IT Control Engineering Manager

IT Control Engineering Manager

Location: Thornton, Colorado

Department: Engineering / Controls & Automation

Reports To: Engineering Director

About Forge Nano

Forge Nano is a leader in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and advanced surface engineering, enabling breakthroughs in semiconductors, batteries, aerospace, and advanced materials. Our Tephra tools are redefining next-generation process capabilities for global leaders in technology and manufacturing.

Position Summary

The IT Control Engineering Manager will lead Forge Nano's Controls Engineering and IT/OT systems group, responsible for automation architecture, PLC/SCADA development, equipment software integration, and compliance with SEMI and ISO standards. This role ensures the robust and secure control of tools in R&D and production environments, while scaling infrastructure to support global manufacturing sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of control engineers and automation specialists.
• Define long-term controls and automation strategies aligned with company growth and SEMI equipment requirements.
• Drive standardization of control software and hardware across product platforms.
• Oversee design, programming, and validation of PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and motion control systems.
• Manage SCADA and data collection systems for tool monitoring, traceability, and predictive maintenance.
• Integrate equipment controls with MES/ERP systems (CiBZ) and ensure interoperability with fab-level automation.
• Ensure secure IT/OT integration, including industrial networks, firewalls, and data flow to enterprise systems.
• Lead adoption of Industry 4.0 and innovative manufacturing technologies.
• Implement cybersecurity and redundancy strategies to meet SEMI S2, ISO 27001, and customer requirements.
• Ensure all control systems comply with SEMI S2/S8, CE/UL, and ISO 9001 requirements.
• Oversee functional safety design, interlocks, and risk assessments for semiconductor tools.
• Support audits, customer acceptance tests, and regulatory approvals.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables for control system development.
• Provide escalated technical support for field and customer issues.
• Collaborate with R&D, process engineering, and global service teams to optimize equipment performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering, Control Systems, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 8 - 10+ years in controls/automation engineering, with 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Proven background in semiconductor or advanced equipment control systems (vacuum, gas delivery, robotics, automation).
• Hands-on experience with PLC (Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, etc.), SCADA/HMI, and motion control.
• Strong knowledge of industrial networking (EtherCAT, Modbus, OPC-UA, SECS/GEM).
• Experience with tool integration in cleanroom fabs.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and project management abilities.

Why Join Forge Nano?

• Lead control engineering for cutting-edge semiconductor and nanotechnology tools.
• Drive global IT/OT and automation initiatives in a fast-scaling company.
• Work in a collaborative culture with strong technical and leadership growth opportunities.

Work Environment

This is an on-site role. The employee will be required to wear all appropriate safety equipment including but not limited to eye protection, gloves, steel toed shoes, lab coat, and around certain equipment, a hard hat. Strict adherence to corporate and/or plant policies, rules and regulations in these areas is required. Forge Nano follows all recommended COVID-19 safety protocols and accepted candidates must be willing to adhere to these policies.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee occasionally will work near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; employ hands to finger mobility, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

Travel

Up to 15% travel to client locations may be required.

Why Join Forge Nano?

• Lead control engineering for cutting-edge semiconductor and nanotechnology tools.

• Drive global IT/OT and automation initiatives in a fast-scaling company.

• Work in a collaborative culture with strong technical and leadership growth opportunities.

Compensation/Benefits

• $108,000 – 142,000 Depending on qualifications

• Medical/dental/vision/disability and life insurance, holidays, generous PTO, FSA, HSA with qualifying medical plan, numerous voluntary benefits and 401(k) with company match.

Forge Nano is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.