Controls Manager

Controls Manager

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Controls Manager to lead and develop a controls engineering team within a growing manufacturing environment. This individual will oversee controls design, programming, testing, troubleshooting, and implementation while ensuring projects meet customer specifications, quality standards, and production requirements.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical leader who can manage a team while still being comfortable working directly with PLCs, control systems, electrical designs, and automation projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Controls Engineering team.

• Manage department workload, project priorities, and resource allocation.

• Oversee the design, programming, testing, and implementation of industrial control systems.

• Develop and maintain controls standards, procedures, and engineering best practices.

• Review customer specifications and develop technical solutions to meet project requirements.

• Oversee PLC and HMI programming, electrical control panel design, and system integration.

• Ensure control panels and systems are properly tested prior to production and customer delivery.

• Provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance to engineering, production, and field teams.

• Support field startups, commissioning, and system integration when needed.

• Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, Purchasing, and Project Management teams.

• Assist with cost estimates for electrical hardware, programming, testing, integration, and commissioning.

• Improve controls processes to increase efficiency, repeatability, quality, and overall project execution.

• Establish and monitor department KPIs and performance metrics.

• Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies.

• Support new product development and the implementation of new controls technologies.

• Maintain accurate technical documentation, electrical drawings, software architecture, and programming standards.

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, collaboration, and innovation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation, or a related technical field preferred.

• 5+ years of experience in controls, automation, or industrial electrical systems.

• Previous leadership or management experience within a manufacturing or industrial environment.

• Strong experience with PLC programming and industrial automation.

• Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation, Siemens, or similar platforms.

• Experience with HMI systems, electrical controls, control panels, and system integration.

• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings.

• Experience with machine or process controls, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning.

• Strong understanding of engineering processes and project execution.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a technical leader who enjoys developing people and improving systems. They should be comfortable moving between strategic planning and hands-on technical problem solving. Someone coming from a Controls Manager, Controls Engineering Manager, Automation Manager, Senior Controls Engineer, or similar leadership position could be a strong fit

Resumes can be confidently sent to Shakiera Gronenthal at shakiera.gronenthalgogpac or direct (605) 518-2173

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.