Div./Depart.: Industrial Automation Group – Field Operations
Location: Temecula, CA
Position Overview
The Director of Field Operations (DFO) is a key leadership role within the industrial automation division, overseeing the execution, coordination, and performance of both project and field operations. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role provides direct supervision of the Field Superintendent & Field Services Technicians ensuring seamless alignment between installation/deployment, preventative maintenance, and on-site services and support.
Acting as a cross-functional leader, the DFO works with the Director of Engineering and the Director of Project Management on resource management, technical delivery, and field deployment to ensure efficient and timely implementation of SCADA and automation solutions. They are responsible for maintaining operational excellence, optimizing team performance, and meeting key performance indicators across all phases of project delivery.
With a strong foundation in industrial automation and systems integration, the ideal candidate brings both strategic vision and practical experience. Success in this role requires decisive leadership, exceptional communication, and a proactive, results-driven mindset.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
General Duties
- Serve as the primary point of contact for day-to-day operations and ensure alignment with corporate strategy and project execution goals.
- Collaborate with executive leadership to implement operational initiatives, drive special projects, and improve efficiency.
- Maintain compliance with company policies and industry standards, including safety, labor, and quality requirements.
Team Leadership & Coordination
- Directly oversee Field Operations Supervisor and Field Operations Technicians, promoting accountability, communication, and team cohesion.
- Resolve interdepartmental conflicts and resource constraints while ensuring effective coordination from design through field execution.
- Conduct regular team briefings to align goals, performance, and safety.
Project Oversight
- Lead operational planning, scheduling, budgeting, and progress tracking in coordination with project managers and engineering leads.
- Ensure deliverables, logistics, and milestones meet internal KPIs and external contractual obligations.
- Oversee project workflows in the ERP system for accuracy and accountability.
Field Operations & Safety
- Ensure safe and efficient execution of field activities, including subcontractor coordination and emergency preparedness.
- Conduct site inspections, enforce safety protocols, and promote a proactive safety culture in compliance with OSHA/Cal-OSHA.
Performance & Strategy
- Develop standardized operational processes and monitor KPIs to identify improvement opportunities.
- Lead operational reviews and maintain performance dashboards for real-time insight into project status and resource utilization.
- Drive continuous improvement and risk mitigation across operations.
Certifications & Qualifications (Required)
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or Control Systems).
- Proven leadership in operations and systems integration for one or more industries. Hands-on experience with troubleshooting instrumentation & controls (preferred).
- Strong understanding of OSHA/Cal-OSHA, EPA, FDA, and USDA compliance requirements; OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification.
- Expertise in ISA standards, NEC/NFPA 70, and sanitary automation design principles.
- Familiarity with California labor laws, safety regulations, and field construction coordination.
- Valid California Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
- Ability to pass DoD background check and drug screening.
- Ability to perform physical tasks associated with field work, including standing for extended periods and lifting up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Key Industries
The ideal candidates will have experience supporting SCADA and controls systems in municipal water and wastewater environments (e.g., treatment plants, pump stations), as well as working in sanitary food and beverage facilities with batch processing, CIP/SIP systems, and familiarity with regulatory standards such as EPA, FDA, USDA, and FSMA.