Machine Safety, Control Systems & Corporate Engineering Leader

About the role

This position combines Machine Safety Engineering, Control Systems & Automation Engineering, and Engineering Leadership responsibilities, enabling a comprehensive approach to industrial safety, automation, and operational excellence across multiple manufacturing locations. The successful candidate will serve as a strategic engineering leader responsible for driving machine safety programs, automation initiatives, engineering standards, and continuous improvement efforts across three manufacturing sites. This individual will lead and develop a team of engineers through strong site managers while partnering with executive leadership to support long-term business objectives.

Leadership & Corporate Engineering Responsibilities

• Provide engineering leadership and strategic direction across three manufacturing facilities.
• Develop and execute engineering strategies that align with corporate growth, operational excellence, safety, and profitability objectives.
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team, contributing to long-term business planning.
• Drive standardization of engineering processes, BOM/CAD design (mechanical & electrical), automation platforms, machine safety programs, and project quoting across all locations.
• Lead engineering efforts related to productivity improvements, capacity expansion, equipment modernization, and operational efficiency.

Control Systems & Automation Engineering

Technical Project Execution

• Handle the full engineering process from initial scoping and hardware specification to programming and final site acceptance.

System Design & Schematics

• Develop detailed electrical concepts and panel layouts.
• Provide technical hand mark-ups for the drafting team and perform CAD updates in AutoCAD Electrical or similar CAD software as needed to ensure compliance with NFPA 79 and ANSI B11.

PLC & HMI Programming

• Design and debug scalable control logic and intuitive HMI screens for diverse industrial applications.

Safety Integration

• Implement "Control Reliable" safety architectures (Category 3/4, PLd/PLe) utilizing safety devices such as safety PLCs, light curtains, and interlocked access systems.

Project Coordination

• Act as the primary technical lead for the client, overseeing hardware selection and coordinating with team members and others in the organization to ensure successful system delivery.
• Travel to client sites to perform I/O checkout, safety validation, and final system optimization.
• Support project coordination and smooth execution by providing regular project updates and accurately tracking engineering time and project activities.
• Mentor associates to standard in engineering process and deliver world class results to customer.

Machine Safety Engineering

Compliance and Task-Based Risk Assessments

• Perform safety assessments of industrial machinery, including machine safeguarding and functional safety systems.

Standards Research & Reporting

• Complete functional safety assessments and compliance reports utilizing specialized technology, software platforms, and applications.

Technical Reviews and Reporting

• Review technical information, including control systems, functional safety diagrams, and fluid power (hydraulic and pneumatic) systems.
• Complete and assist in preparing compliance assessments and reports utilizing advanced technology and software platforms.

On-Site Documentation

• Conduct field activities including photography, testing, measurements, and documentation while interacting directly with customers and presenting findings.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications & Education

• BSEE or BSEET (Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology) preferred.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, or Business Administration is a plus.

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in machine safety, industrial automation, manufacturing or systems integration.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success leading engineering organizations across multiple facilities.
• Experience managing automation initiatives and continuous improvement programs.

Standards Knowledge

• Familiarity with ANSI B11, ISO 13849, OSHA 1910, NFPA, UL, and RIA standards.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs., climb ladders, navigate catwalks, and work safely in and around industrial facilities.

Travel

• Willingness to travel up to 50% for customer site visits, engineering reviews, safety assessments, commissioning activities, and leadership meetings.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record required.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. passport.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Technical Proficiency (Preferred)

• Strong candidates will have experience with one or more of the following:
  • Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley Studio 5000, ControlLogix, CompactLogix, FactoryTalk View
  • Siemens TIA Portal (S7-1200/1500), WinCC
  • Omron Sysmac Studio, NJ/NX Series Controllers
  • Functional Safety SISTEMA modeling and Performance Level (PL) verification
  • Functional Safety design and validation

Additional Qualifications

• Must have or be able to obtain certification as a Functional Safety Engineer (TÜV, CSME, or equivalent) within 12 months of hire.
• Automation Systems: Experience integrating diverse industrial automation platforms and technologies.
• Manufacturing Leadership: Experience supporting highly automated manufacturing operations.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, and Operational Excellence methodologies preferred.