Automation & Controls R&D Leader - APAC

Job Description SummaryWe are seeking a visionary R&D leader to oversee our Automation & Controls engineering organization across the APAC region. Managing a multidisciplinary team of 60+ engineers, you will lead the end-to-end development of industrial control products and integrated systems for mission-critical sectors, including Marine, Naval, Industrial, and Grid.
As a key member of our leadership team, you will bridge the gap between strategic vision and operational execution. You will champion innovation, drive software excellence, and ensure the delivery of robust, scalable solutions. Your leadership will ensure the standard for quality, cybersecurity, and operational efficiency, directly impacting our global product portfolio and customer success.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the R&D organization, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture
• Manage day-to-day personnel matters and support long-term career development across teams
• Set clear objectives and KPIs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback
• Promote professional growth and career development opportunities within the team

Strategic Planning

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for the automation and controls platform
• Work closely with Product Managers to define and implement the strategy for industrial control products and integrated automation systems across PCS businesses
• Identify emerging trends and technologies in automation, controls, and cybersecurity to drive innovation
• Plan and organize teams  based on the business requirements and emerging trends with clear ownership  
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (product managers, program managers, etc.) to align platform strategies with business objectives
• Working with domain experts, define, develop, and maintain control system architectures that meet industry-specific requirements and can be efficiently engineered on projects.

Team Oversight

• Oversee the Software team, developing real-time industrial controllers, industrial communications protocols, Windows-based HMIs, engineering tools, and remote monitoring & diagnostic applications
• Oversee the OT Cyber team to ensure robust cybersecurity measures are in place for operational technology
• Oversee the Core Controls team to design and implement advanced control systems
• Oversee the Validation team to ensure all platform validations meet quality and regulatory standards
• Create and Oversee  teams based on Business priority and future requirements

Project Management

• Ensure timely delivery of projects by coordinating efforts across sub-teams
• Manage project budgets and resources; monitor actual expenditures and costs against delivered benefits and agreed KPIs
• Facilitate communication between teams to resolve conflicts and ensure smooth execution
• Report project progress at regular intervals within the development organization and to key stakeholders

Global & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary point of contact for stakeholders, including clients, senior management, and other departments
• Liaise with equivalent development leaders and teams across other regions to coordinate resources, developments, and processes, ensuring resulting products and systems are compatible and adhere to common global standards
• Present progress reports, project updates, and strategic plans to stakeholders
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, external partners, and vendors

Compliance, Quality, and Continuous Improvement

• Ensure all team activities comply with industry standards, regulations, and company policies
• Refine software development processes (including IEC 62443 SDLC) across the department to drive continuous improvement and consistency in quality, cybersecurity, and coding practices
• Drive certification of products and systems to recognized standards in cybersecurity (e.g., IEC 62443/NIST) and integrity (e.g., IEC 61508/NIST)
• Drive a continuous improvement culture including reuse, cross-team cooperation, knowledge management, and lessons learned
• Ensure technical choices and team skill sets support long-term maintainability, upgradeability, and service support of products throughout their lifecycle

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)

Experience

• Minimum 15 years of experience in automation and controls, including at least 5 years in a leadership role
• Proven record of leading software/engineering teams in the development of complex products
• Proven experience managing large, diverse engineering teams
• Extensive knowledge of OT cybersecurity, FPGA-based control systems, validation processes, and Windows-based software development
• Experience leading Agile programs and knowledge of SDLC standards (e.g., IEC 62443-4-1)
• Knowledge of product development practices, including applicable rules, regulations, customer standards, intellectual property rights, and export control

Skills

• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent strategic planning and analytical abilities
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools (e.g., MS Project, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Deep understanding of industry standards and regulations related to automation and controls
• Ability to earn the respect of a diverse group of people — from early-career engineers to senior company leaders — both internally and with external stakeholders
• Strong decision-making skills, with the ability to process a wide range of information, make timely and clear decisions, and know when to escalate issues
• Flexibility to continuously monitor projects and technologies, and to change direction when needed
• Ability to operate effectively under pressure in a multi-skilled, multi-disciplinary environment with many parallel activities

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications in Project Management (PMP), Cybersecurity (CISSP, CISM), or Professional Engineer(PE)
• Experience with agile methodologies and SecDevOps practices
• Familiarity with emerging technologies such as IoT, AI, and machine learning in the context of automation and controls
• Familiarity with ABS, DNV, LR standards for Marine
• Familiarity with IEC 62443 requirements for Cyber

Additional Information