Controls Engineering Manager

JMJ Phillip; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

JMJ Phillip Group is seeking an experienced Controls Engineering Manager to lead fluid power, electrical hardware, and controls software development for industrial machinery. You will establish engineering standards, drive standardization, and guide cross‑functional teams to deliver reliable automation solutions.

The role emphasizes leadership, project management, and continuous improvement across multiple engineering disciplines in a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls/Automation engineering or related field.
• Strong experience in industrial automation and machine controls.
• Leadership experience directing engineering teams and projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee fluid power engineering design, standards, and part specifications.
• Oversee electrical hardware design and documentation for industrial machinery.
• Set PLC software standards, architecture, and programming guidelines.
• Coordinate engineering standards across fluid power, electrical, and software teams.
• Lead standardization of machine designs, components, and documentation.
• Support troubleshooting and continuous improvement across projects.

Skills

Industrial automation

Engineering leadership

PLC systems

Electrical design

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls/Automation engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

Allen-Bradley PLC

Beckhoff PLC

Siemens PLC

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineering Manager to lead and oversee fluid power engineering, electrical hardware design, and controls software development. This role is responsible for establishing engineering standards, improving design consistency, and ensuring the successful development and implementation of automation and machine control systems. The ideal candidate has a strong background in industrial automation, custom machinery, and engineering leadership, with the ability to develop technical teams and drive continuous improvement.

Position Responsibilities

Fluid Power Engineering

• Oversee the design and development of pneumatic, hydraulic, lubrication, and coolant systems.
• Establish and maintain fluid power design standards and component specifications.
• Ensure consistency and standardization of fluid power designs across machine platforms.
• Support troubleshooting and continuous improvement of existing designs.

Electrical Hardware Engineering

• Oversee electrical hardware design and development for industrial machinery.
• Establish and maintain electrical engineering standards for Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, and Siemens control systems.
• Ensure consistency in electrical schematics, component selection, control panels, wiring, and technical documentation.
• Promote standardized electrical architectures and reusable design solutions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable electrical codes, safety requirements, and customer specifications.

Controls Software Engineering

• Collaborate with software engineering teams to establish PLC software standards and programming guidelines.
• Oversee software architecture, programming methodologies, and reusable software modules.
• Promote consistent programming structures, documentation, and troubleshooting practices.
• Coordinate software development standards across engineering teams and locations.
• Support the development of standardized machine functions and controls architectures.

Engineering Standardization and Continuous Improvement

• Develop and maintain common engineering standards across fluid power, electrical hardware, and controls software.
• Drive standardization of machine designs, components, software structures, and engineering documentation.
• Identify opportunities to reduce engineering hours, simplify designs, and improve machine reliability.
• Promote modular engineering concepts and reusable design solutions.
• Ensure engineering standards support manufacturing, assembly, commissioning, and aftermarket service.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives within the department.

Project and Cross-Functional Coordination

• Collaborate with Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, Manufacturing, Assembly, and Service teams.
• Provide technical direction and support for complex engineering challenges.
• Ensure controls engineering deliverables meet project requirements and schedules.
• Coordinate technical interfaces between mechanical, fluid power, electrical, and software engineering.
• Work closely with production and assembly teams to support project implementation and incorporate lessons learned.
• Support international engineering collaboration and the implementation of common design standards.

Team Leadership and Development

• Provide clear direction, priorities, and accountability for the engineering department.
• Develop and lead a technically strong and collaborative engineering team.
• Encourage ownership, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
• Balance engineering standardization with individual project requirements.
• Promote knowledge sharing, employee development, and long‑term technical succession planning.

Prerequisites

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
• Significant experience in industrial automation, machine controls, or custom machinery engineering.
• Strong knowledge of industrial PLC systems, particularly Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, and Siemens.
• Experience with electrical hardware design and industrial control systems.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD Electrical and EPLAN.
• Understanding of pneumatic, hydraulic, lubrication, and coolant systems.
• Experience developing engineering standards and standardized machine architectures.
• Previous engineering leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong understanding of machine building, commissioning, and industrial manufacturing environments.
• Excellent technical, organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Equivalent combinations of education, technical training, and relevant professional experience will be considered.

Certifications (Preferred, but Not Required)

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Relevant PLC programming or industrial automation certifications.
• Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, or Siemens controls training and certifications.
• Project management or engineering leadership certifications.
• Other relevant electrical, automation, or controls engineering credentials.

What the Role Offers

• Annual salary range of $140,000–$160,000.
• Competitive benefits package.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• Leadership opportunity overseeing multiple engineering disciplines and technical initiatives.

Why Ann Arbor?

Ann Arbor offers a strong engineering and technology environment, with access to skilled professionals and established manufacturing and automation industries throughout Southeast Michigan. Its proximity to major automotive and industrial engineering centers creates opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. The area also offers educational resources, cultural attractions, and a strong quality of life for engineering professionals.