Automation & Controls Engineering Manager

LHH; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm is seeking an Automation & Controls Engineering Manager in Milwaukee to lead modernization and optimization initiatives in a high-volume production environment. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in Engineering and over 5 years of experience in automation and controls within manufacturing. This role offers a competitive salary package with leadership responsibilities and opportunities for hands-on work.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of leadership experience.
• 5+ years of hands-on technical work in automation and controls.
• Experience in the food or related industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation and controls projects that enhance production performance.
• Troubleshoot complex control system issues remotely and on-site.
• Support plant operations during automation upgrades.
• Serve as the primary technical expert for PLC programming.
• Supervise and mentor junior engineers.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment on automation goals.
• Drive a culture of proactive troubleshooting and system reliability.

Skills

PLC programming and troubleshooting

HMI systems and control network integration

Electrical and instrumentation systems

Remote diagnostics and root cause analysis

EFD experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical preferred)

Job description

This range is provided by LHH. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Recruiting Consultant | LHH | Program Management and Relationship Building

Compensation: $120,000–$160,000 base + 15% bonus

LHH is partnering with our client, a U.S.-based manufacturing leader, to identify an Automation & Controls Engineering Manager who will spearhead modernization and optimization initiatives across a high-volume production environment. This is a hands‑on leadership opportunity designed for an engineer who thrives in fast‑paced operations, values process reliability, and brings strong PLC and automation expertise to a team transitioning toward next‑generation manufacturing systems.

What You’ll Do

• Lead automation and controls projects that enhance production performance and reliability across multiple lines.
• Troubleshoot complex control system issues both remotely and on‑site across all shifts, ensuring minimal downtime.
• Support plant operations during automation upgrades and system integrations.
• Serve as the primary technical expert for PLC programming, HMI configuration, and controls diagnostics.
• Supervise and mentor junior engineers, providing direction on project execution and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with operations, maintenance, and IT teams to ensure alignment on automation goals.
• Drive a culture of proactive troubleshooting, standardization, and system reliability across all production shifts.

What We’re Looking For

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical preferred).

Experience: Minimum 2 years of leadership experience and 5+ years of hands‑on technical work in automation and controls within manufacturing (food or related industry preferred).

Technical Skills

• PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen‑Bradley or Siemens preferred)
• HMI systems and control network integration
• Electrical and instrumentation systems
• Remote diagnostics and root cause analysis
• EFD experience is a plus

This is an opportunity to own automation strategy and execution in a growing manufacturing operation where innovation, reliability, and leadership are valued equally. If you’re ready to take a hands‑on role building smarter, more connected production systems, we’d like to meet you.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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