Controls Engineer Manager

About the role

The Controls Engineer Manager is responsible for end-to-end execution of all brownfield projects and small-medium greenfield projects, with accountability for engineering delivery, cost control, schedule adherence, and risk management. This role provides dedicated leadership for high-risk, execution-heavy work, ensuring predictable delivery while protecting margin.

Responsibilities

• Manage engineering resources to keep them fully utilized on internal and client projects
• Recruit and interview possible engineering candidates when additional resources are needed
• Oversee training and mentoring of engineering personnel
• Execute annual performance reviews for engineering staff and recommend raises or promotions when appropriate
• Develop and maintain department standards while making sure that these standards are followed by all employees for all projects
• Manage day-to-day engineering activities across design, implementation, commissioning, and close-out, ensuring adherence to project schedules, scope, and cost targets
• Collaborate with executive team to develop department goals and individual development goals for engineering staff
• Work with clients and other KPI employees to develop the proper material handling system and equipment to suit the client's needs
• Lead design reviews and attend client meetings to support project engineers
• Support vendor factory acceptance testing or first article inspections
• Oversee Electrical and controls subcontractors

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Electrical, Controls, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, or related field). Equivalent experience may be considered
• 8+ years of experience in Controls and/or Electrical Engineering
• 3+ years leading engineering teams or project execution
• Proven experience delivering brownfield automation or material handling projects
• Strong understanding of: PLC-based controls systems, safety PLCs, and machine automation (Rockwell preferred; Siemens/others a plus)
• Industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, ControlNet, Profinet, etc.)
• AutoCAD Electrical to design electrical schematics, panel layouts, and system diagrams
• Electrical system design and implementation
• Commissioning and site execution challenges
• Prior experience defining and working with software/PLC interfaces
• Familiarity with SCADA/HMI platforms (Ignition, FactoryTalk View preferred)
• Ability to diagnose and resolve complex electrical and controls issues efficiently
• Ability to lead technical conversations with customers and cross-functional teams
• Experience managing engineering cost, EACs, forecasts, schedules
• Excellent organizational skills with emphasis on effective oral and written communication
• Capable of managing multiple priorities in fast-paced environments
• Ability to manage a diverse engineering staff located both in office and remote and comfortable mentoring and guiding engineers
• Managed multiple Tier1 ($100M+) projects
• Managed multiple brownfield projects

Other Requirements

• Willingness to travel to customer sites and KPI project locations (up to 25% typical, based on project load)

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Care Concierge Service
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (Pre-tax & Roth)
• Company paid Basic Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability & Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life & AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Milk Stork Program
• Wellness Program with gift card redemption and wellness challenges
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & 10 Holidays)
• Training & Development