Automation & Controls Integration Manager

Innovative Refrigeration Systems; Lyndhurst (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Medical insurance

Dental & vision

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid vacation

Holidays

Employee discounts

Career development

Job summary

Innovative Refrigeration Systems is seeking an Automation & Controls Integration Manager to lead the PLC/HMI engineering team, drive controls upgrades, and foster key client relationships in a fast-paced industrial setting.

The role combines technical leadership with business development, requiring 5+ years in controls engineering, a bachelor’s degree, and the ability to travel 10–20% to support projects across North America. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in Electrical, Computer, or Electronics Engineering.
• 5+ years experience in controls engineering.
• Experience with PLC/HMI systems.
• Excellent communication and client-facing skills.
• Experience in construction/manufacturing environments.
• Willingness to travel 10–20%.

Responsibilities

• Lead PLC engineering team and mentor staff.
• Develop and deploy PLC/HMI control solutions per project specs.
• Drive controls upgrades and facility expansions to win new work.
• Coordinate with internal teams and leadership for project execution.
• Support on-site and remote troubleshooting.
• Travel as needed (10–20%).

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team mentorship

Project management

Client relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer, or Electronics Engineering

Tools

PLC/HMI programming

SCADA systems

Electrical drawing tools

Job description

At Innovative, innovation isn't just part of our name —it's the mindset that drives everything we do.We are built by people who take ownership, challenge the status quo,and create solutions that keep the world's most critical industries running.From engineering and fabrication to installation and service,our teams collaborate to solve complex challenges with creativity, precision, and purpose.We invest in people who are passionate about making an impact,fostering a culture where innovation thrives, careers grow,and great teams build extraordinary solutions together.

Automation & Controls Integration Manager

Details:

Salary: Dependent of Experience

Posted: 2026-10-29

Employee Type: full-time

Experience Required: 5+ Years

Education Required: Bachelor’s Degree

Travel Required: Yes

Description:

Automation and Controls Integration Manager

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is the leading provider of industrial refrigeration and process cooling solutions, delivering custom engineered systems utilizing natural refrigerants such as ammonia and CO₂. Through a fully integrated approach encompassing engineering, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, nationwide service, and advanced aftermarket solutions, Innovative supports customers across the food and beverage, cold storage, pharmaceutical, industrial manufacturing, and mission-critical infrastructure markets throughout North America and around the world.

Unlike traditional engineering firms, contractors, or equipment suppliers, Innovative performs engineering, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, service, and ongoing customer support entirely in-house. This integrated model provides employees the opportunity to support projects throughout the complete lifecycle, from concept and design through manufacturing, installation, startup, operation, optimization, modernization, and long-term system support.

Job Role: The Director of Automation & Controls oversees the Controls Engineering team responsible for programming and deploying PLC/HMI-based systems. This leadership role ensures projects are executed effectively and aligned with strategic goals. The position is instrumental in both technical execution and business development for controls-related services.

Key Duties:

Lead and manage the PLC engineering team, including task assignments, performance evaluations, and mentorship.

Present customized solutions for controls upgrades and facility expansions to drive new business opportunities.

Foster long-term client relationships to support ongoing and future projects.

Coordinate with internal departments and executive leadership to align on project execution strategies.

Schedule engineering tasks based on field and shop requirements to meet critical deadlines.

Develop and implement sequences of operation per client and project specifications.

Troubleshoot and resolve electrical and control system issues on-site and remotely.

Travel as needed (approximately 10–20%) for client meetings, commissioning, and support.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Computer, or Electronics Engineering

5+ years of experience in controls engineering, including PLC/HMI systems

Strong team leadership and mentorship capabilities

Effective communication and interpersonal skills with clients and internal teams

Experience in construction or manufacturing environments

Must be able to remain in a stationary position (seated or standing) for extended periods

Occasionally may need to lift or carry items up to 25 pounds (e.g., office supplies, small equipment)

Preferences:

Professional Engineering (PE) license

Industrial refrigeration or HVAC experience

Advanced PLC programming and SCADA systems knowledge

Proven industrial project management background

Familiarity with natural refrigerants and sustainability practices

Certifications in automation or project management

In addition to a competitive base salary, we provide a comprehensive and employee-focused benefits package designed to support your financial security, health, and work–life balance:

Generous retirement plan with a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match up to 15%

401(k) student loan repayment match up to 15%

Medical insurance with 75% of employee and family premiums covered by the company

Dental and vision insurance options

Optional supplemental insurance coverage

Short-term and long-term disability insurance

Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage

Company-paid life insurance

Weekly pay

Competitive paid vacation and holiday time

Paid sick leave, bereavement leave, and jury duty leave

Employee referral bonus program

Opportunities for career advancement, professional development, training, and apprenticeship programs

Access to employee discounts on cell phone plans, vehicle rentals, and other eligible services