Job Description
Automation & Controls Engineering Manager Location:
Santa Cruz, California Type:
Direct Hire Job #26335 Are you looking to lead factory automation strategy within a rapidly growing advanced manufacturing environment focused on power electronics and electrification technologies? This leadership opportunity as an Automation & Controls Engineering Manager focuses on building and scaling world-class manufacturing automation systems, developing controls architecture standards, leading automation engineering teams, and driving the integration of factory equipment with enterprise software systems. This role is ideal for a senior automation leader with extensive experience supporting industrial automation, robotics, controls engineering, MES integration, and large-scale manufacturing operations who thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments and is passionate about building intelligent, scalable factories. Responsibilities:
Hire, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of Automation and Controls Engineers Develop and execute the companys automation and controls roadmap supporting future factory expansion and scalability Establish controls engineering standards including hardware platforms, software architecture, communication protocols, and automation frameworks Develop standardized controls code libraries and engineering practices to improve deployment speed, maintainability, and reliability Oversee controls engineering deliverables for capital equipment projects from concept through commissioning and production ramp-up Manage relationships with machine builders, system integrators, controls vendors, and external engineering partners Review and approve electrical schematics, controls architectures, and automation designs prior to fabrication and implementation Lead debugging, commissioning, startup, and factory acceptance activities for complex automated manufacturing systems Own factory functional safety strategy and ensure compliance with applicable machine safety standards Collaborate with software, manufacturing, and operations teams to integrate machine data into MES, SCADA, ERP, and enterprise systems Drive robotics, machine vision, motion control, and advanced automation initiatives throughout manufacturing operations Provide high-level troubleshooting and technical leadership for critical controls and automation challenges across production environments Build a culture focused on technical excellence, safety, innovation, and continuous improvement Required Experience:
Bachelors or Masters degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or related field required 10+ years of industrial automation and controls engineering experience required 3+ years of technical leadership or management experience required Proven experience architecting and deploying full-factory automation solutions required Expert-level PLC programming experience including Structured Text, Ladder Logic, and Function Block Diagram programming required Strong experience with motion control systems, HMI development, and MES integration required Deep proficiency with multiple PLC and controls platforms including Rockwell, Siemens, Beckhoff, and Ignition required Experience reviewing and validating electrical schematics to NFPA 79 and UL 508A standards required Strong background integrating robotics, machine vision, and automated inspection systems required Experience connecting industrial control systems to MES, SCADA, ERP, and plant software environments required Demonstrated experience managing system integrators, machine builders, controls vendors, and external engineering resources required Excellent leadership, mentoring, communication, and project management skills required Ability to work onsite within a manufacturing environment and support commissioning activities as needed Preferred Experience:
Experience within power electronics, battery manufacturing, electric vehicle manufacturing, energy storage, or related advanced manufacturing industries preferred Experience building a controls engineering department or significantly expanding an automation team preferred Experience with Digital Twin technology, simulation tools, or virtual commissioning preferred Proficiency with EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical preferred Experience supporting greenfield manufacturing facilities, factory expansions, or large-scale automation deployments preferred Benefits:
Competitive health insurance plans Dental insurance Vision insurance Equity participation opportunity Paid Time Off 401(K) program Professional growth opportunities within a rapidly scaling technology company Opportunity to help build next-generation manufacturing systems and factory automation infrastructure Salary:
$170K-$220K annually plus equity opportunity Ask for: Brenna Job Id:
26335 Ajulia Executive Search is a New Jersey based Executive Search Firm specializing in retained searches in multiple sectors, including Manufacturing, Finance, IT, Legal, and Pharmaceutical. We have a nationwide client base and offer services in temporary and direct hire placements. #ZR #Monster #Talroo #IH See All Jobs
