Controls Engineering Manager – Job Description
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Controls Engineering Manager to lead the design, development, and implementation of industrial automation and control systems. This role is responsible for managing a team of controls engineers, overseeing project execution, supporting operational excellence, and driving continuous improvement across automation systems and manufacturing processes.
The ideal candidate has strong technical expertise in PLC/HMI/SCADA systems, project management experience, and proven leadership skills in industrial or manufacturing environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor a team of controls engineers and automation technicians.
- Manage controls engineering projects from concept through commissioning and startup.
- Design, develop, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, SCADA, and motion control systems.
- Establish engineering standards, best practices, and documentation procedures.
- Collaborate with operations, maintenance, manufacturing, and project management teams to improve system performance and reliability.
- Oversee electrical and controls system integration for new equipment and process upgrades.
- Ensure compliance with safety standards, electrical codes, and company policies.
- Manage vendor relationships, system integrators, and contractor activities.
- Support capital projects, budgeting, scheduling, and resource planning.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on automation, uptime, quality, and efficiency.
- Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action activities for system failures.
- Maintain accurate technical documentation, including schematics, IO lists, and software backups.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field.
- 7+ years of experience in controls engineering or industrial automation.
- 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
- Strong experience with PLC programming platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Schneider Electric.
- Experience with HMI/SCADA systems and industrial networking protocols.
- Knowledge of electrical design, instrumentation, VFDs, servo systems, and process control.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong communication and leadership skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in manufacturing, material handling, food & beverage, automotive, pharmaceuticals, or process industries.
- Professional Engineering (PE) license or PMP certification preferred.
- Experience with MES, IIoT, robotics, or data acquisition systems.
- Familiarity with UL, NEC, NFPA, OSHA, and other applicable standards.
- Experience with AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
Key Competencies
- Leadership & Team Development
- Automation System Design
- Project Management
- Process Improvement
- Technical Troubleshooting
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Safety & Compliance
- Strategic Planning
Work Environment
- Combination of office and industrial/manufacturing floor environment.
- May require occasional travel to customer sites, vendors, or manufacturing facilities.
- Ability to support off-hours troubleshooting or startup activities as needed.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Annual bonus opportunity
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Professional development and training opportunities
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.
GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.
