Program Lead

Role Overview

Pacific Scientific EMC is expanding and seeking a leader who will be the voice of this program from the ground up. The Program Lead owns the site's automation strategy end to end, leading the system design and development team and setting the technical direction that will carry this program from launch through full scale production. This role sits at the intersection of controls, process, and automation engineering, translating program level priorities into a clear technical roadmap and driving disciplined execution across a cross functional team. The Program Lead represents the Solon site's interests to stakeholders across the broader organization.

The ideal candidate has the technical depth to speak credibly with controls, process, and automation engineers, the program management discipline to keep a complex launch on track, and the presence to be a clear, trusted voice for the Solon program in front of leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the voice of the Solon program, setting technical strategy and bigger picture direction for the site's automation initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the automation system design and development team, ensuring strong technical execution and professional growth.
• Manage end-to-end project delivery, including scoping, resource planning, timelines, and risk mitigation, for automation programs at the site.
• Provide technical leadership across controls, manufacturing process, and automation engineering disciplines, bridging gaps between these functions as needed.
• Assess technical challenges and operational risks, propose robust solutions, and ensure disciplined execution through completion.
• Collaborate closely with cross functional partners in Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to align priorities and program objectives.
• Provide clear, consistent communication with stakeholders at all levels, ensuring program transparency and timely decision making.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement, evaluate emerging technologies, and drive adoption of new tools, systems, or approaches.
• Guide automation system design decisions, including controls, robotics, machine vision, PLCs, HMIs, and integrated manufacturing systems.
• Represent the Solon program in planning and roadmap discussions with other sites and with senior leadership.
• Build organizational capability by developing technical talent and succession depth within the program team.

• Additional duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in automation, controls, or manufacturing process engineering, including demonstrated program or project leadership, within an electronics, aerospace, defense, or automotive manufacturing environment.
• BS in Engineering or a similar field, or equivalent work experience, required.
• Technical depth equivalent to both a controls engineer and a manufacturing process engineer is ideal. Candidates with strength in one of these areas plus automation engineering experience will also be considered.
• Strong knowledge of automation system fundamentals, including controls, robotics, machine vision, PLCs, HMIs, and integrated manufacturing systems.
• Demonstrated program or project management experience, including planning, resource allocation, risk mitigation, and end to end execution.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to align cross-functional teams and influence technical and operational decisions.
• Experience in electronics systems engineering, gained in industries such as aerospace, defense, or automotive.
• Behavior aligned to our guiding principles: We Win as One Team, We Solve Problems, We Learn by Doing, We Unlock Growth, and We Own Our Future.
• Export Control Requirement: Due to U.S. Government contract requirements applicable to this position, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment in this role.

Work Location & Travel

This role can be performed at any of our three sites: (1) Solon, OH, (2) Hollister, CA, or (3) Chandler, AZ. If hired in Solon, the incumbent can expect travel of up to 10 percent per year to support other program sites and meet with other team members. If hired in Hollister or Chandler, travel of up to 50 percent should be expected to support the Solon program.