Lead Controls Engineer

The Lead Controls Engineer provides technical leadership for the Controls Engineering team while remaining actively involved in the design, programming, and implementation of custom automation systems. This position serves as the technical resource for the team, helping guide engineering decisions, solve complex technical challenges, and support projects from concept through commissioning.In addition to hands-on engineering responsibilities, this role provides day-to-day leadership for the Controls Engineering team, including mentoring, training, workload coordination, and supporting employee development. The Lead Controls Engineer works closely with Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, Manufacturing, Service, and Operations to deliver high-quality automation solutions on schedule.Key ResponsibilitiesControls Engineering & Technical LeadershipOversee controls engineering work for customer projects and system integration.Provide technical guidance for PLC programming, HMI development, motion control, electrical controls design, and troubleshooting.Review controls designs, programming, and engineering deliverables for accuracy and consistency.Support controls hardware selection, controls architecture, and system integration activities.Assist with startup, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning activities when needed.Help resolve technical issues during project execution and customer support activities.Evaluate engineering tools, programming methods, and controls standards to improve consistency and efficiency.Project Coordination & ExecutionCoordinate controls engineering work to support project schedules and customer requirements.Work closely with Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, Manufacturing, Operations, and Service teams throughout project execution.Monitor engineering schedules, priorities, and team workloads.Participate in project review meetings and help identify technical concerns or schedule risks.Support communication between departments to help projects move forward.Assist with engineering estimates, staffing plans, and resource planning activities.Team Leadership & ManagementProvide day-to-day technical leadership for the Controls Engineering team.Mentor and develop Controls Engineers through coaching, technical guidance, and regular feedback.Support hiring, onboarding, and employee development.Coordinate workloads and project assignments across the team.Foster collaboration, accountability, and consistent engineering practices.QualificationsEducation & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related technical field preferred.Minimum of 7 years of controls engineering experience in a manufacturing, automation, or industrial environment.Demonstrated experience leading engineering projects, mentoring engineers, or supervising technical teams.Experience with PLC programming, HMI development, industrial automation systems, and controls troubleshooting.Experience supporting customer-facing projects and cross-functional engineering teams.Experience managing multiple projects, priorities, and schedules.Technical SkillsExperience with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar systems.Familiarity with HMI/SCADA systems and industrial communication protocols.Strong understanding of electrical schematics, controls hardware, and automation systems.Ability to troubleshoot controls systems, electrical components, and machine integration issues.Strong organizational and project coordination skills.Strong written and verbal communication skills.ExpectationsCommunicate clearly and work effectively with employees, customers, and other departments.Follow through on commitments and support project schedules and team priorities.Maintain organized engineering documentation and programming standards.Support practical problem-solving and sound decision-making.Promote teamwork, accountability, and consistent engineering practices.Help improve engineering workflow, communication, and project coordination.Reporting StructureReports to: Director of EngineeringDirect Reports: Controls Engineers