The Controls Engineer Manager is responsible for end‑to‑end execution of all brownfield projects and small-medium greenfield projects, with accountability for engineering delivery, cost control, schedule adherence, and risk management.
This role provides dedicated leadership for high‑risk, execution‑heavy work, ensuring predictable delivery while protecting margin. The Controls Manager operates as the primary execution owner, engineering resource manager, subcontractor quality manager. This individual must be knowledgeable of all projects being worked on by their team so that they can support their engineers’ needs and help them resolve project issues. This role will require strong interpersonal and communication skills with enhanced multi-tasking abilities across engineering, project management, procurement, and manufacturing. The ideal candidate will have the ability to support company, and client needs while also promoting individual success and inspiring their employees to grow within the organization.
Essential Job Duties:
1. Manage engineering resources to keep them fully utilized on internal and client projects.
2. Recruit and interview possible engineering candidates when additional resources are needed.
3. Oversee training and mentoring of engineering personnel.
4. Execute annual performance reviews for engineering staff and recommend raises or promotions when appropriate.
5. Develop and maintain department standards while making sure that these standards are followed by all employees for all projects.
6. Manage day‑to‑day engineering activities across design, implementation, commissioning, and close‑out, ensuring adherence to project schedules, scope, and cost targets.
7. Collaborate with executive team to develop department goals and individual development goals for engineering staff.
8. Work with clients and other KPI employees to develop the proper material handling system and equipment to suit the client’s needs.
9. Lead design reviews and attend client meetings to support project engineers.
10. Support vendor factory acceptance testing or first article inspections.
11. Oversee Electrical and controls subcontractors.
Requirements
Required Qualifications:
1. Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Electrical, Controls, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, or related field). Equivalent experience may be considered.
2. 8+ years of experience in Controls and/or Electrical Engineering
3. 3+ years leading engineering teams or project execution.
4. Proven experience delivering brownfield automation or material handling projects.
5. Strong understanding of:
- PLC‑based controls systems, safety PLCs, and machine automation (Rockwell preferred; Siemens/others a plus).
- Industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, ControlNet, Profinet, etc.).
- AutoCAD Electrical to design electrical schematics, panel layouts, and system diagrams.
- Electrical system design and implementation
- Commissioning and site execution challenges
6. Prior experience defining and working with software/PLC interfaces.
7. Familiarity with SCADA/HMI platforms (Ignition, FactoryTalk View preferred).
8. Ability to diagnose and resolve complex electrical and controls issues efficiently.
9. Ability to lead technical conversations with customers and cross-functional teams.
10. Experience managing engineering cost, EACs, forecasts, schedules.
11. Excellent organizational skills with emphasis on effective oral and written communication
12. Capable of managing multiple priorities in fast-paced environments.
13. Ability to manage a diverse engineering staff located both in office and remote and comfortable mentoring and guiding engineers.
14. Managed multiple Tier1 ($100M+) projects.
15. Managed multiple brownfield projects.
Other Requirements:
Willingness to travel to customer sites and KPI project locations (up to 25% typical, based on project load)
Benefits
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Health Care Concierge Service
- 401(k) Retirement Plan (Pre-tax & Roth)
- Company paid Basic Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability & Long-Term Disability
- Voluntary Life & AD&D Insurance
- Voluntary Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity Insurance
- Milk Stork Program
- Wellness Program with gift card redemption and wellness challenges
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & 10 Holidays)
- Training & Development
KPI Solutions provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by states, federal, or local law.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in engineering (Electrical, Controls, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, or related field)
- 8+ years of experience in Controls and/or Electrical Engineering
- 3+ years leading engineering teams or project execution
- Proven experience delivering brownfield automation or material handling projects
- Strong understanding of PLC-based controls systems
- Proficient in AutoCAD Electrical to design schematics
- Ability to diagnose and resolve complex electrical and controls issues
- Excellent organizational skills with effective communication
What We Do
KPI Solutions provides end-to-end supply chain services and automation to transform our clients’ distribution operations. We analyze, design, implement, and support flexible and scalable engineered solutions that optimize order fulfillment, build capacity, and reduce reliance on labor. Our data-driven operations strategy delivers resilient designs and our technology-neutral approach allows a blend of automated technologies for a customized solution. Our comprehensive offerings include consulting, network strategy, engineered facility design, material handling systems integration, robotics, intelligent warehouse software, and lifetime services.
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