Challenge Manufacturing · 17 hours ago
Director of Operational Technology
Grand Rapids, MI
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
10+ years expChallenge Manufacturing is a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry. They are seeking a strategic and innovative OT leader to define and execute their enterprise-wide operational technology strategy across multiple plants, focusing on Industry 4.0 initiatives to drive production efficiency, quality, and safety.
AutomotiveIndustrialManufacturing
Responsibilities
Develop and implement a multi-year OT strategy aligned with corporate objectives and Industry 4.0 roadmaps
Lead multi-site OT teams: Automation & Robotics, Smart Manufacturing, Analytics & IIoT, Field Support, and Infrastructure & Cybersecurity
Oversee deployment, integration, and optimization of MES, SCADA, HMI, robotics, IIoT, AI/ML, and predictive maintenance solutions
Ensure compliance with OT cybersecurity, safety, and automotive quality standards (IATF 16949, ISO/SAE 21434, IEC 62443)
Partner with IT to enable secure OT/IT convergence, real-time data availability, and cloud/edge integration
Establish, monitor, and report OT KPIs including uptime, production efficiency, quality metrics, and incident response
Drive continuous improvement using data analytics, root-cause analysis, and lean manufacturing principles
Support new vehicle program launches and plant expansions with OT system readiness
Evaluate and pilot emerging technologies (AI, robotics, digital twins, AR/VR, smart sensors) and recommend adoption
Manage OT budgets, resource allocation, and vendor relationships across sites
Ensure OT systems are scalable, standardized, and adaptable for future production growth
Represent OT in executive leadership meetings and strategic planning sessions
Mentor and develop OT leadership and technical teams; build a pipeline of talent
Maintain OT documentation, SOPs, risk registers, and disaster-recovery plans
Lead initiatives to reduce operational risk, improve quality and efficiency, and support sustainability goals (energy monitoring, waste reduction)
Champion change management to successfully roll out smart-factory technologies across plants
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Computer Engineering or Technology Management
10+ years of progressive OT leadership experience in automotive or high-volume manufacturing
Proven track record of Industry 4.0 and smart-factory implementations
Deep expertise in MES, SCADA, PLCs, robotics, IIoT, AI/ML, and digital twins
OT cybersecurity knowledge (ISO/SAE 21434, IEC 62443)
Multi-site leadership experience managing diverse OT teams
Clear written and verbal communication skills with a customer-focused mindset
Strong troubleshooting, diagnostic, and documentation skills
Demonstrated ability to own initiatives, follow through, and deliver results
Project/program management certifications (PMP, PgMP)
Hands-on AI/ML deployment experience in manufacturing environments
Deep knowledge of automotive quality standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001) and launch readiness
Global or multi-plant OT operations experience, including vendor and partner management
Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and change-management skills
Familiarity with access-control systems, surveillance technologies, and integrated physical security in plant settings
Preferred
Master's degree in Engineering, Technology Management, or an MBA
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions
Flexible Spending Accounts
Company-paid Short-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance
Voluntary Life and Long-Term Disability options
Employer 401k Match
ESOP shares
Tuition reimbursement
Referral Bonus Program
Challenge Incentive Program
Paid time off
Company
Challenge Manufacturing
Challenge Manufacturing is an automotive company offering stamped and welded automotive assemblies.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Challenge Manufacturing has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (9)
2024 (11)
2023 (11)
2022 (13)
2021 (6)
2020 (7)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$100M2021-02-02Debt Financing· $100M
Leadership Team
Doug Bradley
President & CEO
Recent News
2025-08-05
Business Wire
2023-10-16
Company data provided by crunchbase