Controls Engineering Manager

Controls Engineering Manager Western, Central Michigan

Summary

We are  seeking a Controls Engineering Manager responsible for leading and managing all aspects of control systems design, development, and implementation for manufacturing equipment, including PLCs, HMIs, and robots. 

Duties and responsibilities

• Directing, guiding, and assisting Controls Engineers and other team members.
• Managing the workload for the controls team and assigned projects.
• Evaluating company workload and potentially outsourcing when necessary.
• Managing the direction and workload of contract controls engineers on assigned projects.
• Reviewing customer control and safety specifications and ensuring compliance in hardware and software designs.
• Participating in automation design reviews and providing technical direction.
• Designing and programming PLCs, HMIs, robots, and other automated manufacturing equipment.
• Communicating with suppliers regarding products and process concerns.
• Collaborating with other employees to troubleshoot and improve processes and quality.
• Providing support for onsite equipment installation at customer facilities.
• Directing and assisting in maintaining comprehensive project documentation.
• Ensuring adherence to all company safety protocols.

Qualifications

• In-depth experience and understanding of the automation industry.
• Experience leading a team of controls engineers.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively guide and direct other employees.
• Experience in designing all aspects of automation system controls.
• Proven experience in troubleshooting controls, including robots.
• Experience in welding systems.
• Efficient in programming and debugging automated systems, including robotic welding, fastening, and assembly systems (PLCs, Robots, servos, etc.).
• Ability to program Allen Bradley PanelView (HMI) and PLC, Fanuc, and ABB (minimum).
• Ability to manage onsite installation of equipment at customer facilities.
• Understanding of Mechanical Design, components, and interface with Controls.
• Ability to contribute to early design analysis of systems as they relate to controls and required mechanical components.
• Ability to maintain positive relationships with fellow employees and customers.
• Ability to facilitate positive team building.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding and use an objective approach to decision making.

Organizational culture

• Reporting to work on time and with a positive attitude.
• Appropriate dress attire and personal hygiene and cleanliness.
• Staying focused on tasks.
• Being responsible for work performance and completing tasks throughout the day.
• Maintaining a good working relationship with co-workers.
• Supporting a positive and steady workflow.
• Working with a sense of urgency when needed.
• Supporting, coaching, or mentoring co-workers when needed.
• Positively supporting change.

Reporting structure

This position has supervisory responsibility for the controls department and reports to the VP. 

Education required/preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering preferred, with 5–8 years’ experience preferred, but other engineering degrees will be considered with applicable experience.
• Experience in AutoCAD or EPLAN.
• Experience with AB Controls Logix or Siemens STEP 7.
• 5+ years of integration experience.
• 3+ years of technical management experience.