Controls Engineering Manager

Big Foot Staffing is seeking a Controls Engineering Manager for a confidential client. This is a key leadership opportunity for an experienced engineer who thrives at the intersection of technical expertise and team development. The selected candidate will guide the direction of the controls engineering department, oversee critical projects, and mentor engineers in delivering high-performance industrial control solutions.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical knowledge of control systems and integration with proven leadership skills, and is motivated to shape a growing engineering function.

• Team Leadership:
  Lead and mentor a team of controls engineers, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and professional growth.
• Strategic Direction:
  Establish the long-term vision for the controls group, ensuring standardized practices and scalable solutions.
• Project Oversight:
  Direct engineering projects from concept through commissioning, meeting performance, cost, and schedule requirements.
• Systems Integration:
  Oversee PLC, HMI, VFD, and industrial communication platforms, ensuring robust and reliable system performance.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  
  Work closely with engineering, production, and project management teams to align technical execution with organizational objectives.
• Customer & Stakeholder Engagement:
  Provide technical guidance in requirements discussions, design reviews, and key client-facing projects.
• Continuous Improvement:
  Drive best practices in programming standards, testing methods, and engineering processes.
• Department Development:
  Build the structure, tools, and workflows of the controls team to support future growth.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Controls, or related Engineering field (Master’s preferred).
• 10+ years of relevant industry experience, with at least 3 years in a management or senior technical leadership role.
• Strong background in PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and industrial communication protocols (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, etc.).
• Demonstrated success delivering complex control projects in industrial or OEM environments.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence across technical and non-technical teams.
• Proven organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Valid driver’s license with ability to travel up to 10% as needed.

• Experience integrating controls in complex industrial systems.
• Familiarity with SCADA, industrial IoT, or modern data acquisition platforms.
• Proficiency with programming and design tools (Rockwell, Siemens, AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN).
• Strong background in safety standards and functional safety design.
• Track record of mentoring engineers and building high-performing teams.