Senior Automation Controls Engineer

Comfort starts with our 10,000+ team members across the globe, who are transforming the power of comfort every day. Our employees have the power to change lives, in our homes, work and communities. We foster an inclusive environment while honoring a legacy built on family, where everyone can be themselves. If you are ready to join an industry leading organization where our people are the most important asset, and innovation propels us into the future, you’re ready to take your seat at La-Z-Boy Incorporated.

This position is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and optimization of automated manufacturing systems across La-Z-Boy operations. This role provides technical leadership primarily in controls engineering, but also mechanical, robotics, machine integration, and digital manufacturing initiatives to improve safety, quality, productivity, and operational performance. This position will partner with safety, manufacturing, maintenance, quality, IT, and external suppliers to deliver reliable automation solutions that support safety, modernizing manufacturing, operational excellence, and continuous improvement objectives.

• Automation & Controls Engineering Lead controls architecture development for new automation and capital equipment projects.
• Design, develop, program, and support PLC, HMI, SCADA, motion control, and industrial network systems.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, controls documentation, network diagrams, and technical standards.
• Develop and troubleshoot automation systems utilizing industry-standard platforms such as:
  Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley) Siemens Omron Beckhoff Ignition SCADA.
• Integrate robotics, vision systems, sensors, servo systems, and automated material handling equipment.
• Participate in cross functional meetings, seminars, vendor trips, and training sessions to effectively investigate and evaluate new technology advancements and equipment developments.
• Project Management Lead automation projects from concept through commissioning and production launch.
• Develop project scopes, technical specifications, budgets, and implementation schedules.
• Manage automation vendors, system integrators, and contractors.
• Ensure projects meet safety, quality, performance, and financial objectives.
• Manufacturing Support Provide advanced troubleshooting support for new automation production equipment and controls systems.
• Analyze recurring equipment failures and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Improve machine uptime, throughput, reliability, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Continuous Improvement Identify opportunities to reduce labor content through automation and process improvements.
• Support modernizing manufacturing initiatives.
• Utilize data collection and analytics tools to drive performance improvements.
• Champion standardization of controls hardware, software, and engineering practices across facilities.
• Leadership & Mentorship Serve as a subject matter expert in controls engineering and automation technologies.
• Mentor controls engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related technical field with 8-10 years of experience in industrial controls, automation engineering, and manufacturing systems, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience leading automation projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands‑on experience with PLC programming, HMI development, industrial networking, and machine controls.
• Up to 25% travel or as required to support projects.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience with in furniture, consumer goods, automotive, or high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Experience with Industry 4.0, IIoT, MES, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Solid Works 3D and/or AutoCAD experience developing mechanical parts, systems, and facility drawings.

No direct reports.

• Often required to sit, repetitive…