Product Development Director, Automation Systems

Are you a professional looking to expand your career with an industry front runner in the Philadelphia, PA or Baltimore, MD region?

A visionary leader with a passion for innovation and excellence in R&D?

Deciding on your next employer is not a decision to be made lightly. But if you want to work on the front lines of development, shaping the field as you go, keep reading to see what we have to offer!

Our winning team is built by continuous investment in skills development, leadership and well-being. As a global company, we offer many career paths to suit individual needs and aspirations. Apply your expertise in our industry leading team of automation professionals.

Automation Systems is a vital business line of Valmet. We have delivered nearly 5,000 distributed control systems (DCS) and over 100,000 analyzers and measurements. Valmet's process automation is featured in more than 1,200 power plants worldwide. On April 9th, 2025, we launched the next-generation system Valmet DNAe, the world's first fully web-based DCS. Our other DCS brands include Valmet DNA, maxDNA, and D3.

Key building blocks of our DCS systems are:

• Reliable real-time control software and controller electronics
• High user experience tools for operators and engineers
• Network solutions that connect all components together
• All this built to meet stringent cybersecurity requirements

As the Director, North America R&D, Automation Systems, you will lead and inspire our R&D teams in Lansdale, PA and Owings Mills, MD, along with the support team in Owings Mills, MD. Your teams will be responsible for the development of maxDNA and D3 systems, working closely with the Valmet DNA/DNAe development teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the R&D teams.
• Manage budget and project portfolio planning.
• Develop skills and resources within the teams.
• Play a key role in product strategy development with business units.
• Foster a culture of continuous innovation and improvement.
• Create and maintain an environment that encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.
• Collaborate closely with business units and support customer-facing activities.
• Be an active member of the Automation Systems R&D management team

Expectations

• Proven experience in leading R&D teams.
• Strong background in Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and/or in other large-scale industrial digital systems
• Excellent project management and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.
• Experience in working global matrix network

We Offer

We offer a challenging work environment that values innovation and suits development-minded people who enjoy working in a fast-paced and dynamic setting with a global impact. Includes a generous wage and benefits package that includes a company-funded registered pension plan.

Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon a background check.

Additional Information

Delivering competitive technologies and services is what we do best.  At Valmet, we continue to push forward and develop ourselves, concentrating on technology, services, sustainability, local presence, and our people.

To be included in the recruiting process, please apply directly with us online.

When everything works together

Valmet is where the best talent from a wide variety of backgrounds comes together.  With 14,000 professionals around the world, we are the leading global developer and supplier of technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries.  Our commitment to moving our customer's performance forward requires creativity, technological innovations, service know-how - and above all, teamwork.  Join the team! www.valmet.com/careers