Controls Engineering Manager

Job Description

Lead the Charge as a Controls Engineering Manager!

Location: Naperville, IL

Join a globally recognized food and beverage manufacturer with 72 facilities worldwide as the Controls Engineering Manager. Based in our largest facility in North America, located in the Western suburbs of Chicago, this role offers an exciting and rewarding work environment that encourages professional, personal, and organizational growth. This position is available due to promotion, growth, and expansion, and is a fantastic opportunity to lead and innovate within a fast‑paced organization.

• Retirement Planning: Pension program.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Blue Cross Blue Shield medical, dental, and vision insurance at a very low cost with excellent coverage.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous PTO options and a balanced work environment.
• Financial Rewards: Salary ranging from $125K - $150K plus uncapped bonus potential.
• Stability and Growth: A stable company with over 86 years in business and ongoing expansion.

• Lead and manage large-scale automation projects, handling capital expenditures ranging from $5 million to $20 million.
• Report directly to the Director of Automation, with a focus on strategic and renovation capital projects.
• Manage a growing team of Controls Engineers, starting with one direct report, and expand as needed to support corporate and plant operations.
• Spearhead the design, development, and implementation of automated control systems, particularly focusing on robotics, packaging systems, and Allen Bradley systems.
• Program and modify packers, robots, ATVs, and HMIs, utilizing your expertise in ladder logic and control systems.
• Provide technical support across all company plants, ensuring successful equipment acquisition, start‑up, and integration.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure project timelines, budgets, and technical specifications are met.
• Oversee and provide feedback on equipment sourcing, ensuring the lifecycle and functionality align with company needs.
• Travel 20% – 40% to various plant locations as required for project implementation and support.

• BS in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 5-10 years of experience in controls engineering, with a strong background in automation and robotics.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, HMI development, and SCADA systems, with a deep understanding of Allen Bradley systems, robots, and ladder logic.
• Ability to modify and program automation equipment, with a knack for adapting to new systems and technologies.
• Strong project management skills with a proven track record of managing large capital projects.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to lead a team through complex technical challenges.
• Exceptional communication and leadership abilities, with a passion for mentoring and developing teams.
• Willingness to travel as needed to support various projects across company locations.