Controls Manager

Controls Manager

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Controls Manager to lead and develop a controls engineering team within a growing manufacturing environment. This individual will oversee controls design, programming, testing, troubleshooting, and implementation while ensuring projects meet customer specifications, quality standards, and production requirements.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical leader who can manage a team while still being comfortable working directly with PLCs, control systems, electrical designs, and automation projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Controls Engineering team.
• Manage department workload, project priorities, and resource allocation.
• Oversee the design, programming, testing, and implementation of industrial control systems.
• Develop and maintain controls standards, procedures, and engineering best practices.
• Review customer specifications and develop technical solutions to meet project requirements.
• Oversee PLC and HMI programming, electrical control panel design, and system integration.
• Ensure control panels and systems are properly tested prior to production and customer delivery.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance to engineering, production, and field teams.
• Support field startups, commissioning, and system integration when needed.
• Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, Purchasing, and Project Management teams.
• Assist with cost estimates for electrical hardware, programming, testing, integration, and commissioning.
• Improve controls processes to increase efficiency, repeatability, quality, and overall project execution.
• Establish and monitor department KPIs and performance metrics.
• Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Support new product development and the implementation of new controls technologies.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, electrical drawings, software architecture, and programming standards.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, collaboration, and innovation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation, or a related technical field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in controls, automation, or industrial electrical systems.
• Previous leadership or management experience within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong experience with PLC programming and industrial automation.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation, Siemens, or similar platforms.
• Experience with HMI systems, electrical controls, control panels, and system integration.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings.
• Experience with machine or process controls, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning.
• Strong understanding of engineering processes and project execution.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a technical leader who enjoys developing people and improving systems. They should be comfortable moving between strategic planning and hands-on technical problem solving. Someone coming from a Controls Manager, Controls Engineering Manager, Automation Manager, Senior Controls Engineer, or similar leadership position could be a strong fit