Manager, Industrial Controls Engineering

Symbotic; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 248,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Disability insurance

401K

PTO

Job summary

Symbotic is seeking a Senior Manager in Industrial Controls Engineering to lead a team of engineers responsible for PLC-based control software for industrial automation. The role blends technical leadership with people management and cross-functional collaboration to deliver complex projects.

The team will deliver milestones, mentor engineers, and drive innovative concepts including AI-assisted programming, Digital Twins, and automated testing while ensuring quality, reliability, and

Qualifications

• 7+ years in industrial automation, controls engineering, and people management.
• Hands-on expertise with Rockwell PLC platforms, Motion Control, Safety PLCs, OT networking.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA development, preferably Ignition software.
• Exposure to AI-assisted PLC code development, Digital Twins, and automated testing.
• Ability to balance hands-on work with leadership responsibilities.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Willing to travel up to 60% and have a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Directly manage a team of 6–8 PLC R&D Controls Engineers and provide day-to-day guidance.
• Own delivery of PLC software milestones across multiple projects.
• Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and career development planning.
• Communicate status, risks, and tradeoffs to stakeholders.
• Lead prototyping, testing, validation, and documentation of new control concepts.
• Ensure high-quality, reliable PLC software design.
• Promote modular programming, version control, diagnostics, and documentation.
• Drive AI-assisted programming adoption, simulation, and Digital Twins.
• Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for high-impact issues.

Skills

PLC programming

Rockwell Automation

OT networking

Motion control

Safety PLC systems

HMI/SCADA

AI assisted PLC coding

Digital Twins

Team leadership

Project delivery

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Inductive Automation Ignition

Job description

Time type: full time

What we need

Symbotic is seeking a Senior Manager, Industrial Controls Engineering to lead a team of Controls Engineers

responsible for developing, testing, and maintaining PLC-based control software for industrial automation systems. Reporting to the Director of Industrial Control Systems R&D, this role combines hands-on technical leadership with people management, project delivery accountability, and cross-functional collaboration.

What you’ll do

Directly manage a team of 6–8 PLC R&D Controls Engineers, providing day-to-day guidance and technical direction.

Own delivery of PLC software milestones across multiple projects and programs.

Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews, goal setting, and career development planning.

Communicate status, risks, and technical tradeoffs clearly to stakeholders.

Lead prototyping, testing, validation, and documentation of new control system concepts and electrical designs.

Ensure high-quality, reliable, and maintainable PLC software design.

Promote best practices in modular programming, version control, diagnostics, and documentation.

Drive adoption of AI assisted programming, simulation, Digital Twins, and automated testing.

Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for complex or high-impact issues.

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or related field.

Minimum of 7 years in industrial automation, controls engineering, and people management responsibility.

Hands-on expertise with Rockwell Automation PLC platforms, Motion Control, Safety PLC Systems, OT networking, and industrial communication protocols.

Experience with HMI/SCADA development, preferably Inductive Automation Ignition software.

Exposure to AI assisted PLC code development, simulation tools, Digital Twins, and automated PLC testing.

Ability to balance hands-on technical work with people leadership responsibilities.

Strong communication and organizational skills.

Up to 60% of travel may be required. Employees must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive and/or fly to client locations and company HQ.

The employee is responsible for owning a credit card and managing expenses personally to be reimbursed on a bi-weekly basis.

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The base range for this position in the posted location is $180,000.00 - $247,500.00 however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, 401K, PTO and/or other benefits.