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Director Advanced Manufacturing Automation Jobs

The Director, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering is responsible for the strategy and execution of capital equipment, tooling, automation, and facilities projects (NPI, capacity, material cost out ...

New

WI · On-site

$68K - $98K/yr

As part of the Automation & Advanced Manufacturing organization, you will serve as a technical leader with a focus on Machining and Fabrications processes, supporting multiple manufacturing sites and ...

$68K - $98K/yr

As part of the Automation & Advanced Manufacturing organization, you will serve as a technical leader with a focus on Machining and Fabrications processes, supporting multiple manufacturing sites and ...

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Director Advanced Manufacturing Automation information

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$69.5K

$141.9K

$209.5K

How much do director advanced manufacturing automation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for director advanced manufacturing automation in the United States is $141,872.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of advanced manufacturing automation do?

A Director of Advanced Manufacturing Automation oversees the strategy, implementation, and management of automation technologies within a manufacturing organization. This role is responsible for identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, and safety through automation, as well as leading teams in the adoption of robotics, AI, and digital manufacturing solutions. They collaborate with engineering, production, and IT departments to ensure seamless integration of advanced systems, while also staying up-to-date with emerging technologies and industry trends. The director often manages budgets, project timelines, and vendor relationships to achieve organizational goals.

How does a director of advanced manufacturing automation typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement new automation technologies?

As a Director of Advanced Manufacturing Automation, you will regularly work with engineering, production, IT, and quality assurance teams to identify automation opportunities and align technology solutions with business goals. Collaboration often involves leading cross-departmental meetings, coordinating pilot projects, and managing change to ensure successful integration of automation systems. You’ll also facilitate training and knowledge transfer to ensure all stakeholders are comfortable with new technologies. Effective communication and project management skills are critical for driving consensus and ensuring smooth implementation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of advanced manufacturing automation, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Advanced Manufacturing Automation, you need a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, automation technologies, and leadership experience, often supported by an engineering degree and significant industry experience. Familiarity with industrial automation systems (such as PLCs, SCADA, and robotics), lean manufacturing methodologies, and certifications like Six Sigma or PMP are highly valued. Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills help drive innovation and align cross-functional teams. These capabilities are critical for leading complex automation initiatives that increase efficiency, maintain quality, and support organizational growth.

What is the difference between Director Advanced Manufacturing Automation vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectDirector Advanced Manufacturing AutomationManufacturing Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Engineering, Automation, or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's in Engineering or related field; some roles may require certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees automation projects, manages teams, strategic planningDesigns, develops, tests manufacturing processes and automation systems
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing plants, automation firms, industry leadersCommonly employed in manufacturing facilities, R&D labs

The main difference is that the Director Advanced Manufacturing Automation focuses on strategic oversight, leadership, and managing automation initiatives, while the Manufacturing Engineer is involved in the technical design and implementation of manufacturing processes. The director role is more managerial and strategic, whereas the engineer role is more technical and hands-on.

What cities are hiring for Director Advanced Manufacturing Automation jobs?

Cities with the most Director Advanced Manufacturing Automation job openings:

What states have the most Director Advanced Manufacturing Automation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Director Advanced Manufacturing Automation jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Director Advanced Manufacturing Automation jobs?

For Director Advanced Manufacturing Automation jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Director Advanced Manufacturing Automation job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $141,872 per year, or $68.2 per hour.

