Controls Project Manager

About the role

This role leads controls and automation projects to support and enhance automated manufacturing and packaging equipment within a fast-paced, regulated packaging environment. The Controls Project Manager works closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to troubleshoot equipment, implement automation improvements, and oversee new equipment installations from concept through commissioning. This is a hands-on position that combines technical controls engineering expertise with project management responsibilities to improve equipment reliability, performance, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC and HMI systems to ensure reliable and efficient operation of automated manufacturing and packaging equipment.
• Lead and support new equipment installations, including planning, startup, and commissioning activities for controls and automation systems.
• Diagnose and resolve controls and automation issues on production equipment to minimize downtime and improve overall equipment effectiveness.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to identify opportunities for automation improvements and implement solutions that enhance equipment reliability and performance.
• Create, review, and update electrical schematics, panel layouts, and controls documentation to ensure accuracy and maintainability.
• Ensure all control systems comply with applicable safety standards, regulatory requirements, and internal procedures, particularly within regulated manufacturing environments.
• Manage controls-related projects by defining scope, timelines, and deliverables, coordinating resources, and monitoring progress to successful completion.
• Support packaging equipment upgrades and modifications, including integration of robotics and other automation technologies where applicable.
• Provide technical guidance and training to operations and maintenance personnel on the proper use and troubleshooting of control systems.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on automation, electrical design, and controls engineering best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience in controls and automation.
• 3+ years of controls or automation engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven controls engineering experience and background working with automated equipment.
• Demonstrated project management experience leading controls or automation projects in a production setting.
• Experience programming Allen-Bradley or Siemens PLCs for manufacturing or packaging applications.
• Hands-on experience with HMI programming and configuration for production equipment.
• Experience working with packaging equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Background in pharmaceutical, medical device, food, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with cGMP environments and related documentation and compliance expectations.
• Strong skills in troubleshooting electrical and control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and related components.
• Proficiency in electrical engineering principles, electrical design, and controls engineering practices.

Skills

• Experience in a packaging or contract manufacturing environment supporting automated lines.
• Exposure to robotics and robotic integration within automated production or packaging systems.
• Ability to read, interpret, and create detailed electrical schematics and control panel layouts.
• Strong automation background, including experience with system integration and optimization.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and convey technical information clearly.
• Organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Work Environment

The position operates in a fast-paced, regulated packaging facility that supports pharmaceutical, medical device, food, or similar cGMP-compliant production. The role is hands-on and involves regular presence on the production floor around automated manufacturing and packaging equipment, including PLC-controlled systems, HMIs, robotics, and related electrical and control systems. The Controls Project Manager works closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams, using tools and test equipment typical for electrical and controls work. The environment emphasizes safety, regulatory compliance, and adherence to documented procedures, with a strong focus on equipment reliability, continuous improvement, and timely project execution.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Medical insurance
• 401k
• Paid time off (PTO)

Schedule

This is a permanent, fully onsite position based in Grand Rapids, MI.