Controls Operations Manager - Lead Field & Panel Teams

PPS-HPS; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

PPS is seeking an experienced Controls Operations Manager to lead its Controls & Automation function in Phoenix. This role blends hands-on leadership with deep technical expertise in PLCs, HMI/SCADA, and industrial networks, guiding both shop-based and field teams while driving project profitability and quality.

The ideal candidate will manage the Panel & Field Operations Manager, build high-performing teams, and oversee end-to-end control-system projects from design through commissioning,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Industrial Automation, or related field.
• 5–8+ years of controls/automation experience with supervisory or management experience.
• Strong hands-on experience with PLC programming and industrial automation systems.
• Experience with platforms such as Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, or DeltaV.
• Experience developing or supporting HMI and SCADA systems.
• Working knowledge of industrial communication networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus).
• Ability to read electrical schematics, control drawings, and instrumentation diagrams.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical teams and coordinating contractors and vendors.
• Experience with project budgeting, scheduling, estimating, procurement, and commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop controls engineers, automation technicians, programmers, and field personnel.
• Directly manage and develop the Panel & Field Operations Manager.
• Build a strong, accountable, and collaborative team.
• Establish clear roles, expectations, and performance standards.
• Recruit, develop, and retain key technical and operational talent.
• Coordinate engineers, technicians, contractors, vendors, and project teams.
• Oversee design, programming, integration, commissioning, and maintenance of control systems.
• Coordinate scheduling, procurement, staffing, production, field installation, and commissioning.
• Improve processes between engineering, project management, panel fabrication, programming, and field operations.
• Develop consistent project execution and commissioning processes.
• Reduce rework, downtime, and operational inefficiencies.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and profitably.
• Provide technical leadership for PLC, HMI, SCADA, instrumentation, and industrial networking.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Team leadership

Project management

Problem solving

Communication

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Industrial Automation, or related

Tools

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell

Siemens

DeltaV

Industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus)

Job description

PPS is seeking an experienced Controls Operations Manager to lead its Controls & Automation function in Phoenix. This role blends hands-on leadership with deep technical expertise in PLCs, HMI/SCADA, and industrial networks, guiding both shop-based and field teams while driving project profitability and quality.

The ideal candidate will manage the Panel & Field Operations Manager, build high-performing teams, and oversee end-to-end control-system projects from design through commissioning,