Industrial Controls & AI Automation Manager

Trivium Packaging; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Trivium Packaging is seeking an Industrial Controls Engineering Manager to lead a team of controls engineers, PLC programmers, and automation technicians on our Chicago plant floor. You will design, develop, and maintain electrical control systems, and integrate AI to boost efficiency and predictive maintenance.

Lead safety-driven projects, mentor staff, manage workloads, and collaborate with Operations, Quality, Maintenance and IT to ensure reliable, scalable automation across production lines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering is required.
• Supervisory or managerial experience of technical staff is required.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and HMI development is required.
• Experience with robotic automation systems and AI applications in manufacturing is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical control systems for manufacturing processes.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs and HMIs.
• Integrate robotic automation systems to streamline production processes.
• Implement AI solutions to optimize manufacturing operations and predictive maintenance.
• Ensure that electrical systems meet safety standards and regulations.
• Manage resource allocation, workload distribution, and performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Operations, Quality, Maintenance and IT for integration of control systems.
• Conduct maintenance and upgrades to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Assess plant electrical skill levels and develop training plans.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Data analysis

Communication

Problem solving

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

HMI development

Ethernet/IP

Modbus

Job description

Job Summary

The Industrial Controls Engineering Manager will lead, mentor, and develop a team of controls engineers, PLC programmers, and automation technicians to support Trivium Packaging’s manufacturing base. They will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining electrical control systems and components to required specifications, focusing on economy, safety, reliability, quality, and sustainability. This role involves working on projects from conception and design through to implementation, testing, and handover. The engineering manager will integrate automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance manufacturing processes and improve efficiency.

Job Summary

The Industrial Controls Engineering Manager will lead, mentor, and develop a team of controls engineers, PLC programmers, and automation technicians to support Trivium Packaging’s manufacturing base. They will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining electrical control systems and components to required specifications, focusing on economy, safety, reliability, quality, and sustainability. This role involves working on projects from conception and design through to implementation, testing, and handover. The engineering manager will integrate automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance manufacturing processes and improve efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical control systems for manufacturing processes.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces).
• Integrate robotic automation systems to streamline production processes.
• Implement AI solutions to optimize manufacturing operations and predictive maintenance.
• Ensure that all electrical systems and components meet safety standards and regulations.
• Manage resource allocation, workload distribution, performance evaluations, and career development for department personnel.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Operations, Quality, Maintenance and IT to ensure seamless integration of control systems and new equipment.
• Conduct regular maintenance and upgrades to existing systems to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Assess plant electrical skill levels and develop training plans to bolster technical skills development.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing processes.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.
• Proven experience in industrial controls and electrical engineering.
• Supervisory or managerial experience of technical staff.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and HMI development.
• Experience with robotic automation systems and AI applications in manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of electrical safety standards and regulations.
• Data Analysis
• Strong project management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience with specific PLC brands and software (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Modbus).
• Project Management Certification
  
  

Work Environment: This position will primarily work on the plant floor or at an office located on the manufacturing floor where moving machinery produces loud noise.

BRINGING YOUR TRUE SELF TO WORK

To reach our goals, we know we need colleagues at all levels who are truly diverse in every way. That’s why we are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. Our customers come from a wide range of backgrounds, and so do our people and It’s business critical for us to ensure all our people have what they need to perform at their best and can be their true selves at work.