Lead Automation Controls Engineer – Vision & Robotics

LVI Associates; Van Wert (OH); On-site; USD 126,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Benefits Package

401(k) Match

PTO & Health Coverage

Career Growth into Senior Technical

Exposure to Advanced Robotics

Job summary

LVI Associates in Van Wert, OH seeks a Senior Control Engineer Manager to lead custom automation projects from concept through startup, guiding controls, robotics, and vision systems. This role blends project leadership with hands-on engineering for a senior professional seeking greater influence without full-time management.

You’ll mentor junior engineers, collaborate with mechanical and electrical teams, support quoting and scope, and travel for installations.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of controls/automation experience.
• Strong PLC, robotics, and vision expertise.
• Background in system integration or custom machine building.
• Experience leading projects and guiding engineers.
• Excellent customer-facing communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Experience with commissioning, startup, and project execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from concept through startup and customer acceptance.
• Develop PLC, robotics, vision, and controls solutions for custom machinery.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor junior engineers.
• Support project quoting, estimating, and scope development.
• Drive commissioning, troubleshooting, and debug activities.
• Work directly with customers throughout the project life cycle.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical teams to deliver turnkey systems.

Skills

Controls/automation experience

PLC programming

Robotics

Vision systems

Project leadership

Customer-facing communication

Multi-project management

Tools

MES

Job description

LVI Associates in Van Wert, OH seeks a Senior Control Engineer Manager to lead custom automation projects from concept through startup, guiding controls, robotics, and vision systems. This role blends project leadership with hands-on engineering for a senior professional seeking greater influence without full-time management.

You’ll mentor junior engineers, collaborate with mechanical and electrical teams, support quoting and scope, and travel for installations.