Director, Automation Engineering

Job Posting Start Date 04-22-2026 Job Posting End Date 06-26-2026

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world.

A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary.

Job Summary

To support our extraordinary teams who build great products and contribute to our growth, we’re looking to add a Director, Operations Engineering located in Buffalo Grove, IL.

Reporting to the General Manager the Director, Operations Engineering  role is responsible for managing engineering department - specifying, designing, installing, supporting manufacturing and maintaining automation equipment, tooling and applications as required to meet specifications.

What a typical day looks like:

• Able to manage/develop/coach automation engineering team to meet automation goals.

• Able to design from low to complex automation solutions for Final Assembly, Testing and Packaging including equipment, processes and tools.

• Participate in design reviews. Understand mechanical drawings, electrical and pneumatic diagrams identifying potential risk and errors.

• Manage projects within budget and time constraints.

• Willing to travel and collaborate with sites on automation requirement.

• Able to forecast diligently on execution plan with interest to achieve implementation.

• Manage startup efforts, commission automation system and training for engineers plus technician.

• Implement cost effective automation, with transparent quotation process.

• Provide status reports as per established schedule with ability to drive for implementation.

• Ability to identify and manage areas of risk in design documentation/specifications.

• Prepare and maintain documentation related to the operation of the automation equipment.

• Requires a strong work ethic, negotiating skills and an innovation mindset.

The experience we’re looking to add to our team:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience and training plus a minimum of 8 years of management experience.

• A Master’s or MBA degree is preferred.

• High speed automation experience

• Molding experience is preferred

• Great leadership and communication experience

• Experience in large size companies

• Manufacturing experience

• Establish and drive initiatives for department and production KPIs

• Ability to hire and/or move resources across the organization in order to meet priorities and deadlines

• Understanding of medical validation processes (IQ/OQ/PQ)

• Experience in building an organization

• Support of a 24/7 production operation

• Experience in an FDA regulated manufacturing environment (Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, Food or Consumer industries)..

• FDA Audit Experience (Preferred).

KR13

What you'll receive for the great work you provide:

• Full range of medical, dental, and vision plans
• Life Insurance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability
• Matching 401(k) Contributions
• Vacation and Paid Sick Time
• Tuition Reimbursement

Pay Range (Applicable to Illinois)$169,500.00 USD - $233,100.00 USD Annual

Job CategoryProduction Engineering

Is Sponsorship Available?

No

Flex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email [email protected] and we'll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance. To be considered for a position at Flex, you must complete the application process first).