Automation Controls Manager Industrial Controls and SCADA Engineering

RES; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 147,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Paid Time Off

Health Savings Account

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Referral Bonus

Job summary

RES in Denver, Colorado, is seeking an Automation Controls Manager to oversee utility-scale power plant automation controls. This role is crucial for managing operations during construction phases, ensuring safety and quality compliance while leading engineering teams.

The ideal candidate has significant experience in automation and control systems and will collaborate on fiscal planning and strategic engineering solutions. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, 401(k) with match, and generous PTO.

Qualifications

• At least seven years’ experience in automation control.
• Proven utility or industrial experience on large capital projects.
• Strong knowledge of power systems and renewable energy.

Responsibilities

• Oversee construction projects for automation controls.
• Lead engineering teams for control systems design.
• Manage QA and safety compliance across projects.

Skills

Leadership in engineering

Control systems expertise

Communication skills

Project management

Quality assurance

Education

Associate’s degree in electrical engineering

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Tools

Excel

Control engineering software

Job description

Overview

We are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels heard and respected, and extending our culture of care so that every individual can reach their full potential. We want you to have a sense of belonging and feel valued for your contributions and the perspectives you bring.

Summary

The Automation Controls Manager – IC&S Engineering (Industrial Controls & SCADA) oversees utility‑scale power plant Automation Controls/Energy Management systems throughout all phases of new construction projects and support services operations. The role manages Automation Control activities and IC&S direct reports, coordinating with Development, Construction, Clients, and Subcontractors. This position requires hybrid work: a minimum of three days in the office.

Responsibilities

Automation Control/Energy Management Expertise and Execution

• Leads engineering teams for control system design, HMI functionality, BOMs, point lists, rack elevations, power distribution diagrams, and SAT/FAT procedures.
• Manages interactions with control/energy consultants and subcontractors: meetings, deliverables, testing, BOMs, budgets, and system completion.
• Develops quality assurance specifications and oversees QA of control systems during all construction phases.
• Supervises inspections of installation work to ensure compliance with RES, client, QSE, utility, and regional reliability council requirements.
• Ensures control functions meet safety, design, FAT, commissioning, SAT, and turnover standards.
• Communicates with internal teams, owners, subcontractors, and site teams to meet project milestones.
• Creates deployment strategies aligned with schedule and budget.
• Maintains project and department documentation in RES documentation control software.
• Attends work regularly, punctually, and complies with company policies.

Additional Leadership and Strategic Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the IC&S Director on fiscal year budgeting and staffing plans.
• Provides strategic advice, implements solutions, and optimizes business processes for the control engineering team.
• Guides the engineering, procurement, and construction teams to resolve design, schedule, delivery, and safety issues.
• Applies quality and control procedures across all control systems projects.
• Supports data analysis, technical report preparation, and warranty requests.
• Schedules O&M training in coordination with commissioning managers.
• Ensures timely completion of all quality assurance documentation and hand‑offs to project managers.
• Performs ad‑hoc duties and projects to support the IC&S engineering teams.

Safety and Workplace Culture

• Promotes and leads by example in safety and quality practices.
• Reinforces safe behaviours and corrects at‑risk actions.
• Ensures team adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Supports the site team in technical, quality, and safety using the system in place.

Leadership and Development

• Fosters an inclusive workplace, build trust, and exceed expectations.
• Manages direct reports and participates in hiring and selection.
• Communicates regularly with team on goals and policies.
• Supports employee development: challenging tasks, performance reviews, and capability matrix maintenance.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in electrical engineering or equivalent with at least seven years’ experience in a similar position.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or equivalent with at least five years’ relevant experience (preferred).
• Seven or more years of proven utility or industrial experience on large capital‑industrial construction projects.
• At least two years of supervisory experience (preferred).
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally 5–15%.
• Strong knowledge of the utility‑scale electric power industry.
• Experience with power systems, automation control, data acquisition, and telecommunications.
• Field experience in testing, commissioning, and communications networking (preferred).
• Collaborative communication skills with clients, vendors, employees, directors, and supervisors.
• Ability to evaluate designs from economic and technical perspectives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in advanced Excel functions and data management.
• Advanced understanding of distributed generation, HMIs, logic controllers, NERC, IEEE 1547/2800, IEC 61131‑3, meters, relays, wind/solar/battery control systems, substation and grid compliance control systems, regulatory balancing authorities, Ignition Perspective, communication protocols, PID loops, control modeling, electrical architecture, interconnection and contract reviews, electrical drawing integration.
• Functional competencies: drive, collaboration, continuous improvement, agility, prioritization.

Salary

Base salary range: $147,000 – $184,000. Final compensation is based on education, qualifications, experience, and location, and the position is bonus eligible.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Health Savings Account with employer contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Basic Life and Voluntary Life (4× pay)
• Short‑ and Long‑Term Disability
• Accident, Hospital, and Critical Illness
• 401(k) plan with 6% company match
• 4 weeks Paid Time Off and 10 paid holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement and Green Car Reimbursement
• Volunteer and Charity Matching
• Paid Parental Leave and Paid Sabbatical Leave
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Employee Discounts and Wellness programs
• Wellness Reimbursement

Physical Requirements and Environment

Typical duties include standing, reading, grasping, hearing, reaching, and sitting. Rarely involves climbing, crouching, kneeling, pulling/pushing; occasionally involves carrying 5‑15 lbs. The work environment may expose individuals to extreme cold, heat, humidity, wet climates, moderate noise, and other hazards. A drug‑free workplace is maintained; background and drug screening are required.

Equal Opportunity Employment

RES is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic are prohibited, in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.