Controls Engineering Manager — Robotics & Packaging Lead

Actalent; Brodhead (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus target 15%

3 Weeks PTO (+4 weeks after 5 years)

9 Holidays

Fully onsite in Brodhead, WI

Job summary

Actalent in Brodhead, WI seeks a dynamic Controls Engineering Manager to lead a growing automation team. This permanent, onsite role combines people leadership with hands-on PLC programming, robotics, and automation system expertise to drive technical excellence and standardization across projects.

The role emphasizes mentoring engineers, guiding project scoping, and collaborating with mechanical, manufacturing, and service teams to ensure successful outcomes in robotic packaging and material

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Experience with robotics, particularly FANUC.
• Familiarity with automation and controls engineering best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 5-7 Controls Engineers across multiple locations.
• Provide coaching, technical guidance, and career development support for engineering staff.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, workforce planning, and performance management.
• Promote knowledge sharing, training initiatives, and engineering best practices.
• Provide technical oversight for controls engineering activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Guide estimation, scheduling, and resource planning for controls‑related project work.
• Support the development and standardization of controls platforms, programming practices, and automation processes.
• Collaborate with Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, Manufacturing, and Service teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Assist the team with troubleshooting and technical problem‑solving when necessary.
• Support the design, programming, and implementation of PLC‑based control systems, industrial robotics, and packaging and material handling automation.
• Review controls strategies and programming approaches to ensure quality and meet customer requirements, timelines, and performance expectations.

Skills

Controls engineering

Leadership

PLC programming

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell

Ladder logic

Capital equipment

People leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

FANUC robotics

Job description

Actalent in Brodhead, WI seeks a dynamic Controls Engineering Manager to lead a growing automation team. This permanent, onsite role combines people leadership with hands-on PLC programming, robotics, and automation system expertise to drive technical excellence and standardization across projects.

The role emphasizes mentoring engineers, guiding project scoping, and collaborating with mechanical, manufacturing, and service teams to ensure successful outcomes in robotic packaging and material