Automation Controls Engineering Supervisor

Eaton Corporation; Kentwood (MI); On-site; USD 97,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

Eaton Corporation is seeking an Automation Controls Engineering Supervisor for its Grand Rapids, MI plant. This full-time, on-site role leads automation and test equipment initiatives for electro‑mechanical actuator products, balancing hands-on technical work with supervisory responsibilities and a focus on manufacturing readiness.

Responsibilities include driving improvements in test equipment, process control architecture, and production line support, while managing a team of Test Engineers

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science from an accredited institution.
• 5+ years in a manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years in manufacturing, sustaining, and/or test engineering.
• U.S. work authorization without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Provide controls engineering and automation leadership to improve Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL).
• Develop and implement automation solutions for new production lines and optimize process control architecture.
• Evaluate existing automation to improve test effectiveness, reliability, throughput, and scalability.
• Lead and mentor Test Engineers and Technicians; manage spares and equipment maintenance.
• Create/update drawings and schematics; perform hands-on testing and equipment troubleshooting.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Automation

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science

Bachelor’s degree in Controls/Mechanical/Electrical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

LabVIEW (NI)

Catia

ProE / PTC Creo

Job description

Eaton's IS AER FMC division is currently seeking a Automation Controls Engineering Supervisor. This is a Full Time (M-F Daylight), onsite role based at our Aerospace Manufacturing plant in Grand Rapids, MI! Relocation benefits are available from within the United States!

The expected annual salary range for this role is $97000 - $143000 a year.

Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

What you'll do:

The Controls Engineering Supervisor is responsible for driving technical and process excellence while providing strong people leadership and delivering timely results at Eaton's Grand Rapids site. This role leads automation and test equipment initiatives supporting electro‑mechanical actuator products, including actuators, controllers, motors, locking mechanisms and related components. The position balances hands‑on technical contribution with supervisory responsibility, ensuring production test systems are robust, compliant, and aligned with manufacturing readiness goals.

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide controls engineering and automation leadership to improve Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL) for new and existing products.
• Identify, develop, and implement automation solutions to support the build‑up of new production lines, with primary accountability for process control architecture, implementation, and reduction of manual touch time.
• Evaluate existing production and test automation solutions and provide technical direction, recommendations, and implementation support to improve test effectiveness, reliability, throughput, and scalability.
• Provide hands‑on test leadership for all production test equipment at the site
• Manage the design, build, and verification of production test equipment through external and internal suppliers for Capital projects.
• Ensure test equipment update requirements from Manufacturing Change Orders are implemented in a timely manner.
• Promote Continuous Improvement mindset with testing plans and test equipment consolidation ideas in line with developing a 5-yr CAPEX plan.
• Manage Test Engineer(s) and Technicians in test equipment troubleshooting and repair. Manage purchasing and maintaining spares for equipment and parts. Provide technical advice and guidance to this team. Create opportunities for growth and development for team members. Performance manage and coach high and low performers on the team effectively. Development of organizational capability/capacity and engineering/technical skills among staff to support the site and organization operating unit strategy. Maintenance of appropriate training programs to assure continuous learning.
• Create and release drawings and schematics as updates are needed.
• Perform troubleshooting and repair of test equipment.
• Perform hands‑on testing as required
• Comply with Eaton's high expectations for a safe work environment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or computer science fields from an accredited institution
• 5+ years of experience within a manufacturing environment
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, sustaining, and/or test engineering
• Must be able to work in the United States without corporate sponsorship now and within the future
• This position requires use of information or access to hardware which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., Green Card Holder), Political Asylee, or Refugee

Skills:

Preferred Criteria:

• Bachelor's Degree in Controls, Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering
• Experience with testing electrical systems
• Experience writing test procedures and reports
• Knowledge and experience with DO-160 or MIL-STD testing requirements
• Experience with developing and debugging test equipment, executable software, and code using LabVIEW (NI)
• Demonstrated experience in leadership
• Project management experience

Skills:

• Knowledge of algorithm design and programming logic
• Familiarity with root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective action (CA) methodologies
• Experience working with automation, control, and monitoring systems and software
• Ability to install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain mechanical systems and electrical equipment
• Understanding of standard operating procedures, engineering documentation, and electrical diagrams
• Experience with automated test equipment and implementation
• Knowledge of Catia, ProE, or other 3D design tools
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent facilitation skills, project management skills, and drive for results
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization, from production associates to the leadership team

We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Eaton believes in second chance employment. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction history will be considered regardless of their arrest or conviction history, consistent with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and other local laws.

You do not need to disclose your conviction history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Eaton is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

To request a disability‑related reasonable accommodation to assist you in your job search, application, or interview process, please call us at 1-800-836-6345 to discuss your specific need. Only accommodation requests will be accepted by this phone number.

We know that good benefit programs are important to employees and their families. Eaton provides various Health and Welfare benefits as well as Retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work. Please note that specific programs and options available to an employee may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.