Controls Project Engineering Manager

Engtal; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Engtal is seeking a Conveyor Controls Project Engineering Manager in Dearborn, MI to lead controls projects from pre-bid through closeout. You will oversee PLC, HMI, networking, and automation for automotive conveyor systems, acting as the primary technical contact for customers and teams.

With 8–10+ years in industrial automation and conveyor experience, you will coordinate projects, review specs, and mentor engineers while traveling across the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Qualifications

• 8–10+ years in industrial controls, automation, material handling or automotive manufacturing.
• Conveyor background is essential; automotive and overhead conveyor experience strongly preferred.
• Experience coordinating or managing controls projects with an emphasis on oversight rather than hands-on programming.
• Strong communication, leadership and problem-solving skills.
• No union experience needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead controls engineering from estimating and kickoff through design, installation, commissioning, launch and closeout.
• Oversee PLC, HMI, network, safety and automation systems on automotive conveyor and material handling projects.
• Serve as the main technical contact for customers, contractors, suppliers and internal project teams.
• Review customer specifications, contracts and drawings to flag requirements, risks and scope changes.
• Coordinate programming, testing, validation, customer buy-off and startup with skilled tradesmen and contractors.
• Run project meetings and track schedules, action items and open issues.
• Support estimating and sales with technical scope and proposals.
• Mentor controls engineers and promote a culture of Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost.
• Travel to job sites across the USA, Canada and Mexico, typically a couple of weeks at a time. Travel is 50%+, and expenses are covered.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Problem solving

Team mentoring

Education

High school diploma

Associate/Bachelor's in engineering

Equivalent experience

Tools

Studio 5000

RSLogix

FactoryTalk

AutoCAD

MS Project

Job description

Conveyor Controls Project Engineering Manager

Automotive Conveyor & Material Handling Controls | Multi-Trade Construction Services Firm | Dearborn, MI

About the Opportunity

We're partnering with a premier, AI-enabled construction services platform serving data center, energy, automotive, government, commercial and industrial clients. Their conveyor controls team has grown from a two-person group, and they need a third leader to help deliver projects across North America. This is a strong fit if you enjoy leading controls projects from pre-bid through closeout, and you want a role with real ownership on a growing team.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead controls engineering from estimating and kickoff through design, installation, commissioning, launch and closeout
• Oversee PLC, HMI, network, safety and automation systems on automotive conveyor and material handling projects
• Serve as the main technical contact for customers, contractors, suppliers and internal project teams
• Review customer specifications, contracts and drawings to flag requirements, risks and scope changes
• Coordinate programming, testing, validation, customer buy-off and startup with skilled tradesmen and contractors
• Run project meetings and track schedules, action items and open issues
• Support estimating and sales with technical scope and proposals
• Mentor controls engineers and promote a culture of Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost
• Travel to job sites across the USA, Canada and Mexico, typically a couple of weeks at a time. Travel is 50%+, and expenses are covered.

What You Bring

• High school diploma required; an associate or bachelor's degree in engineering, automation or a related field is a plus. Equivalent industry experience is considered.
• 8–10+ years in industrial controls, automation, material handling or automotive manufacturing
• Conveyor background is essential. Automotive and overhead conveyor experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience coordinating or managing controls projects, with a focus on oversight rather than hands‑on programming
• Working knowledge of Allen-Bradley/Rockwell (Studio 5000/RSLogix, FactoryTalk), PLC, HMI and industrial networks
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, Teams and MS Project or similar scheduling tools
• Strong communication, leadership and problem‑solving skills, and the ability to juggle multiple projects
• No union experience needed

Why This Role

• Join a growing team at a firm backed by the scale and stability of a national organization
• Salary up to $150K, plus a discretionary bonus
• Day‑one benefits eligibility, with no waiting period
• Comprehensive medical and dental, life insurance, generous PTO, and a 401(k) with company match
• A real growth path in a company that actively promotes from within