Sr Engineer Controls-1st Shift- Waverly Plant

**Senior Automation & Controls Engineering Leader****Position Summary**We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced **Senior Automation & Controls Engineering Leader** to provide technical and operational leadership across our **Controls, Automation, and Continuous Improvement teams**. This role is responsible for driving automation strategy, improving plant reliability, leading capital and process improvement initiatives, and developing the next generation of technical talent within the organization.This role requires a strong balance of leadership, engineering expertise, project management, and continuous improvement experience.**Key Responsibilities****Leadership & Team Development*** Provide direct leadership, mentoring, and technical guidance to the Controls, Automation, and Continuous Improvement teams.* Develop team capabilities through coaching, training, succession planning, and hands-on support.* Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.* Serve as a technical resource and mentor for engineers, technicians, and plant personnel.* Lead by example through active involvement in troubleshooting, project execution, and continuous improvement efforts.* Support recruiting, onboarding, and development of future technical talent.**Automation & Controls Engineering*** Lead the design, implementation, troubleshooting, and optimization of PLC, HMI, SCADA, and industrial automation systems.* Oversee control system architecture, standardization, and best practice development across facilities.* Support and troubleshoot industrial control platforms including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, Automation Direct, and other automation systems.* Ensure reliable integration of instrumentation, sensors, drives, motion control systems, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment.* Lead control system upgrades, modernization initiatives, and automation expansion projects.* Drive implementation and optimization of Ignition SCADA, SQL databases, industrial networking, and data collection platforms.* Collaborate with maintenance and operations teams to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability.**Continuous Improvement & Reliability*** Identify and lead process improvement initiatives that increase efficiency, throughput, quality, and operational reliability.* Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and problem-solving methodologies to eliminate waste and improve performance.* Analyze production and equipment performance data to identify opportunities for optimization.* Drive reliability-centered maintenance initiatives and long-term corrective actions.* Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to automation, reliability, and process improvements.**Project Management*** Lead automation, controls, and engineering projects from concept through implementation and startup.* Coordinate activities with operations, maintenance, production, vendors, contractors, and engineering resources.* Assist with capital planning, budgeting, equipment selection, and project justification.* Ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, and within budget.* Support installation, commissioning, startup, and validation of new equipment and processes.**Required Qualifications****Education*** Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field required.* Equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience may be considered.**Experience*** Minimum of **7+ years of automation, controls, or industrial engineering experience** in a manufacturing environment.* Prior experience leading projects, mentoring employees, or providing technical leadership within engineering or maintenance organizations.* Demonstrated expertise with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, industrial networking, and process automation.* Strong understanding of electrical systems, instrumentation, controls integration, and industrial automation technologies.* Experience with root cause analysis, reliability improvement, and continuous improvement methodologies.* Proven ability to manage multiple priorities while supporting daily operations and long-term strategic initiatives.**Preferred Qualifications*** Experience with Ignition SCADA, SQL databases, Python scripting, and industrial data systems.* Experience with VFDs, motion controls, robotics, machine vision, and advanced manufacturing technologies.* Knowledge of Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, EtherCAT, and related industrial networks.* Experience with AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks, or similar design software.* Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, PMP, or other continuous improvement certifications preferred.* Experience implementing digital transformation, Industry 4.0, AI vision, machine learning, or predictive maintenance technologies is a plus.**Key Competencies*** Technical Leadership* Strategic Thinking* Employee Development & Coaching* Project Management* Automation & Controls Expertise* Continuous Improvement* Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis* Communication & Collaboration* Change Management* Operational Excellence**Working Conditions*** Must be comfortable working in manufacturing environments with varying temperatures, humidity levels, noise levels, and production conditions.* Periodic travel between facilities may be required.* Ability to work around industrial equipment, electrical systems, elevated work platforms, and production machinery.* Must be able to safely operate or work around forklifts, scissor lifts, boom lifts, and ladders as required. #J-18808-Ljbffr Jobleads-US