.