Automation & Controls Integration Manager

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc.; Waynesboro (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Dental & Vision

Medical insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Employee discounts

Career development

Job summary

Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc. is seeking an Automation and Controls Integration Manager to lead the PLC engineering team and oversee controls projects from conception through commissioning.

You will drive technical execution, mentor engineers, and develop client-ready solutions for upgrades and facility expansions. This leadership role emphasizes collaboration with internal groups and executive leadership, with travel expected 10–20% for client meetings, commissioning, and support.

Qualifications

• 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 for extended periods.
• Occasionally lift or carry items up to 25 pounds.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentorship

Client relations

Construction/manufacturing

Project management

Travel coordination

Education

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

Tools

PLC/HMI systems

SCADA

Job 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

Benefits

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