Senior Controls Engineer

Throughout a history dating back to 1881, Bradford White Corporation has been manufacturing high-performing, technologically advanced, and energy-saving products for the world market. We continue to invest in America, with millions of products installed globally. Recognized as an Energy Star Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award Winner for the third consecutive year, we remain committed to delivering products that are Built to be the Best®. With over 1,900 employees, our headquarters are in suburban Philadelphia, and our manufacturing operations are located in Middleville and Niles, Michigan, and Rochester, New Hampshire.

About the role

As our Senior Controls Engineer, you’ll be the driving force behind the automation and control systems that keep our manufacturing lines running at peak performance. You’ll lead a talented team of Controls Engineers, Controls Engineering Technicians, and Manufacturing Engineering Technicians—guiding them to solve complex challenges, improve processes, and deliver products that meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency. Your leadership will directly influence production uptime, product consistency, and our ability to innovate faster.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a multi-disciplinary team, fostering technical excellence, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Oversee the design, programming, and optimization of PLC-based control systems (Allen-Bradley) for automated manufacturing equipment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma principles.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (production, maintenance, quality, advanced manufacturing engineering, new product development) to integrate new equipment and processes into production.
• Manage controls-related capital projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Troubleshoot complex automation issues, providing hands-on support when needed to minimize downtime.
• Maintain and enforce controls documentation, including electrical schematics, software backups, and change management records.
• Champion compliance with safety standards, electrical codes, and engineering guidelines.
• Design and troubleshoot electrical controls systems.
• Design, construct, integrate, install, launch, and continuously improve manufacturing equipment and tools.
• Provide technical direction to and oversight of outside vendor sources.
• Support equipment build/runoff and buyoff processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in industrial automation, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven expertise in PLC programming, HMI development, and industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, etc.), robotics, and other controls-related technologies.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, robotics, and motion control systems.
• Experience managing capital projects and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance hands-on technical work and strategic leadership.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
• Proficient in AutoCAD / AutoCAD Electrical.
• Experience with servo motors, VFD drives, and motion control.
• Experience with Cognex / Keyence vision systems, welding controls, and laser welding preferred.