Assistant Engineering Manager

Reporting to the Engineering Manager, the Assistant Engineering Manager will support the management of day-to-day engineering operations, with a particular emphasis on leading the control group. This role also includes critical oversight of control systems, including PLCs, SCADA, and automation technologies, to ensure reliability, integration, and alignment with factory operations. The successful candidate will balance project management, technical engineering, and leadership responsibilities, playing a pivotal role in plant performance, safety, and innovation. Key Responsibilities Lead the planning, design, cost estimation, procurement, and execution of Capital and M&R projects. Ensure all engineering activities comply with company standards, safety regulations, and applicable codes. Provide technical guidance in the selection and specification of equipment, materials, and systems. Conduct and oversee engineering studies to evaluate plant systems, identifying opportunities for optimization and cost reduction. Work closely with the Engineering Manager, Maintenance, and Operations teams to prioritize and align project efforts. Controls & Automation Take ownership of the facility’s industrial control systems, including PLCs (mostly Rockwell), HMI, SCADA (iFix/Factory Talk), networking and related instrumentation. Determine root causes of control system issues and implement corrective actions to enhance reliability and uptime. Collaborate with IT, Maintenance, and Operations teams to define and standardize roles and responsibilities for control system management. Prioritize, assign, and oversee control system tasks and upgrades to support production goals. Provide hands‑on troubleshooting and system support for automation‑related equipment and processes. Drive standardization, documentation, and cybersecurity practices across control systems. Leadership & Department Management Determine root cause of reliability and/or performance issues and develop procedural or capital solutions to resolve the problem. Assist in supervising engineering staff and technicians, supporting their professional development, training, and performance evaluation. Provide leadership and mentorship to junior engineers to build technical depth and leadership bench strength. Support the Engineering Manager in departmental budgeting, cost tracking, and resource planning. Maintain close collaboration with Plant, Maintenance, and Operations Managers to align engineering goals with plant-wide objectives. Develop, track, and report project and department KPIs. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work with vendors, contractors, and internal teams for the selection, procurement, and integration of systems and equipment. Ensure seamless communication and collaboration between Engineering and other departments, including Production, Maintenance, Safety, Environmental, and IT. Represent the Engineering Department in plant-wide initiatives, continuous improvement efforts, and external partnerships. Professional Development & Innovation Stay current with developments in industrial engineering, manufacturing technology, and automation trends. Recommend and implement innovative technologies to improve safety, efficiency, and product quality. Attend professional conferences, workshops, and training sessions as needed. Maintain involvement with professional or trade associations. Qualifications & Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Civil Engineering required. Minimum of 5 years of engineering experience in manufacturing, industrial processing, or factory operations. Demonstrated experience with industrial control systems (PLC, SCADA, HMI), preferably Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, or similar platforms. Strong project management experience with ability to lead cross‑disciplinary projects from concept through completion. Experience with root cause analysis, system diagnostics, and preventive maintenance programs.Working knowledge of applicable codes and standards (ASME, NFPA, NEC, etc.). PE license preferred; candidates without a PE will be expected to pursue licensure as part of their professional development. Proficient with CAD software, project scheduling tools, and MS Office Suite. Valid driver’s license required and must be maintained throughout employment. Strong communication, interpersonal, and team leadership skills. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr