Director, Automation Region Americas

Klüber Lubrication NA LP

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South Haven, MI Farmington Hills, MI Until 8/22/2026 15+ years exp H-1B sponsor history First posted April 28, 2026 Last posted April 28, 2026
Job description

Working at Freudenberg: We will wow your world!

Responsibilities:

  • Lead the development and implementation of the Americas Automation roadmap and strategy together with Plants and Business Units.
  • Establish governance for automation project selection, justification, ROI and capital planning.
  • Collaborate with regional and Plant Process Engineering Leads and Technical Experts to develop and implement process improvement initiatives across the organization with a strong focus on advanced automation technologies.
  • Develop and maintain key metrics to track process performance and identify areas for improvement, including the evaluation of the effectiveness of implemented automation solutions.
  • Lead and participate in project teams to implement new products and processes, with a focus on the integration of advanced automation solutions.
  • Ensure reliable operation of automation and control systems, including obsolescence management and upgrade planning.
  • Drive harmonization and replication of best practice automation solutions across all plants.
  • Evaluate emerging automation, digitization, and AI/ML technologies and determine applicability for manufacturing environments.
  • Collaborate with Purchasing and Suppliers to evaluate vendors, manage integrators, and optimize value from automation partners.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelors / Masters degree in Engineering.
  • At least 15 years in Process / Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering.
  • Strong experience in Automation and Standardization.
  • knowledge of rubber to metal manufacturing (vulcanization mold design, assembly equipment design) desired.
  • Experience in Project Management.

The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Vibracoustic USA Inc.
About this role

Summary

Lead automation strategy, implement advanced automation, manage vendor relations, and drive process improvements.

Job title

Director, Automation Region Americas

Experience level

15+ years

Minimum experience

15+ years exp

Industry

manufacturing

Location requirements

On-site in South Haven, MI or nearby; no remote work specified.

Salary

Not specified

Visa sponsorship

H-1B sponsor history

Management role

Yes

Skills & keywords

Required skills

automationproject managementmanufacturingprocess improvementvendor evaluation

Preferred skills

rubber to metal manufacturingvulcanization mold designassembly equipment design

Specializations

automationdigitizationAI/MLprocess improvement
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

South Haven, MI 49090, USA

On-site City

Farmington Hills, MI, USA

On-site City

Morganfield, KY 42437, USA

On-site City