Director of Engineering - Custom Systems
ATC Automation, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, 45208
Director of Engineering - Custom Systems
Location:
Harrison, OH
About Cincinnati Test Systems Cincinnati Test Systems (CTS) is a global leader in leak test instrumentation and custom automated test systems. Our solutions deliver fast, reliable, and repeatable results across demanding industries including Automotive, Medical, Consumer Goods, Energy, and Defense.
Our Custom Systems team designs and builds engineered-to-order automation systems that solve complex manufacturing and validation challenges. These systems represent some of the most technical, visible, and strategically important work we do.
We are seeking a Director of Engineering to lead this team and drive excellence in execution, performance, and team development.
Position Overview The Director of Engineering is responsible for leading a multidisciplinary team of Project Managers, Controls Engineers, and Mechanical Engineers in the design and delivery of custom automation systems.
This position blends technical leadership, operational discipline, and business accountability. The Director is responsible for ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the high standards our customers expect — while building a strong, accountable, and capable engineering team.
This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who values ownership, clarity, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities Lead and Develop the Engineering Organization
Provide leadership and direction to Project Management, Controls, and Mechanical Engineering teams
Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence
Develop team capability through coaching, mentoring, and performance management
Align staffing and resource planning with backlog and growth expectations
Own Project Execution and Delivery
Ensure disciplined project execution from order intake through shipment and installation
Participate in order reviews to validate scope, technical feasibility, and margin alignment
Monitor project performance, proactively managing risks related to cost, schedule, and quality
Strengthen coordination between Engineering, Sales, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain
Drive improvements that reduce delays, rework, and margin variability
Drive Operational and Financial Performance
Treat the Custom Systems segment as a business unit with accountability for delivery, profitability, and resource utilization
Maintain visibility into backlog, capacity planning, and financial performance
Implement practical process improvements that increase efficiency and predictability
Balance engineering excellence with sound business judgment
Elevate Customer Outcomes
Ensure systems meet or exceed customer expectations for quality, performance, and reliability
Serve as an escalation point for complex technical or delivery challenges
Contribute to continuous improvement efforts based on customer feedback
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Controls Engineering (or related field)
10+ years of experience in custom automation, capital equipment, or engineered-to-order systems
Demonstrated experience leading engineering and/or project management teams
Strong understanding of full project lifecycle management in engineered systems environments
Financial acumen related to cost control, margin management, and forecasting
Excellent communication and leadership skills
Preferred Qualifications
Experience overseeing manufacturing execution within a project-based environment
Background in leak testing, validation systems, or automated production equipment
Experience implementing process improvements in a custom engineering setting
What We’re Looking For
A leader who takes ownership and expects the same from their team
Clear decision‑making and strong judgment
Ability to balance technical details with broader business objectives
Collaborative mindset with the confidence to hold teams accountable
Commitment to building a strong, sustainable engineering organization
Why Join CTS
Lead a highly skilled, multidisciplinary engineering team
Direct impact on complex, high‑visibility automation projects
Opportunity to shape how custom systems are designed and delivered
Engineering‑driven culture focused on performance and reliability
Stable, growing organization serving global industries
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Location:
Harrison, OH
About Cincinnati Test Systems Cincinnati Test Systems (CTS) is a global leader in leak test instrumentation and custom automated test systems. Our solutions deliver fast, reliable, and repeatable results across demanding industries including Automotive, Medical, Consumer Goods, Energy, and Defense.
Our Custom Systems team designs and builds engineered-to-order automation systems that solve complex manufacturing and validation challenges. These systems represent some of the most technical, visible, and strategically important work we do.
We are seeking a Director of Engineering to lead this team and drive excellence in execution, performance, and team development.
Position Overview The Director of Engineering is responsible for leading a multidisciplinary team of Project Managers, Controls Engineers, and Mechanical Engineers in the design and delivery of custom automation systems.
This position blends technical leadership, operational discipline, and business accountability. The Director is responsible for ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the high standards our customers expect — while building a strong, accountable, and capable engineering team.
This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who values ownership, clarity, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities Lead and Develop the Engineering Organization
Provide leadership and direction to Project Management, Controls, and Mechanical Engineering teams
Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence
Develop team capability through coaching, mentoring, and performance management
Align staffing and resource planning with backlog and growth expectations
Own Project Execution and Delivery
Ensure disciplined project execution from order intake through shipment and installation
Participate in order reviews to validate scope, technical feasibility, and margin alignment
Monitor project performance, proactively managing risks related to cost, schedule, and quality
Strengthen coordination between Engineering, Sales, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain
Drive improvements that reduce delays, rework, and margin variability
Drive Operational and Financial Performance
Treat the Custom Systems segment as a business unit with accountability for delivery, profitability, and resource utilization
Maintain visibility into backlog, capacity planning, and financial performance
Implement practical process improvements that increase efficiency and predictability
Balance engineering excellence with sound business judgment
Elevate Customer Outcomes
Ensure systems meet or exceed customer expectations for quality, performance, and reliability
Serve as an escalation point for complex technical or delivery challenges
Contribute to continuous improvement efforts based on customer feedback
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Controls Engineering (or related field)
10+ years of experience in custom automation, capital equipment, or engineered-to-order systems
Demonstrated experience leading engineering and/or project management teams
Strong understanding of full project lifecycle management in engineered systems environments
Financial acumen related to cost control, margin management, and forecasting
Excellent communication and leadership skills
Preferred Qualifications
Experience overseeing manufacturing execution within a project-based environment
Background in leak testing, validation systems, or automated production equipment
Experience implementing process improvements in a custom engineering setting
What We’re Looking For
A leader who takes ownership and expects the same from their team
Clear decision‑making and strong judgment
Ability to balance technical details with broader business objectives
Collaborative mindset with the confidence to hold teams accountable
Commitment to building a strong, sustainable engineering organization
Why Join CTS
Lead a highly skilled, multidisciplinary engineering team
Direct impact on complex, high‑visibility automation projects
Opportunity to shape how custom systems are designed and delivered
Engineering‑driven culture focused on performance and reliability
Stable, growing organization serving global industries
#J-18808-Ljbffr