Director of Global Automation - Optical Solutions

Molex possesses a rich heritage in the optical industry. We provide the highest performing and field-proven wavelength management solutions from components, modules to integrated line-cards. Continuous innovation in passive component function integration, miniaturization, and manufacturing automation, cutting edge WSS and amplification technology and comprehensive optical, mechanical, electrical and software design capabilities enable us to serve the needs of high-density, high-bandwidth, and flexible optical networks of telecom, datacom, hyperscale datacenter and supercomputing.

In Fremont, CA, we serve global clients in telecom and datacom industries in providing innovative optical modules and subsystems to support our customer's next generation networks. We are seeking a visionary and results-driven Director to lead our Global Automation Team. This leader will drive innovation, strategy, and execution in the automation of fiber optical components and systems, focusing on fabrication, assembly, and testing processes. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strategic leadership capabilities to advance our manufacturing technologies, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and quality in a competitive global market.

What You Will Do

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute the global automation strategy to optimize manufacturing efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Align automation initiatives with organizational goals and emerging trends in fiber optics and advanced manufacturing.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing global team of engineers and technical professionals.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement across diverse teams.

Technical Expertise and Innovation:

• Oversee the design, development, and deployment of advanced automation systems for fiber optic component fabrication and testing.
• Drive innovation in automation technologies, including robotics, machine vision, AI-driven process optimization, and precision control systems.

Operational Excellence:

• Ensure robust systems for monitoring, maintaining, and improving automated processes across global manufacturing sites.
• Establish KPIs and benchmarks for automation performance, including throughput, yield, and defect reduction.

Global Collaboration and Stakeholder Management:

• Partner with R&D, product development, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration of automation solutions.
• Collaborate with global suppliers and technology partners to source and implement state-of-the-art automation tools.

Compliance and Sustainability:

• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards in all automation initiatives.
• Promote sustainable practices in automation design and implementation.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Automation, Robotics, or a related field
• 15+ years of experience in automation, manufacturing, or a related field, with a focus on fiber optic components or similar industries
• Proven leadership experience managing global, cross-functional teams and large-scale automation projects
• Experience with fiber optics manufacturing process, including precision fabrication, alignment and automated testing systems
• Strategic thinking with experience translating vision into actionable plans.
• Exceptional communication skills with problem solving and decision making skills

What Will Put You Ahead

• Masters or PhD preferred

For this role, we anticipate paying $200,000 - $260,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.

Hiring Philosophy

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .

Who We Are

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

Our Benefits

Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.

Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.

Equal Opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).