Automation & Controls Manager - Edgar, Wisconsin

MissionHires; Edgar (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MissionHires is seeking an Automation & Controls Manager to lead the automation function, directing design, programming, and delivery of control systems across projects.

You will mentor engineers, coordinate staffing, and ensure adherence to quality and safety standards while driving efficiency and growth through hands-on technical execution and strong cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Electrical or Mechanical Technology or equivalent training.
• Minimum 5 years PLC and HMI programming/commissioning (Rockwell preferred).
• Strong electrical control wiring knowledge (24VDC, analog/digital) and AC power wiring.
• Familiarity with VFD terminations and parameter setup.
• Understanding Ethernet network design for HMI/I/O.
• Ability to read instrumentation manuals and wiring diagrams.
• Proficiency with testing instruments (multimeters, 4–20 mA sources).
• Excellent troubleshooting across electrical, controls, mechanical domains.
• Willingness to travel ~25% overnight, nationwide; some Canada travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop automation personnel; manage hiring, reviews, commendations, and disciplinary actions.
• Plan staffing for projects; schedule internal resources and source subcontracted labor to meet manpower needs.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and quality/safety standards.
• Attend project meetings to define scope, develop functional specifications, and meet deadlines.
• Oversee and review control system designs for accuracy, standards compliance, and constructability.
• Specify and requisition automation components (enclosures, instrumentation, solenoids, PLC/remote I/O, terminal blocks, cabling, pneumatics).
• Evaluate PLC/HMI programming progress; provide technical guidance to programmers and field teams.
• Manage AutoCAD Electrical design timelines and deliverables for control schematics.
• Guide panel layout, assembly, and wiring; ensure proper installation of wireways, low-voltage wiring, pneumatic tubing, and terminations per schematics.
• Support and oversee on-call service programs for technicians and programmers.
• Provide hands–on assistance in the panel shop and at customer sites as needed.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, and mechanical issues in the field.
• Support sales with technical input influencing proposals, scope, and customer presentations.
• Collaborate with estimators to develop cost estimates and written scopes of work.
• Identify and execute revenue opportunities through controls/automation projects.
• Build strong relationships with vendors for component selection and technical issue resolution.
• Interface directly with customers for installation, commissioning, and service support.
• Maintain effective cross‑functional communication with internal teams and external partners.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Electrical troubleshooting

Control systems wiring

Ethernet networking

Field service

Travel readiness

Education

Associate degree in Electrical or Mechanical Technology

Tools

Rockwell Automation

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

The Automation & Controls Manager is responsible for leading the automation function, ensuring the successful design, programming, and delivery of control systems. This role plays a key part in driving operational efficiency, maintaining high-quality standards, and supporting business growth through strong technical execution and team leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, mentor, and develop automation personnel; manage hiring, reviews, commendations, and disciplinary actions

• Plan staffing for projects; schedule internal resources and source subcontracted labor to meet manpower needs

• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and quality/safety standards

• Attend project meetings to define scope, develop functional specifications, and meet deadlines

• Oversee and review control system designs for accuracy, standards compliance, and constructability

• Specify and requisition automation components (enclosures, instrumentation, solenoids, PLC/remote I/O, terminal blocks, cabling, pneumatics)

• Evaluate PLC/HMI programming progress; provide technical guidance to programmers and field teams

• Manage AutoCAD Electrical design timelines and deliverables for control schematics

• Guide panel layout, assembly, and wiring; ensure proper installation of wireways, low-voltage wiring, pneumatic tubing, and terminations per schematics

• Support and oversee on-call service programs for technicians and programmers

• Provide hands–on assistance in the panel shop and at customer sites as needed

• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, and mechanical issues in the field

• Support sales with technical input influencing proposals, scope, and customer presentations

• Collaborate with estimators to develop cost estimates and written scopes of work

• Identify and execute revenue opportunities through controls/automation projects

• Build strong relationships with vendors for component selection and technical issue resolution

• Interface directly with customers for installation, commissioning, and service support

• Maintain effective cross‑functional communication with internal teams and external partners

Requirements

• Associate degree in Electrical or Mechanical Technology, or equivalent technical training

• Minimum 5 years of PLC and HMI programming/commissioning experience (Rockwell Automation preferred)

• Strong knowledge of electrical control wiring (24VDC, analog, digital) and AC power wiring (120V/1Ph/60Hz and 230–480V/3Ph/60Hz)

• Familiarity with variable frequency drives (terminations and parameter setup)

• Understanding of Ethernet network design for HMI and I/O communications

• Ability to interpret process instrumentation manuals and wiring diagrams (pressure, flow, level transmitters)

• Proficiency with testing instruments (multimeters, 4–20 mA signal generators)

• Excellent troubleshooting and diagnostic skills across electrical, controls, and mechanical domains

• Approximately 25% overnight travel to customer facilities nationwide; occasional international travel (primarily Canada); valid passport and eligibility for entry into Canada