Director, Automation & Controls

Air Liquide - Branchburg, NJ

Full-time - Senior

Branchburg, NJ

Chemical Manufacturing

About the position

The Director of Automation & Controls at Air Liquide USA LLC is responsible for managing global teams focused on the implementation, continuous improvement, and troubleshooting of automation and control systems in the manufacturing of ultrahigh purity materials for the semiconductor and photovoltaic industries. This role emphasizes safety, compliance, and the establishment of best practices across multiple geographies, while also requiring significant leadership and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive a culture of safety and quality in operations.
• Manage multiple global groups responsible for automation and control systems.
• Lead a team of 10-15 US resources and manage additional resources in Asia.
• Oversee design and support activities related to industrial power distribution and controls platforms.
• Provide operational support in a 24-7 production environment.
• Establish industry standard best practices globally.
• Deliver code compliant industrial control systems for various projects.
• Develop and maintain engineering standards for project design and execution.
• Coordinate with other design disciplines for project requirements.
• Ensure compliance with internal engineering project execution standards.
• Manage integration of projects into existing industrial networks and power distribution systems.
• Plan and articulate a roadmap for controls upgrades and obsolescence remediation.
• Monitor training requirements for direct reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in chemical, mechanical, or electrical engineering, or equivalent.
• 15+ years of relevant experience in programming PLC/DCS for chemical plant design and operation.
• Knowledge of industrial communications protocols.
• Experience managing automation & controls personnel for 10+ years.
• Excellent communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a rapid-growth environment.
• Trained in standard procedures for safe gas and chemical handling.
• Chemical plant operation experience strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Team player with leadership abilities.
• Self-starter with the ability to perform well under pressure.
• Problem solving and decision making skills.

Benefits

• Diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
• Equal opportunity employer policies.