Chief Operating Officer - Industrial Automation (Small/Mid Size Company)

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDescription:

CLX Engineering is an Industrial Automation company specializing in the design and retrofit of control systems for airport baggage handling systems, passenger boarding bridges, automated gates, and theme park rides. We deliver sophisticated control system solutions.

We are looking for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) responsible for driving operational performance across all departments, ensuring the efficient, profitable, and high-quality execution of projects. Reporting directly to the President and working closely with the CFO, the COO will help translate strategic goals into actionable plans. This role demands a leader who promotes cross-functional alignment and cultivates a culture of accountability, communication, and continuous improvement in a growing organization of about 70 employees.

We’re looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, enjoys working with people, and takes pride in managing and mentoring teams. This is not a role for passive observers—successful candidates are proactive, highly organized, and comfortable stepping into the spotlight.

Candidates must live or be willing to live in the greater Sanford/Orlando area and not need work authorization now or in the future.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day operations of engineering, field services, and project delivery.
• Ensure consistent and efficient workflows across departments and project lifecycles.
• Optimize resource allocation and utilization to meet customer demands and project schedules.

Departmental Alignment & Communication

• Bridge gaps between Engineering, Field Services, Project Management, and Administrative functions.
• Implement systems and cadences to improve communication, project tracking, and accountability.
• Drive a culture of ownership and results across functional teams.

Performance Management

• Set clear performance expectations and scorecard measurements for department leaders.
• Monitor departmental output, identify bottlenecks, and initiate corrective action plans.
• Lead regular operations reviews and ensure teams are aligned with strategic priorities.

Collaboration with CFO

• Work closely with the CFO to align budgeting, financial planning, and forecasting with operational strategy.
• Ensure operational decisions are data-informed and cost-efficient.

Organizational Development

• Assist in recruiting, developing, and retaining high-performing operational talent.
• Establish processes and tools that support scalability and predictable delivery.

Compliance & Quality

• Ensure operational adherence to industry regulations, safety standards, and internal quality benchmarks.
• Promote a proactive safety culture across field operations and client sites.

Requirements:

Required Experience & Skills

• 10+ years of proven experience in operational leadership within automation industries.
• Strong understanding of project-based business operations including labor planning, deliverable tracking, and field execution.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to influence across functions.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written; able to coach and mentor emerging leaders.
• Experience working with or alongside finance teams; comfortable with budget oversight and project financials.
• Candidates must be able to pass a TSA level background check for possible unescorted access to secure areas of airports

Qualifications

• Experience with airport automation systems, especially baggage handling and passenger boarding bridges.
• Background in theme park automation (electrical automation over construction/mechanical).
• Experience scaling midsize companies (~$10M–$30 revenue) with a technical workforce.
• Previous work as an integration, controls, or electrical engineer; PLC coding experience is a strong plus.
• Background in systems integration, field service delivery, or technical consulting services.