Controls Engineering Manager

Controls Engineering Manager

The Controls Engineering Manager leads the Controls Engineering team in support of customer projects, system integration, and daily engineering operations. This role oversees controls design, PLC programming, HMI development, troubleshooting, commissioning support, and engineering project coordination.

The Controls Engineering Manager works closely with Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, Manufacturing, Service, and Operations teams to help keep projects moving on schedule, coordinate engineering priorities, and support customer requirements. This role combines technical leadership, team management, and project coordination within a manufacturing and industrial automation environment.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead and manage the Controls Engineering team.
• Conduct one-on-one meetings, performance reviews, and employee development discussions.
• Support hiring, onboarding, training, and development of Controls Engineering personnel.
• Help balance workloads, priorities, and project assignments across the team.
• Maintain clear expectations, direct communication, and teamwork within the group.
• Promote consistent engineering methods, programming standards, and documentation practices.

Controls Engineering & Technical Leadership

• Oversee controls engineering work for customer projects and system integration.
• Provide technical guidance for PLC programming, HMI development, motion control, electrical controls design, and troubleshooting.
• Review controls designs, programming, and engineering deliverables for accuracy and consistency.
• Support controls hardware selection, controls architecture, and system integration activities.
• Assist with startup, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning activities when needed.
• Help resolve technical issues during project execution and customer support activities.
• Evaluate engineering tools, programming methods, and controls standards to improve consistency and efficiency.

Project Coordination & Execution

• Coordinate controls engineering work to support project schedules and customer requirements.
• Work closely with Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, Manufacturing, Operations, and Service teams throughout project execution.
• Monitor engineering schedules, priorities, and team workloads.
• Participate in project review meetings and help identify technical concerns or schedule risks.
• Support communication between departments to help projects move forward.
• Assist with engineering estimates, staffing plans, and resource planning activities.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related technical field preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of controls engineering experience in a manufacturing, automation, or industrial environment.
• Previous leadership or management experience within an engineering organization preferred.
• Experience with PLC programming, HMI development, industrial automation systems, and controls troubleshooting.
• Experience supporting customer-facing projects and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Experience managing multiple projects, priorities, and schedules.

Technical Skills

• Experience with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar systems.
• Familiarity with HMI/SCADA systems and industrial communication protocols.
• Strong understanding of electrical schematics, controls hardware, and automation systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot controls systems, electrical components, and machine integration issues.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Expectations

• Communicate clearly and work effectively with employees, customers, and other departments.
• Follow through on commitments and support project schedules and team priorities.
• Maintain organized engineering documentation and programming standards.
• Support practical problem-solving and sound decision-making.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and consistent engineering practices.
• Help improve engineering workflow, communication, and project coordination.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Director of Engineering
• Direct Reports: Controls Engineers