Controls Manager

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Controls Manager to lead our controls engineering team and oversee the design, development, implementation, and support of industrial automation systems. This role is responsible for managing engineers, driving project execution, establishing engineering standards, and ensuring controls solutions are delivered on time, within budget, and meet customer expectations.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and industrial automation with proven leadership and project management experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Controls Engineers and Controls Technicians.
• Manage project schedules, workloads, and engineering resources to ensure successful project completion.
• Oversee the design and programming of PLC, HMI, motion control, and SCADA systems.
• Establish and maintain controls engineering standards, documentation, and best practices.
• Review electrical schematics, control panel layouts, and software architecture for quality and consistency.
• Collaborate with Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Project Management, Manufacturing, and Customers throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide technical guidance and troubleshoot complex automation and controls issues.
• Support equipment startup, commissioning, factory acceptance testing (FAT), and site acceptance testing (SAT) as needed.
• Ensure projects comply with applicable safety standards, electrical codes, and customer specifications.
• Evaluate and implement new automation technologies to improve efficiency and system performance.
• Assist with project estimating, budgeting, scheduling, and resource planning.
• Develop department KPIs and continuously improve engineering processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of industrial controls or automation engineering experience.
• 3+ years of leadership or engineering management experience preferred.
• Strong experience programming PLCs such as Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, Omron, Beckhoff, or Schneider.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA development (FactoryTalk View, Ignition, WinCC, etc.).
• Knowledge of servo systems, VFDs, industrial networking, robotics, and machine safety.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and control system documentation.
• Strong project management, communication, and organizational skills.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for customer support, commissioning, or project meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Knowledge of industrial networking protocols including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP, and OPC UA.
• Familiarity with vision systems, robotics integration, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• PMP certification or equivalent project management experience is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Performance bonus opportunities
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.