Automation Controls Engineering Manager

Capital ProjectsLead controls engineering activities for facility upgrades, process improvements, and capital expansion projects. Team LeadershipLead, mentor, and develop a Controls Engineering team supporting a 24/7 manufacturing operation.

Automation & Controls LeadershipLead the development and implementation of tools, standards, and methods to improve control system reliability and reduce unplanned downtime. Establish and maintain automation standards and best practices across the manufacturing site. Provide technical leadership for plant-wide automation initiatives and future technology roadmaps. Drive continuous improvement efforts that enhance system performance, reliability, and operational efficiency.Process Control SystemsOversee process network infrastructure and industrial control system architecture. Manage PLC programming standards, development, troubleshooting, and upgrades. Lead instrumentation and controls system design, installation, and commissioning activities. Direct Human-Machine Interface (HMI) development and implementation. Oversee SCADA system design, deployment, maintenance, and optimization. Administer and maintain the site's PI Historian and data collection systems.Team LeadershipLead, mentor, and develop a Controls Engineering team supporting a 24/7 manufacturing operation. Establish performance expectations and support employee development and succession planning. Foster a culture centered on safety, accountability, technical excellence, and continuous improvement. Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Facilities, Quality, and EHS teams to achieve plant objectives.Operational SupportProvide high-level troubleshooting support for manufacturing operations and critical automation systems. Support callout response and remote troubleshooting when required. Develop data-driven approaches to improve equipment performance and process reliability. Identify recurring issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.Capital ProjectsLead controls engineering activities for facility upgrades, process improvements, and capital expansion projects. Manage automation-related capital budgets and project execution. Support project planning, equipment selection, design reviews, commissioning, and startup activities. Ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, and within budget.Compliance & Change ManagementEnsure process controls infrastructure complies with company standards, industry regulations, and applicable codes. Support process safety initiatives and site compliance programs. Ensure all automation-related modifications follow established Management of Change (MOC) procedures. Maintain appropriate documentation, system backups, validation records, and cybersecurity controls.Vendor & Contractor ManagementPartner with equipment manufacturers, integrators, and instrumentation vendors to support operational excellence. Evaluate and implement industry best practices for industrial automation. Ensure controls systems documentation is maintained and accurately reflected in maintenance and asset management systems. Manage contractor performance and technical deliverables.MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.The Successful ApplicantThe successful candidate will oversee automation standards, control system architecture, PLC and SCADA programming, historian systems, industrial networking, instrumentation, and server infrastructure while ensuring system reliability, cybersecurity, and operational excellence. Required: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline. Minimum of 10 years of industrial controls engineering experience within a 24/7 manufacturing environment. Minimum of 5 years of engineering leadership or supervisory experience. Demonstrated experience leading automation and capital project initiatives. Strong hands-on knowledge of instrumentation, process controls, and industrial automation systems. Experience with PLC programming, troubleshooting, and system optimization. Thorough understanding of industrial communications networks and Foundation Fieldbus systems. Experience designing, implementing, and supporting SCADA architectures. Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. Exceptional communication and leadership capabilities. Ability to participate in on-call support rotations and occasional off-hours work supporting plant operations and project activities. Preferred: Professional Engineer (PE) license. Experience within chemical manufacturing, semiconductor manufacturing, specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or other highly regulated process industries. Experience managing automation infrastructure within hazardous manufacturing environments. Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices for industrial control systems. Experience with SAP or other enterprise maintenance management systems.What's on OfferSalary Range: $140,000 - $155,000 + Annual Bonus Health Insurance 401k (Company Match) PTO AvailableJob SummarySector: Engineering & Manufacturing Sub Sector: Production, Manufacturing Industry: Industrial / Manufacturing Where: Mesa Contract Type: Permanent Consultant name: Marios Peripanos Job Reference: JN-082026-7083359