Lead Controls Engineer: Automation & Data Systems

Michael Page US; Tewksbury (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision benefits

Retirement benefits

Competitive compensation

Job summary

MPI is seeking a senior controls engineer to lead automation projects from design through deployment, driving scalable control and data systems across multiple projects.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years in controls engineering, strong PLC/HMI experience, and a track record delivering complex technical initiatives in manufacturing or industrial settings. You will mentor engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safety and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in controls engineering, automation, or industrial systems development.
• Proven track record delivering complex technical projects within fast-paced environments.
• Strong experience with PLC programming, controls hardware, and industrial automation systems.
• Experience developing HMI and supervisory control applications.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols and networking technologies.
• Experience with operational data systems, databases, and system integration projects.
• Proficiency with scripting or programming languages used in automation and data analysis.
• Hands-on experience commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimising technical systems.
• Working knowledge of electrical, controls, and machine safety standards.
• Ability to work effectively with both internal stakeholders and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead controls and automation projects from design through deployment and operational support.
• Develop PLC, HMI, and supervisory control solutions to support engineering and operational objectives.
• Establish controls standards, architectures, and best practices across multiple systems and projects.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to define requirements and implement technical solutions.
• Support systems integration activities involving equipment, instrumentation, databases, and operational technologies.
• Drive improvements related to system reliability, process performance, and operational efficiency.
• Lead commissioning, testing, validation, and troubleshooting efforts for new and existing systems.
• Develop and maintain data collection, reporting, and monitoring capabilities.
• Support database development and management activities related to operational and engineering data.
• Utilise scripting and software tools to automate workflows and support data-driven decision making.
• Work closely with external vendors, contractors, and technical partners.
• Mentor engineers and provide guidance on controls, automation, and integration initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety, quality, and engineering standards.
• Maintain clear documentation, specifications, and technical records.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Industrial automation

Control systems

Data collection & reporting

Mentoring engineers

Scripting / programming

System integration

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline

Tools

SQL

Scripting languages

Databases

Job description

MPI is seeking a senior controls engineer to lead automation projects from design through deployment, driving scalable control and data systems across multiple projects.

The ideal candidate will have 7+ years in controls engineering, strong PLC/HMI experience, and a track record delivering complex technical initiatives in manufacturing or industrial settings. You will mentor engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safety and compliance.