Director, Automation Engineering

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

Production Engineering

Is Sponsorship Available?

NoFlex 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 accessibility@flex.com 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).