Machine Safety, Control Systems & Corporate Engineering Leader

NPAworldwide; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

NPAworldwide seeks a Machine Safety, Control Systems & Corporate Engineering Leader to drive machine safety, automation, and engineering excellence across three manufacturing sites in the United States. You will lead and develop a 1018-strong engineering team through Site Managers and partner with executive leadership to align safety and productivity with business goals.

Responsibilities include standardizing engineering processes, designing electrical/safety systems, and delivering end-to-end

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology preferred.
• 10+ years in machine safety, automation, manufacturing or systems integration.
• 5+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering leadership across three facilities and drive strategic direction.
• Lead safety, automation, and standardization initiatives including BOM/CAD design and control systems.
• Oversee technical project execution from scoping to on-site commissioning and field validation.
• Travel up to 50% to client sites for reviews, commissioning, and leadership meetings.

Skills

Machine Safety

Automation Engineering

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Project Management

Education

BSEE / BSEET

Master's degree in Engineering/Eng. Management/ MBA

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Rockwell Automation (Studio 5000)

Siemens TIA Portal

NFPA 79/ANSI B11 knowledge

Job description

Job Description:

Machine Safety, Control Systems & Corporate Engineering Leader

Position Overview

Job Description: Machine Safety, Control Systems & Corporate Engineering Leader Position Overview This position combines Machine Safety Engineering, Control Systems & Automation Engineering, and Engineering Leadership responsibilities, enabling a comprehensive approach to industrial safety, automation, and operational excellence across multiple manufacturing locations.

The successful candidate will serve as a strategic engineering leader responsible for driving machine safety programs, automation initiatives, engineering standards, and continuous improvement efforts across three manufacturing sites. This individual will lead and develop a team of 1018 engineering through strong Site Managers while partnering with executive leadership to support long‑term business objectives.

Leadership & Corporate Engineering Responsibilities

Strategic Engineering Leadership

• Provide engineering leadership and strategic direction across three manufacturing facilities.
• Develop and execute engineering strategies that align with corporate growth, operational excellence, safety, and profitability objectives.
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team, contributing to long‑term business planning.
• Drive standardization of engineering processes, BOM/CAD design (mechanical & electrical), automation platforms, machine safety programs, and project quoting across all locations.
• Lead engineering efforts related to productivity improvements, capacity expansion, equipment modernization, and operational efficiency.

Control Systems & Automation Engineering

In this capacity, you will be responsible for the technical execution of the total project lifecycle translating initial specifications or risk assessments into fully integrated, compliant automation solutions through technical design, software development, and on‑site commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Project Execution

• Handle the full engineering process from initial scoping and hardware specification to programming and final site acceptance.

System Design & Schematics

• Develop detailed electrical concepts and panel layouts.
• Provide technical hand mark‑ups for the drafting team and perform CAD updates in AutoCAD Electrical or similar CAD software as needed to ensure compliance with NFPA 79 and ANSI B11.

PLC & HMI Programming

• Design and debug scalable control logic and intuitive HMI screens for diverse industrial applications.

Safety Integration

• Implement "Control Reliable" safety architectures (Category 3/4, PLd/PLe) utilizing safety devices such as safety PLCs, light curtains, and interlocked access systems.

Project Coordination

• Act as the primary technical lead for the client, overseeing hardware selection and coordinating with team members and others in the organization to ensure successful system delivery.

Field Commissioning

• Travel to client sites to perform I/O checkout, safety validation, and final system optimization.

Administrative

• Support project coordination and smooth execution by providing regular project updates and accurately tracking engineering time and project activities.
• Mentor associates to standard in engineering process and deliver world class results to customer.

Machine Safety Engineering

Working alongside our team of certified specialists, you will help clients understand and comply with complex safety regulations, specializing in high‑risk machinery.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance and Task‑Based Risk Assessments

• Perform safety assessments of industrial machinery, including machine safeguarding and functional safety systems.

Standards Research & Reporting

• Complete functional safety assessments and compliance reports utilizing specialized technology, software platforms, and applications.

Technical Reviews and Reporting

• Review technical information, including control systems, functional safety diagrams, and fluid power (hydraulic and pneumatic) systems.
• Complete and assist in preparing compliance assessments and reports utilizing advanced technology and software platforms.

On‑Site Documentation

• Conduct field activities including photography, testing, measurements, and documentation while interacting directly with customers and presenting findings.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications & Education

Education

• BSEE or BSEET (Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology) preferred.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, or Business Administration is a plus.

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive engineering experience in machine safety, industrial automation, manufacturing or systems integration.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success leading engineering organizations across multiple facilities.
• Experience managing automation initiatives and continuous improvement programs.

Standards Knowledge

• Familiarity with ANSI B11, ISO 13849, OSHA 1910, NFPA, UL, and RIA standards.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs., climb ladders, navigate catwalks, and work safely in and around industrial facilities.

Travel

• Willingness to travel up to 50% for customer site visits, engineering reviews, safety assessments, commissioning activities, and leadership meetings.

Documentation

• Valid driver's license and clean driving record required.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. passport.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Technical Proficiency (Preferred)

Strong candidates will have experience with one or more of the following:

Rockwell Automation / Allen‑Bradley

• Studio 5000
• ControlLogix
• CompactLogix
• FactoryTalk View

Siemens

• TIA Portal (S7-1200/1500)
• WinCC

Omron

• Sysmac Studio
• NJ/NX Series Controllers

Functional Safety

• SISTEMA modeling and Performance Level (PL) verification
• Functional Safety design and validation

Additional Qualifications

Safety Certification

• Must have or be able to obtain certification as a Functional Safety Engineer (TV, CSME, or equivalent) within 12 months of hire.

Automation Systems

• Experience integrating diverse industrial automation platforms and technologies.

Manufacturing Leadership

• Experience supporting highly automated manufacturing operations.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, and Operational Excellence methodologies preferred.

Why Is This a Great Opportunity:

This role will have strong opportunity for growth in leadership. We are committed to your professional development. As a growing organization, we provide paths for advancement into Technical Leadership, Safety Consulting, or Business Leadership. We provide opportunities for advanced industry certifications (provided by the company) and exposure to safety automation technology.

Growth & Career Advancement

We are committed to your professional development. As a growing organization, we provide potential advancement opportunities into Senior Engineering Leadership, Director/Vice President of Engineering, Operations Leadership, and Executive Leadership roles. We support advanced industry certifications and provide exposure to emerging automation, machine safety, and manufacturing technologies.