Controls Engineering Manager

Job Summary

The Controls Engineering Manager leads the Controls Engineering department and is responsible for the strategic direction, technical excellence, resource planning, and overall performance of controls engineering activities. This role oversees the design, programming, testing, commissioning, and support of industrial control systems while ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in accordance with company and industry standards. The manager develops engineering talent, drives continuous improvement, supports business growth, and collaborates cross‑functionally to achieve organizational objectives.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Leads, develops, and manages the Controls Engineering team.
• Hires and ensures training for control employees as needed.
• Organizes, directs, assigns, and oversees scheduled work for department employees.
• Establishes departmental goals, objectives, and performance expectations.
• Mentors, trains, and coaches direct reports to increase competency and job satisfaction.
• Adheres to safety policies and procedures, as well as ISO 9001 standard operating procedures.
• Proactively makes department improvements in efficiency and design.
• Develops and maintains technical design and drafting standards.
• Partners with HR for discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy.
• Ensures staffing and technical expertise for startups.

Team Building & Collaboration

• Collaborates with other team managers (Sales, Aftermarket, Manufacturing).
• Assigns projects or work to control/electrical engineers to meet production due dates.
• Improves and manages the engineering work and office environment, providing a suitable working environment for the team.
• Provides advice for control/electrical technology to other divisions and proposes solutions to problems.
• Reviews and approves control/electrical engineering work on the Control Engineering Team.
• Responds to questions and requests from customers or internal stakeholders regarding control/electrical technology.

Engineering Items Management

• Manages software licenses, office items, work tools, and simulators.
• Supports resolution of complex technical issues, customer concerns, and field service challenges.
• Ensures compliance with UL 508A, NFPA 79, NEC, IIAR, and applicable industry standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Proficient in PLC programming platforms, including Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 and CODESYS, with extensive experience in industrial control system design and implementation.
• Strong knowledge of control panel design, electrical schematics, and UL 508A standards.
• Experience with SCADA, DCS, HMI systems, and industrial communication networks (preferred).
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD Electrical for development and review of electrical drawings, panel layouts, and engineering documentation.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong organizational, coaching, and employee development skills.
• Excellent problem‑solving, decision‑making, interpersonal, communication, and customer service abilities.
• Ability to influence cross‑functional teams and drive organizational improvements.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field (required).
• Minimum 7–10 years of controls engineering experience.
• Minimum 3–5 years of engineering leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience in Controls Engineering in the industrial refrigeration market (more than 5 years) is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Ability to visit manufacturing, warehouse, and customer site locations.
• Ability to travel up to 15 % of the time.