Director, Advanced Tooling, Advanced Manufacturing & Automation

Auburn, AL • On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

## Director, Advanced Tooling, Advanced Manufacturing & AutomationApplylocations: Auburn Hillstime type: Full timeposted on: Posted 2 Days Agojob requisition id: JR101308CSP is the industry leader in the formulation and molding of lightweight, advanced composite components for the transportation industries. As an innovative, full-service Tier One supplier, we offer an entrepreneurial environment where you’re only limited by your own imagination. In addition to our team-focused environment, we provide industry-leading benefits, called BENEfits4U. Our comprehensive offering includes: affordable medical, dental, and vision care; flexible spending accounts; life insurance; 401k with company match and much, much more.**Job Description**## **1. Department Standards & Governance*** Establish and own the enterprise-wide standards framework for the Advanced Tooling and Automation department, including equipment standards, design standards, build standards, and maintenance standards.* Develop, document, and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all core department functions, including:* Tooling quote scope-of-work development* Tooling lineup planning and structuring* Cost breakdown methodology and templates* Vendor selection and evaluation criteria* Tooling and equipment acceptance/runoff criteria* Create and maintain a performance governance model — defining how standards are audited, how compliance is measured, and how deviations are escalated and corrected.* Serve as the final authority on tooling and equipment standards across all sites, ensuring consistency, cost control, and quality.## **2. Tooling Quoting & Cost Standards*** Define the standard format and process for tooling quote scope of work, ensuring quotes are complete, comparable across suppliers, and aligned to program requirements.* Establish standardized tooling lineup structures (e.g., mold sets, fixtures, secondary equipment, automation cells) for consistent program planning.* Develop standardized cost breakdown structures (material, labor, engineering, controls, freight, contingency, etc.) to improve quote accuracy, cost transparency, and negotiation leverage.* Own the RFQ process for tooling and capital equipment, ensuring apples-to-apples supplier comparisons.## **3. Advanced Tooling Design & Development*** Lead design, development, and validation of advanced tooling for composite molds, secondary equipment, and automation systems.* Oversee tooling readiness for new program launches, ensuring durability, repeatability, and on-time delivery.* Drive innovation into the tooling portfolio — evaluating new materials, processes, and design methodologies (e.g., additive manufacturing, simulation-driven design, modular/reconfigurable tooling) to improve cost, speed, and performance.## **4. Advanced Manufacturing & Automation Development*** Develop and implement advanced manufacturing technologies, including automation, robotics, predictive maintenance, and Industry 4.0 tools.* Lead automation development end-to-end: concept, business case, design, integration, validation, and scale-up to full production.* Validate new processes and automated systems through pilot lines, ensuring scalability and reliability prior to full deployment.* Identify and prioritize automation opportunities based on labor efficiency, ergonomics, throughput, and ROI.## **5. Controls Standardization*** Establish enterprise-wide controls standards (PLC platforms, HMI design, safety architecture, network/communication protocols, naming conventions, documentation standards) to ensure consistency, maintainability, and reduced spare-parts complexity across sites.* Partner with controls engineering and IT/OT teams to ensure new automation and tooling projects comply with controls standards from concept through commissioning.* Drive standardization of controls documentation, change management, and cybersecurity practices across all automated systems.## **6. Supplier & Vendor Management*** Partner with suppliers to deliver best-in-class tooling and automation solutions within budget and timing requirements.* Develop and administer a formal vendor evaluation program — scoring suppliers on quality, cost, delivery, engineering capability, and responsiveness — to guide sourcing decisions and build a preferred supplier base.* Lead supplier performance reviews and drive corrective action when standards are not met.## **7. Continuous Improvement & Manufacturing Standards*** Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, scrap reduction, labor efficiency, and ergonomics.* Define and deploy enterprise standards for manufacturing layouts, material flow, ergonomics, and process optimization.* Benchmark industry trends and emerging technologies to keep the enterprise at the forefront of composite manufacturing and automation.## **8. Cross-Functional Partnership*** Work closely with Product Development, Facilities, and Asset Management to align tooling and equipment strategy with long-term business objectives.* Partner with Finance to validate ROI and payback for capital equipment, tooling, and process investments.* Collaborate with Quality to ensure advanced manufacturing processes meet customer standards and regulatory requirements.## **9. Financial & Program Management*** Manage budgets for tooling, equipment, and process engineering, including capital expenditures (CapEx).* Track project spend against budget and forecast, and report variances to leadership.## **10. Performance Metrics & Reporting*** Define and monitor department and program KPIs, including:* Tooling readiness (on-time, first-pass acceptance)* Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)* Scrap and quality escape reduction* ROI on capital projects* Vendor performance scores* Controls standardization compliance* Report regularly to executive leadership on program readiness, risks, and performance against standards.## **11. Team Leadership & Personnel Management*** Build, lead, and develop the Advanced Tooling and Automation team, setting clear expectations and standards for individual performance.* Conduct structured personnel evaluations, including performance reviews, development planning, and succession planning for key roles.* Coach and mentor engineers and program leads to build technical depth in tooling, automation, and controls.* Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement within the department.**Qualifications****Education*** Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or Electrical Engineering required; or equivalent work experience.* **Experience*** 10+ years of progressive experience in tooling design, advanced manufacturing, automation, or industrial engineering, including 5+ years in a leadership role.* Proven track record of leading tooling and automation programs from concept through production launch.* Experience with composite manufacturing tooling strongly preferred.* Demonstrated experience developing standards, SOPs, and governance frameworks at an enterprise or multi-site level.* Experience managing capital budgets and evaluating ROI on equipment/automation investments.* Experience with controls platforms (e.g., Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens) and Industry 4.0/data integration tools preferred.**Skills & Competencies*** Strong technical knowledge of tooling design, robotics, automation integration, and controls architecture.* Skilled in supplier negotiation, vendor management, and cost analysis.* Strong leadership, coaching, and organizational development skills.* Excellent communication skills, with ability to present to executive leadership.* Strategic thinker with hands-on execution capability.*If you enjoy innovation, and an opportunity to learn and contribute to a growing organization, CSP is the place for you!* #J-18808-Ljbffr