Controls Engineering Manager

Controls Engineering ManagerThe Controls Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the strategy, performance, and development of all automation, controls, and SCADA systems within a highly automated food manufacturing facility. This role ensures maximum equipment uptime, system reliability, and continuous improvement of automation platforms to support world-class safety, quality, and operational efficiency.This leader is a critical driver of OEE, downtime reduction, and digital plant capability, partnering closely with Operations, Maintenance, Reliability, and OpEx & CI.Key ResponsibilitiesAutomation & Controls StrategyOwn the site-wide automation strategy aligned to production and reliability goalsStandardize PLC, HMI, SCADA, and network architecture across the facilityDrive long-term roadmap for:System modernizationObsolescence mitigationDigital integration (data, MES, analytics)Uptime & Technical SupportEnsure 24/7 controls system support model is in placeEscalation owner for major automation failures and chronic downtime issuesPartner with Maintenance to reduce MTTR for controls-related failuresDefine and implement:Troubleshooting standardsRoot cause analysis for automation failuresControls Engineering Team LeadershipLead team of:Controls EngineersSCADA Engineers(Indirect) Automation TechniciansSet performance expectations, development plans, and technical standardsBuild bench strength for a multi-shift automated environmentReliability & TPM IntegrationPartner with Reliability Engineering to:Eliminate repeat failure modesBuild predictive and preventative automation strategiesSupport TPM initiatives:Focused improvement (FI)Autonomous maintenance (AM) enablement via automationProject ExecutionLead automation scope for capital projects:Line installationsSystem upgradesProcess improvementsEnsure:Design standardsCommissioning excellenceSeamless startup performanceData & Digital SystemsOwn SCADA/MES data accuracy and availabilityEnable real-time visibility into:DowntimePerformanceProcess control parametersPartner with CI and data teams to convert data into actionable insightsCross-Functional IntegrationWork closely with:Operations ? support throughput and line stabilityMaintenance ? ensure execution capabilityReliability ? eliminate root causesCI/OpEx ? implement improvementsParticipate in daily/weekly performance reviews and loss elimination processesKey Performance Indicators (KPIs)Line OEE improvement (automation-driven losses)MTTR reduction (controls-related issues)Automation-related downtime (% of total downtime)Project delivery (on-time, on-budget, startup performance)Controls system standardization complianceSCADA/data integrity and uptimeTechnical ExpertiseStrong hands-on experience with:PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.)HMI/SCADA systemsIndustrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, etc.)Experience with:Motion control, vision systems, robotics (preferred)System integration and commissioningUnderstanding of:CMMS systemsReliability/TPM principlesLeadership CompetenciesSystems thinker (understands end-to-end process flows)Bias for action in high-pressure downtime situationsStrong cross-functional influencerAbility to translate technical issues into business impactBuilds and develops technical talent pipelinesSuccess Profile (What Good Looks Like)Within 12 months, this leader:Establishes stable, standardized control systems across all linesReduces automation-driven downtime by 25–40%Implements 24/7 automation support modelFully integrates controls into:Reliability strategyDaily performance managementBuilds a high-performing controls + automation teamReporting StructureReports to: Plant Engineering ManagerDirect Reports:Sr. Controls EngineersSCADA EngineerIndirect Influence:Automation TechniciansMaintenance SupervisorsReliability EngineersWhy This Role MattersIn a plant of this size and automation level:The Controls Engineering Manager is the single biggest lever for uptime, throughput, and operational stability.This role directly determines whether the facility operates at:Average performance (reactive, unstable), orTop-quartile performance (predictable, optimized, data-driven)QualificationsRequired Qualifications:8 + years in controls/automation engineering in manufacturing3 + years in leadership/management roleExperience in high-speed, highly automated environments (food manufacturing preferred)Preferred Qualifications:12+ years in controls/automation engineering in manufacturing5+ years in leadership/management roleAdditional InformationThe pay range for this role is $140k - $155k (Annual). Actual wage will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link's Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link's provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job the Team Member will be required to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (i.e. beard/hairnet, ear plugs, frock, boots, etc.), stand for extended periods of time, and use hands/arms to push, pull, reach and occasionally lift above