Controls Engineering Manager

Laine Recruiting has partnered with a is a Top-10 North American integration partner engineering diverse material handling and automation solutions with lifecycle service support for manufacturing, distribution, and warehousing companies.

JOB SUMMARY

Role Overview: This position is crucial in leading our controls engineering department based out of Rochester. This position focuses on overseeing the design, build, and commissioning of high-quality automation systems and solutions that meet and exceed customer expectations. Key responsibilities include the development, documentation, and verification of new designs and processes, improvement of existing designs, and mentoring and development of the controls engineering team consisting of Electrical Engineers and PLC/HMI programmers.

Effective collaboration with the Project Managers, Operations Managers, and other Engineering Managers is critical to synchronize efforts with the company's goals. The ideal candidate will nurture a collaborative environment centered around teamwork, including instilling uniform practices and cohesive culture across all sites.

Direct reports: Approximately 6-10 Controls Engineers.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Guide a team of engineers and technical personnel, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Develop and execute engineering strategies in alignment with company goals.
• Plan and manage professional development for the engineering team.
• Standardize designs and workflows.
• Manage resource allocation effectively, including aligning work tasks with skillset.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to engineers.
• Promote engineering solutions that balance technical and budgetary requirements.
• Develop expertise in design principles, automation design, systems, tooling, and sequence of operations.
• Manage project communications and subcontractor relationships.
• Drive progress and clear roadblocks.
• Lead the engineering team in system architecture, identifying potential risks and selecting the most viable concepts which meet requirements before initiating the design process.
• Manage, train, and drive DfX (Design for X) where our key focus for X is Manufacturing, Quality, Serviceability, and Cost.
• Utilize data analysis tools such as Excel and Power BI to identify trends and drive decisions and improvements.
• Up to 20% travel required.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 10 years of experience in controls automation design and engineering, with at least 2 years in a management role.

Skills And Qualifications

• Experience in engineered-to-order equipment and systems, including robotics, conveyors, AMR and ASRS systems.
• Strong leadership with a focus on continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
• Proficiency in Rockwell RSLogix 5/500/5000, Kinetix, Factory Talk View, Siemens Step7, TIA, WinCC, SIMOTION, Keyence LG Vision tools, Cognex Vision products, AutoCAD Electrical, Wonderware, Ignition, Structured Text programming language, SCADA Systems, Warehouse Controls Systems, Fanuc Robots, and other controls software.
• Motion control design and programming.
• Advanced analytical, critical thinking, decision-making, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Subject matter expert in areas including engineering best practices, automation design, equipment selection, manufacturing, and robot applications.
• Provide timely feedback and hold employees accountable for achieving results.
• High degree of professionalism, attention to detail, and organizational skills. A self-starter capable of working with minimal supervision.
• Embraces the values of Integrity, Quality, and Servant Leadership.

Success Metrics

• Ownership and Initiative.
• Achievement of revenue and margin targets.
• Continuous improvement in efficiency and productivity.
• High quality in products and services delivered.
• Successful employee retention and development.
• Develop and maintain all engineering SOPs to ensure consistent and efficient operations.
• Complete projects ahead of schedule and under budget.

Compensation

Target base salary range is $125,000 – 140,000. In addition, this role is eligible for a 10% bonus based on individual and company performance.