Global Director, Electrical Controls and Embedded Systems

About Us:

BW Converting Solutions is a strategic alliance of resources and services that bring together several Barry-Wehmiller companies — Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC), Winkler + Dünnebier (W+D), STAX Technologies, Hudson-Sharp, Baldwin Technologies and Northern Engraving and Machine. These industry leaders offer trusted brands and innovative technologies in the design, manufacture, and service of high-performance converting and packaging machinery for the tissue, nonwovens, hygiene, bag-converting, mailing, and printing industries.

 

Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.

 

Job Description:

Position Summary

We are seeking a visionary and technically accomplished Global Director of Electrical, Controls & Embedded Systems Engineering to lead a global engineering function at the forefront of industrial automation. This is a high-impact, fast-paced leadership role responsible for driving the architecture, development, and integration of all electrical, firmware, controls, and software platforms across our complex manufacturing systems.

This role will directly manage 4 senior leaders and oversee a broader global engineering team of approximately 60 indirect reports. The successful candidate will possess a strong mix of technical depth, strategic leadership, and a passion for building, mentoring, and scaling high-performance teams across disciplines and geographies.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a global team of 60+ engineers across electrical design, embedded systems, PLC programming, and software platforms.
• Directly manage 4 senior-level reports and ensure alignment across global engineering functions.
• Develop and implement strategies for team growth, skill development, and succession planning to build sustainable engineering leadership pipelines.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and team health across all regions and disciplines.
• Champion personal and professional development through coaching, training plans, and performance feedback.
• Monitor and continuously improve team engagement, workload balance, and productivity across international sites.

Technical Leadership

• Provide hands-on technical guidance in:
  • Embedded system and board-level design
  • Firmware development in C/C++
  • High-level application programming in Python and Java
  • PLC and HMI programming using Siemens and Rockwell platforms
  • Vision systems and sensor integration
• Define and maintain robust software and electrical architecture standards for scalability, modularity, and reuse.
• Ensure best practices in version control, documentation, system integration, and regulatory compliance.

Product & Platform Strategy

• Lead the development and execution of platform strategies for controls, data acquisition, and smart automation features.
• Integrate high- and low-level technologies to deliver reliable, intelligent, and cost-effective automation solutions.
• Partner cross-functionally with Product Management, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Field Service to support design-for-manufacturing, reliability, and serviceability goals.

Operational Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement in engineering quality, efficiency, and responsiveness.
• Oversee project resourcing, team utilization, and global coordination to ensure timely delivery of engineering outputs.
• Lead cost reduction, standardization, and lifecycle management initiatives across electrical and controls platforms.
• Ensure all products and processes comply with industry regulations (UL508A, CE, NFPA 79, etc.).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of engineering experience in automation, embedded systems, or capital equipment, with at least 5 years in multi-site or global leadership roles.
• Proven track record managing and developing large engineering teams (50+), including direct and matrixed reporting structures.
• Strong expertise in:
  • Embedded C/C++ development and board-level hardware
  • Higher-level software in Python and Java
  • Siemens and Rockwell PLC/HMI platforms
  • Vision systems, sensor integration, and industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, ProfNet)
• Deep understanding of engineering operations, configuration control, and product lifecycle processes.
• Strategic thinker with excellent people leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Experience with succession planning, mentoring, and scaling technical talent across geographic boundaries.

What We Offer

• Competitive executive compensation and benefits
• Strategic leadership opportunity with global scope and visibility
• High-impact role shaping the future of smart industrial equipment
• A collaborative, fast-moving culture focused on innovation, ownership, and continuous improvement
• Opportunities to build, develop, and lead a world-class engineering organization

If you're a strategic, hands-on engineering leader passionate about technology and team-building, and ready to lead at a global scale—join us in building the future of industrial automation.

#LI-RB1

 

At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job.  If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying.  We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions.  Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process. ​

Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.

 

Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.

 

Company:

Winkler+Dunnebier