Summary

The Director of Automation and Controls is a critical member of the Technical Services organization, responsible for establishing and leading the overall automation, controls, and digital manufacturing strategy for a large-scale food manufacturing facility. This individual provides senior-level leadership to enhance organizational capability through coaching, mentorship, and development of technical talent while driving a high-performance, cross-functional team.

This role leads the planning and execution of automation initiatives that support operational excellence, including improvements in system reliability, production efficiency, and data-driven decision making. The Director partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Food Safety, and IT to ensure automation systems are aligned with business priorities and support safe, compliant, and efficient production.

This leader is accountable for defining long-term automation roadmaps, leading capital project execution, advancing digital manufacturing capabilities, and ensuring robust, secure, and scalable automation and control systems. The position maintains responsibility for ensuring food safety, product quality, and regulatory compliance across all automation systems.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the site-wide automation and controls strategy, ensuring alignment with operational goals, capacity needs, and business priorities
• Develop and maintain a multi-year automation roadmap, including system modernization, digital manufacturing initiatives, and predictive technologies
• Lead capital automation projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and on budget
• Provide leadership in the design, implementation, and integration of IT/OT systems including network infrastructure, PLC systems, SCADA, HMI, MES, and data platforms
• Establish and enforce standards and best practices for automation systems, including PLC programming, HMI design, electrical controls, and network architecture
• Drive operational excellence by improving system reliability, reducing downtime, and increasing overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
• Lead root cause analysis efforts for critical failures and implement sustainable corrective actions
• Utilize data and reporting platforms (Wonderware, Historian, ICIS, etc.) to support data-driven performance improvements
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, IT, Safety, and Quality to prioritize and resolve technical challenges and optimize system performance
• Support project teams in identifying and scoping automation and electrical requirements for process improvements and capital investments
• Advance digital manufacturing and connectivity initiatives, including MES integration, industrial data systems, and predictive maintenance technologies
• Ensure cybersecurity awareness and compliance within plant automation networks in partnership with IT
• Provide leadership in troubleshooting complex automation issues, ensuring rapid resolution and long-term system stability
• Oversee the lifecycle management of automation systems including PLC programs, HMI applications, electrical documentation, and system architecture
• Drive development of reliable automation solutions including control system design, instrumentation selection, project scoping, and cost estimation
• Ensure all automation systems comply with food safety requirements, GMPs, regulatory standards, and sanitation practices
• Support audit readiness and continuous improvement related to quality and compliance systems
• Lead and develop a team of engineers and technical resources including performance management, mentorship, and succession planning
• Manage vendor relationships and external partners to ensure effective delivery of services and solutions.

Requirements

Competency Requirements:

• Strong leadership capability with demonstrated ability to develop, mentor, and elevate technical teams
• Ability to think strategically while executing effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Advanced technical expertise in:
  • PLC systems (Allen Bradley PAC/PLC)
  • HMI/SCADA systems (FactoryTalk View ME/SE, Wonderware, Ignition)
  • Industrial networks and Ethernet-based control systems (Hirschmann, Industrial HiVision)
  • Process historians and data systems (Wonderware Historian, ICIS)
• Strong understanding of process control systems, instrumentation, and manufacturing automation
• Experience integrating MES systems and industrial data platforms
• Working knowledge of cybersecurity principles in industrial control environments
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to lead root cause analysis and implement sustainable solutions
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects simultaneously
• Strong collaboration and communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders
• Ability to challenge the status quo and drive continuous improvement and innovation
• Proficiency in:
  • SQL-based systems (MSSQL, Access)
  • OPC interfaces
  • AutoCAD / Visio for electrical and process diagrams

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Ability to stand and walk on hard surfaces for extended periods, up to 12 hours per shift.
• Must be able to safely navigate wet, uneven, or slippery floors and ascend/descend multiple flights of stairs.
• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed to inspect equipment or perform hands-on tasks.
• Comfortable working in both indoor and outdoor environments, including exposure to temperature extremes, humidity, odors, and varying noise levels.
• Ability to wear and properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE), including but not limited to gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hats, and respiratory protection when required.
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to monitor alarms, gauges, and indicators, and to detect malfunctions or unsafe conditions.
• Ability to respond to emergencies or plant upsets, including after-hours call-ins or extended hours during shutdowns or repairs.

The salary range for this full-time position is $154,000.00 - $242,000.00, + bonus + equity + benefits. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Chobani provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision coverage, disability insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, and tuition reimbursement. To help save for the future, all employees are eligible for a 401k match of 100% on up to 5% of eligible pay. To support growing families, we provide fertility and childcare assistance, and 12 weeks of parental leave at full pay after six months of continuous employment. In addition, we provide wellness resources which include an employee assistance program, fitness discounts, a wellness reimbursement, on-site gym access (certain locations) and a monthly wellness newsletter to connect you with resources and timely information. We offer various types of paid time of including: 120 hours of paid time off, 11 holidays, and paid volunteer time off.